Peer Support Specialist/Recovery Mentor Specialist

Central City Concern is an innovative nonprofit agency providing comprehensive services to single adults and families in the Portland metro area who are impacted by homelessness, poverty and addictions. We hire people that are skilled and passionate to meet our mission to end homelessness through outcome-based strategies which support personal and community transformation.

The Recovery Mentor Specialist will conduct interventions with clients at the Hooper Center and other treatment institutions. The Mentor will escort and provide transportation for clients to initial post Detox treatment episodes, primary care providers, twelve-step meetings, and other outside support meetings. The Recovery Mentor will work with Hooper Staff and other Treatment Providers for potential referrals. The Mentor will work to prepare clients to continue on the path to self-sufficiency such as employment and stable housing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Requires high school diploma, GED, or demonstrated ability to read and write at a sufficient level.
• Must be registered, prior to start, as a Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM) with MHACBO; OR be a certified Peer Support Specialist (PSS) AND registered as a Traditional Health Worker (THW) on the THW Registry.
• Ability to adhere to Central City Concern's drug-free workplace which encourages a safe, healthy and productive work environment and strictly complies with the Drug-Free Work Place Ace of 1988. An employee shall not, in the workplace, unlawfully manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess or use a controlled substance or alcohol.
• Flexible work schedule required, including some evening and weekend work.
• Will be required to carry an agency cell phone for work use. Cell phone will be provided by Central City Concern.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, TB test, and background check.
• Must pass a DMV background check and be designated an "acceptable" driver as outlined in Central City Concern's Fleet Safety Policy. Must pass an initial Annual Drivers training and then
• pass an annual Recertification training.
• Must adhere to agency's non-discrimination policies.
• Ability to effectively interact with co-workers and clients with diverse ethnic backgrounds, religious views, political affiliation, cultural backgrounds, lifestyles and sexual orientations, and treat individuals with respect and dignity.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate in outreach efforts to engage prospective clients, including appointments, home visits, and work in the community.
• Develop relationships with organizations, providers, community leaders, and advocacy groups serving a diverse community.
• Connect participants with services and supports.
• Collaborate with treatment team, agency, client's support networks, and community providers to address the needs of clients.
• Assist with screenings, intakes, case plans, discharges, and follow-up calls
• Escort clients to initial treatment episodes, to primary care provider, and to other providers when appropriate.
• Follow-up with referral resources to determine outcome of intervention and maintain records on their progress.
• Introduce clients to appropriate self-help support and other supportive services/activities.
• Conduct urinary analysis on clients as needed.
• Advocate and provide referral services to assure that participants get access to a variety of services and benefits, including mental health and physical health services.
• Participate in admission and discharge planning for any client needing hospitalization or sub-acute level of care.
• Work within scope of training and experience and seek consultation when appropriate.
• Adhere to all state and federal privacy regulations, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, and to CCC policies and agreements regarding confidentiality, privacy, and security. Support compliance with all privacy and security requirements pursuant to community partners' and outside providers' patient confidentiality agreements, including privacy and security requirements for EMR access. This includes immediate reporting of any PHI breach of CCC or
• outside provider health records to the CCC Legal and Quality departments, as well as to the program administrator.
• Monitor office and answer telephone as necessary.
• Participate in compliance, quality assurance and quality improvement activities as directed.
• Attend all mandatory CCC trainings in a timely manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to consider the impacts and outcomes for underserved communities during decision-making process.
• Ability to consider impacts of oppression, structural racism, and individual bias on client outcomes.
• Ability to provide appropriate services for Mentor clients.
• Skills in program planning, including the development of goals, objectives, timelines, scheduling and evaluation.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and necessary paperwork.
• Ability to work in an environment where people may exhibit behaviors that are hostile or abusive.
• Ability to manage time and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work courteously and communicate effectively with the general public, clients, other community service providers, medical personnel, corrections personnel and co-workers.
• Ability to learn and apply training instruction.
• Knowledge of de-escalation methods or ability to be trained in de-escalation methods.
• Conflict resolution skills.
• Knowledge and skills in chemical dependency and crisis intervention.
• Proficient with computers
• Sufficient manual dexterity and physical ability to perform assigned tasks.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Benefits: Central City Concern offers an incredible benefits package to our Regular/FT employees:

• Generous paid time off plan which provides up to 4 weeks of PTO accrual in the first year. Accrual increases with longevity.
• Amazing 403(b) Retirement Savings plan with competitive employer match with 4.25% in the first year, 6% in the second year, and 8% in the 3rd year.
• 11 paid Holidays PLUS 2 Personal Holidays to be used at the employee's discretion.
• Comprehensive Medical, Vision, and Dental insurance coverage.
• Employer Paid Life, Short Term Disability, AND Long Term Disability Insurance!
• Sabbatical Program offering extended time off at years 7, 14, and 21.

This description is intended to provide a snapshot of the work performed and is not designed to contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of the position.

As an agency deeply rooted in recovery, part of our policy and commitment to a drug and alcohol-free workplace includes post-offer, pre-employment drug screens. Please note we follow Federal Guidelines regarding prohibited substances, even for those legal at the state level.

Central City Concern is a second chance employer and complies with applicable laws regarding consideration of criminal background for employment purposes. Government regulations, contractual requirements, or the duties of this job may require CCC to conduct a background check and take appropriate action to address prior criminal convictions.