Peer Support Specialist

Department: Behavioral Health
Reports To: Peer Services Manager
Position Type: 0.5 FTE, non-exempt

Bilingual Candidates are eligible for a $1.50 Bilingual Differential. This differential is not included in the pay range shown 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 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.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Peer Support Services

Coordinate with and accept client referrals from EDs/hospitals, community partners, and HIV Alliance syringe exchange staff;

Provide street 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;

Assess client needs and develop goal/action plans accordingly;

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;

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;

Peer Support Service Supervision

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 of recovery

Must not be listed on the Medicaid provider exclusion list

TB test provided by agency

Preferred Qualifications

Bilingual in English and Spanish

Ability to work collaboratively as a team member

Knowledge and understanding of HIPAA and confidentiality laws

Ability to provide HIV education, including explanation of available services, and partner programs to all clients

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

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 20 hours per week
• Ability to see clients in the office/in the field everyday

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.