Peer Provider (Wellness)

Location/Schedule: This position is located at the Garlington Health Center in NE Portland, OR. The schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Position: Peer Provider 

Program: Wellness 

Cascadia’s Mission and Vision 

Mission: Cascadia Health delivers whole health care – integrated mental health and addiction services, primary care, and housing – to promote hope and support the well-being of the communities we serve. 

Vision: We envision a community where everyone benefits from whole health care, experiences well-being, and has a self-directed, connected life. 

Position Description: The Peer Provider will work as part of an interdisciplinary team to support treatment for individuals in an integrated healthcare setting, maintaining a Trauma-Informed Care approach. Given the high prevalence of trauma among clients, the Peer Provider must understand its impact on health, coping, and other life areas. Additionally, the Peer Provider will lead health promotion groups, provide one-on-one support, and engage in wellness-focused, client-centered activities that encourage clients to pursue personal, strength-based wellness goals aligned with their service plans. 

All incumbents must understand, appreciate and respect the diversity and cultural differences within our Cascadia community. It is expected that there is an awareness and sensitivity to the perspectives and perceptions to those we serve, as well as our colleagues. As Cascadia is Trauma informed, the incumbent must support a Trauma Informed Care Environment. With the high prevalence of trauma among individuals receiving behavioral health services, it is required that the incumbent understand the effects of trauma on health, coping, and other aspects of the lives of those we serve. 

Essential Responsibilities: 

• Openly identify as a person who has lived the experience of receiving mental health services. Act as a positive role model for individuals being served, showing a recovery and healthful lifestyle orientation, and share your own recovery story with individuals being served when appropriate. 

• Provide therapeutic interventions aligned with mental health treatment plans and integrated healthcare objectives. 

• Offer individual and group support on health and life skills topics, potentially facilitating therapeutic groups. 

• Administer outcome measurement tools and collaborate on data collection for grant requirements. 

• Support efforts to reduce emergency department visits by tracking and engaging clients after recent visits. 

• Participate in clinical and task supervisions, staff meetings, and case conferences. 

• Comply with peer service regulations, policies, and trauma-informed practices, assisting in crisis situations without using physical restraints. 

• Maintain electronic health records and document services in compliance with agency and regulatory standards. 

• Contribute to treatment planning in collaboration with clients and case managers. 

• Support team members, advocate for clients, and represent the Peer Wellness Program at relevant events. 

• Guide clients in navigating community resources, including housing and transit. 

• Uphold client rights, safety, HIPAA, and abuse reporting requirements. 

• Stay awake on shifts and perform other duties as needed. 

• Complete required annual training and attend professional development opportunities. 

• Foster equity, diversity, and inclusion, promoting trauma-informed and person-centered care. 

• Perform other duties as assigned.  

Qualifications 

Education:  

• PSS: Must have a completed a Peer Support training approved by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), or   

• PWS: Must have completed a Peer Wellness training approved by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA).  

• A Traditional Healthcare Worker (THW) certification is required in addition to the certification in order to keep current and in compliance with the OARs.  

Experience:  

• Must self-identify as a current or former user of behavioral health services and must have personal experience with recovery.  

• Experience working with adults with severe and persistent mental health challenges is preferred.    

• Experience working with diverse populations & communities.   

Specialized Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  

• Operate computer hardware and software (including Electronic Health Record software) at a level needed to effectively perform job functions   

• Enter and retrieve data   

• Prepare simple reports and progress notes 

Working Conditions 

Working conditions vary by program and site. Daily routines may be hectic, requiring flexibility to perform various site functions, occasionally covering for other employees, and adapting to interrupted meal breaks. Precautions are necessary to handle potential risks, including exposure to violent behavior, disease, and biohazards. Self-care is essential, as Peer Providers must model positive self-care for clients.