Housing Peer Support Specialist

Department: Housing Focused Street Outreach
Reports To: Outreach 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 not included in the salary above.

Eligible for benefits.

Application Instructions: All applicants must submit a complete Job Application, Supplemental Questions, and resume via the Job Portal to be considered.

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 Certified Peer Support Specialist or a person willing to become certified immediately to provide support services to HIV Alliance clients as well as clients housed by other agencies in Jackson County. The Peer Support Specialist will be a part of our Long-Term Rental Assistance Program. Our Peer Support Specialist must have strong boundaries and a clear understanding of structure and accountability and the ability to work 40 hours per week. The PSS will work directly with people who were previously unhoused and now enrolled in the LTRA Housing program to help increase their housing stability. The PSS will play a critical role in utilizing harm reduction strategies and motivational interviewing to empower clients to take steps to improve their health and housing stability. Our clients will access treatment programs, social service programs and other services in the community and the PSS must be able to effectively work with a variety of providers. 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 decrease the negative impact of substance use and reduce the risk of HIV and HCV transmission, and support the clients in behavior change.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

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

Assess client needs and develop goal/action plans accordingly;

Refer clients to substance use disorder treatment/MAT/behavioral health 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;

Establish relationships and coordinate with agencies to provide intensive care coordination;

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

Promote/educate on harm reduction methods, including syringe exchange and testing that reduce risks for HIV/HCV/STI infection;

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;

Facilitate client support groups (SMART Recovery Groups);

engage with the Local Coordinating Committee to facilitate ongoing communication with partner organizations and expand the provider network’s reach and effectiveness;

meet the definition of a peer recovery or wellness specialist as defined in OAR 309-019-0105(81).

Maintain up-to-date HIV knowledge;

Enroll clients in Oregon Health Plan or other insurance programs

Complete chart notes for client encounters and submit all program paperwork in a professional, timely manner

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

Perform other duties as assigned/needed

Required Qualifications

Lived experience and knowledge of addiction and harm reduction principles

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 Support Specialist-Adult Addictions as defined by the State of Oregon Administrative Rule:

self-identified person currently or formerly receiving addiction services; OR

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

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

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

Ability to work with diverse populations

Must be able to work independently or with a team, possess time management skills, and meet deadlines

Basic computer and keyboard proficiency using Microsoft Office software

Complete and pass a criminal history background check

Must not be listed on the Medicaid provider exclusion list

Valid Oregon Driver's license, or valid out of state driver's license with the ability to get an Oregon Driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency in Oregon, and a driving record sufficient to be covered by agency auto insurance policy

TB test provided by the agency

Complete and pass a criminal history background check

Must not be listed on the Medicaid provider exclusion list

TB test provided by agency

Preferred Qualifications

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

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

1 year of experience maintaining accurate records, handling confidential paperwork, and working with Electronic Health Records or equivalent filing system

Bilingual in Spanish preferred

Poses effective oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, and organizational skills

Have experience facilitating support groups

Ability to provide 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 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 and community-based settings

The duties of this job require regular attendance and

• 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

Travel to other locations as necessary to complete essential job functions

HIV Alliance prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, age, sex, sexual/affectional orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital or partnership status, veteran status, political affiliation or belief, genetic information, HIV antibody status or any other factor protected by law or association with any of these classes, in its services, employment, or use of volunteers.

HIV Alliance is a community united to stop the spread of the HIV epidemic. We strive to create an environment where everyone is empowered to reach their full potential. We value the diverse perspectives that each of us brings to this work, understanding the influences of culture, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, age, sex, sexual/affectional orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital or partnership status, veteran status, political affiliation or belief, genetic information and HIV status in shaping our life experiences. We pledge to listen and ask questions before making judgments, and to continue to educate ourselves and each other. We recognize that we will only be successful against the HIV epidemic in a culture where oppression is not tolerated.