Peer Support Specialist, Crisis

The Crisis Peer Support Specialist at the Hawthorn Walk-In Center provides a variety of recovery-oriented services to individuals who are experiencing a mental health/emotional crisis and/or substance use concerns who have self-identified as desiring peer support. The Peer Support Specialist works to promote immediate safety and stability, greater independence, community integration and recovery. Services provided by peers (people who have had the experience of mental health treatment and have certification in Peer Support) include a wide variety of supports, services and advocacy that contribute to a client's ability to engage in ongoing treatment and work towards less dependence on traditional mental health treatment. These activities acknowledge the importance of involving significant others and other natural supports in the person's treatment to positively impact their recovery.

Location: This position is based out of LifeWorks NW's Hawthorn Crisis Site in Hillsboro, OR.

Pay/Benefits: $24.78 starting hourly pay, plus Full benefits.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Works in collaboration with Crisis Team, Intensive Transition Team, Substance Use Disorder Team, and Mental Health Response Team staff to assist individuals with safety planning and connecting to on-going mental health services, addictions treatment, and/or peer support.
• Participates in welcoming and/or triaging individuals to the Hawthorn Walk-In Center and responding to urgent needs in the lobby.
• Participates in mobile response and/or meets participants in the community to provide peer support.
• Willing to share their own experiences as guided by training and also models the principles of recovery for those they work with, including self-care, gaining greater independence, emphasizing wellness and self-determination.
• Informs people served of available service options while promoting the use of natural supports and resources within the community.
• Assists individuals in navigating the mental health services system and in achieving wellness, resiliency and recovery as defined by the person.
• Work with clients on specific and obtainable goals included in the participant's short term crisis treatment plan.
• Maintains appropriate boundaries with participants.
• Provides support to clients who are having symptoms that could result in hospitalization. Duties could include grocery shopping or learning to use public transportation, or just spending time with clients until they feel secure enough to be on their own.
• Assists clients in accessing community resources such as food boxes, healthcare appointments and other services as appropriate.
• Will alert prescribers and/or support staff of any medication concerns.
• Maintain confidentiality of records relating to clients' treatment.

• Self-identifies as a current or former recipient of mental health services
• Holds a Peer Support Specialist certification from a state-approved training program. (Training can be completed after hire, if needed).
• Demonstrate effective communication skills and ability to provide culturally-competent treatment services to diverse client populations.
• Familiar with developmental needs of adults and children.
• Basic computer skills including keyboarding, use of mouse, ability to navigate website and use common web browser.
• Transporting clients in an agency vehicle is required. A valid driver's license and ability to meet driving requirements are necessary.

This is a represented position.

LifeWorks NW is a private, non-profit organization providing prevention, mental health, substance use treatment, and related social services to youths, adults, and older adults in over fifteen locations throughout Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties. LifeWorks NW promotes a healthy community by providing quality and culturally responsive mental health and addiction services across the lifespan.

Our core values-Recovery and Relationships, Resilience, and Results-inform the work we do. The four pillars of the strategic vision include: Compassionate, Impactful Care; Holistic Health; Passionate Team; and a Thriving Organization. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are critical to successfully achieving the mission. We know that "life works" when people get the help they need and are dedicated to changing lives.

Equal Opportunity Employer

www.lifeworksnw.org

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