Peer Support Specialist

Central Oregon Veterans Outreach is searching for an experienced Peer Support Specialist to join our amazing team. With a focus on housing stability the Peer Support Specialist will support Veterans and their families in identifying and addressing their overall needs and goals that will enhance their ability to stabilize their lives.

A day in the life of our Peer Support Specialist

• Work as part of the COVO team providing "client-centered services" with all COVO staff members.
• Completing timely case file documentation and data entry as required for program compliance
• Meet with clients to provide advice and support in accordance with the case plan.
• Coordinates/provides effective and appropriate training to meet individualized service plan goals.
• Assist clients in working with their case manager or treatment team in determining the steps they need to take in order to achieve goals.
• Foster the client’s development of healthy relationships by encouraging participation in community activities.
• Observe behavior and evidence of general well-being and discuss observations with the clients.
• Utilize appropriate de-escalation and conflict resolution strategies.
• Provide advice to clients on empowerment skills and successful community living.
• Inform clients on community resources and how to use them appropriately, and provide information to families on specific topics, as assigned.
• Accompany clients to meetings and participate in meetings of community groups to advocate for client’s needs, leading recovery dialogues/self-help sessions with clients.
• Perform outreach to the Veterans, potential clients, community stakeholders, subcontractors, and other agencies on the program and its requirements.
• Attend Veterans events, trainings, and any other relevant training opportunities, as assigned to keep current on needs, solutions, and barriers.
• Cultivate positive relationships with monitoring entities, faith-based organizations, social service providers, and other community partners. Participate in appropriate community collaborations.
• Assist in peer support groups with assigned clients on a regular basis.

A few things all our team members do....

• Teamwork – COVO is a small but very mighty team. It takes everyone to make this organization work, and it's everyone's responsibility to help when and where needed.
• Ability to Take a Deep Breath- Sometimes, our clients face tough challenges that can create big emotions. We don't take this personally and remain focused on achieving our mission.
• And there is more- being a COVO team member requires flexibility, compassion, and a drive to step outside the box.

Here are some skills a successful Peer Support Specialist will have:

• Verifiable experience working with indigent and/or at-risk populations (can be a combination of internships, OJT, and/or volunteer work).
• Relevant training and/or certifications as a Peer Support Specialist.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals of diverse cultural backgrounds and disciplines.
• Knowledge of current community resources in Central Oregon.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making ability that is quality, client, action, and results-focused.
• Understanding of the use, storage, and appropriate dissemination of highly confidential information.
• Commitment to creating highly collaborative work environments with both internal and external partners.
• Must have Oregon Driver’s License and current motor vehicle insurance that suffices the Oregon Minimum Liability requirement.

Who We Are:

• Our community of care extends to homeless persons, residents, vendors, consumers, staff, outside agencies, and all people who enter our dwelling places. Thus, we work to avoid making assumptions and generalizations about people. We demonstrate and foster respect for cultural differences. We believe in our ability to listen and learn from one another.

COVO is a community 501 c3 non-profit serving Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties since 2005. COVO does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender, or any other protected class.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $21.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Working with at-risk populations: 1 year (Preferred)
• Peer Support: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $21