Department: Behavioral Health
Reports To: Peer Services Manager, Behavioral Health Manager
Position Type: FTE 1.0, 40 hours/week, non-exempt

Bilingual candidates are eligible for an additional $1.50 Bilingual Differential. This bilingual differential is included in the salary range above.

Eligible for full-time benefits. See our benefits page at https://hivalliance.org/employment/benefits/

Application Instructions: All applicants must submit a complete Job Application, Supplemental Questions and Resume via the Job Portal to be considered. The Job Portal can be found here https://hivalliance.org/employment/open-positions/

Please note: Recruiting scams are on the rise - Make sure to protect your information. HIV Alliance does not conduct interviews or ask for personal information (ID, Social Security, etc.) via text. Additionally, double check the email of who is communicating with you. Email communication from HIV Alliance uses @allianceor.org or comes from noreply@criterionhcm.com. Please report any suspicious activity to Human Resources at ostankey@allianceor.org and/or ldavis@allianceor.org.

Position Summary

We are seeking a Peer Support Specialist or a person willing to become certified immediately to provide support services to HIV Alliance clients. The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) will provide support services to people who use substances identified at syringe exchange, during street outreach, and through referrals from community partners. The PSS will play a critical role in utilizing harm reduction strategies and motivational interviewing to empower clients to take steps to reduce their risk for overdose, improve their health, and access treatment. PSSs will work in collaboration with the Behavioral Health Resource Network (BHRN) providers to mitigate the negative impact of substance abuse on PWUD via evidence-based services and resources that reduce risks for HIV/HCV and substance overdose, promote recovery, and improve general health outcomes. While not all clients will be ready to enter treatment, or engage in behavioral health care, the PSS will support them in identifying harm reduction goals to support the clients in behavior change.

The PSS will be co-located at the Washington County Hillsboro Clinic, and will deliver services in a variety of locations.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Coordinate with and accept client referrals from community partners and HIV Alliance syringe exchange staff;

Provide rural outreach and outreach to clients at HIV Alliance syringe exchanges, including providing harm reduction education/supplies and offering basic needs assistance, to engage clients in peer support services;

Apply person-centered principles to build relationships, trust, and rapport with clients;

Support implementation of a rural Harm Reduction Vending Machine program where applicable;

Assess client needs and develop goal/action plans accordingly;

Keep meaningful and timely data concerning services delivered, including documentation of encounters;

Refer clients to substance use disorder treatment/MAT and complete a warm hand-off;

Utilize cultural competency, active listening, and motivational interviewing skills to provide ongoing assistance to clients in reaching their stability or treatment goals;

Provide transportation and accompany clients to appointments to facilitate access to treatment and other services;

Provide harm reduction services, including syringe exchange, overdose prevention and rapid testing;

Connect all clients who test positive for HIV or HCV with a confirmation screening and medical care;

Promote/educate on harm reduction methods, including naloxone and fentanyl test strips, that reduce risks for opioid overdose;

Navigate clients to additional services and resources, including health insurance, basic needs services, and housing assistance;

Follow all HIV Alliance Prevention procedures and safety protocols;

Maintain up to date knowledge about service delivery system in rural expansion sites;

Engage with partners in rural expansion sites to facilitate ongoing communication with partner organizations and expand the provider network’s reach and effectiveness;

Maintain up-to-date HIV/HCV knowledge;

Enroll clients in Oregon Health Plan or other insurance programs;

Work closely with internal and local Peer Support Specialists and Certified Recovery Mentors to maximize the quality of community service;

Attend regular clinical supervision meetings; and

Perform other duties as assigned/needed.

Required Qualifications

Current Peer Support Specialist or Certified Recovery Mentor certification from a State-approved training program, OR be able and willing to become certified immediately.

Meets the definition of a Peer as defined by the State of Oregon Administrative Rule:

·a self-identified person in recovery from a substance abuse disorder, who meet the abstinence requirements for recovering staff in alcohol and other drug treatment programs.

Minimum 1 year of experience working with clients who have substance use difficulties using harm reduction strategies in all interactions and interventions

Ability to work in a variety of settings, including mobile syringe exchange and street-based outreach locations

Minimum 1 year of experience in substance use assessment, treatment and service terminology

Lived experience and knowledge of addiction and harm reduction principles

Willingness to engage in conversations about HIV/HCV risk including sex and injection drug use

Must be able to work independently, possess time management skills, and meet deadlines

Basic computer and keyboard proficiency using Microsoft Office software

1 year of experience maintaining accurate records and handling confidential paperwork, and ability to work in Electronic Health records or equivalent filing system

Ability to work with diverse populations

Strong boundaries and a clear understanding of structure and accountability

Effective oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills and organizational skills

Complete and pass a criminal history background check

Applicants in recovery from substance abuse must have a minimum of 2 years clean & sober

Must not be listed on the Medicaid provider exclusion list

TB test provided by agency

Preferred Qualifications

Bilingual in Spanish; familiarity with resources for people whose primary language is Spanish

1 year of experience working with people living with HIV/AIDS, Hep C, and other chronic health conditions, and members of the LGBTQ community

Experience with HIV education, including explanation of available services, and partner programs to all clients

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required

·Repetitive use of hands such as grasping, twisting/turning of wrists, and finger dexterity necessary to perform various clerical duties, such as typing and writing.

·Frequent use of arms such as pushing and pulling to open and close drawers and cabinets

·Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time at an assigned station

·Ability to walk or stand continuously for one hour over uneven terrain

·Ability to bend, stand, and reach to be able to transport clients and to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds (harm reduction kits, naloxone kits, testing and education materials)

·Continuous clarity of vision at 20 inches or less for processing of paperwork

The physical demands described above here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Working conditions, Travel and Environment

The duties of this job require individuals be able to work in non-traditional, outdoor and community-based settings

The duties of this job require regular attendance

• Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends
• Ability to work 5 days per week for a minimum of 40 hours per week
• Ability to see clients in the office every day

Travel to other locations as necessary to complete essential job functions

• Ability to transport self to job-related events and location