Description

This position is located at our Garlington Heatlh Center in NE Portland. The schedule for this position is 20 hours per week, scheduled between Monday through Friday, general business hours.

Essential Function
The PSS or PWS will work as a member of an interdisciplinary team to implement and monitor treatment for individuals being served while supporting a Trauma Informed Care perspective. With the high prevalence of trauma among individuals receiving mental health services, it is required the PSS or PWS understand the effects of trauma on health, coping, and other aspects of the lives of those we serve. In addition, this position involves participation and implementation of program goals and objectives by providing a set of non-clinical activities that will promote a strengths-based, wellness-informed, client centered approach to assisting individuals being served in achieving person-driven goals. The PWS or PSS will advocate for the individual and support them to pursue their personal goals and individual wellness journey. As such, the structure and activities promote client driven goals established on the service plan.
Essential Responsibilities

This position description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position. Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties as necessary.

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. Share own recovery story with individuals being served when appropriate.
Provide therapeutic interventions with individuals in the variety setting as required and directed by the mental health treatment plan.
Provide individual and/or group support in living skills, creation of healthful lifestyles, and support in areas such as self-care, holistic wellness, hygiene, community resources, and other life skills as directed by the plan of care and/or goals of this program.
May facilitate one or more therapeutic groups per week.
Participate in regular clinical and task supervisions. PSS will attend clinical case conferences and staff meetings as indicated to gain knowledge, communicate program goals and advocate for the needs of the individuals being served.
Comply with and implement the regulations, policies, and procedures which pertain to peer delivered service goals and protocol.
Assist in crisis situations as appropriate, following emergency protocols/procedures and coordinating with the treatment team with interventions which support a trauma informed environment for program participants and staff. Prevent escalation and work to prevent physical and mechanical restraint techniques, avoiding crisis situations or neutralizing crises in progress. This position will not participate in mechanical restraint or restraint training.
Administer outcome measurement tools with individuals being served and participate in data collection.
Reflect positive peer values that include non-hierarchy and mutuality.
Provide input into the therapeutic treatment at the program in collaboration with individual being served and case manager.
Actively support team members and other managerial and/or volunteer staff.
Act as an advocate for individuals being served, both within the organization and also with other entities.
Represent the Peer Wellness Program at community, state, and /or national functions as indicated related to the work of the Peer Wellness Program.
May teach clients how to navigate community resources, including but not limited to housing and mass transit.
Respect and honor client rights and responsibilities and demonstrate professional boundaries and ethics.
Demonstrate responsibility for safety of consumers and/or program participants, staff and property. Become familiar with fire regulations and evacuation procedures.
Adhere to mandatory abuse reporting laws and HIPAA requirements.
Remain awake on all shifts.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Secondary Responsibilities:
Complete annual employee training requirements on a timely basis as indicated in the licensing requirements for the facility as well as agency requirements. Attend seminars, training and other educational opportunities in order to develop professional skills and abilities.
Participate in all scheduled staff meetings, supervision sessions, and other departmental and agency meetings.

Qualifications

Qualifications

Education:
A completed Peer Support Training approved by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA).
A Traditional Healthcare Worker (THW) certification is required in addition and must be kept current and in compliance with the OARs.
Must complete a Peer Wellness Training approved by the OHA within two years of the date of employment if incumbent has not completed one.
Experience:
Position requires experience as a former or current user of mental health services.
Must self-disclose as a current or former user of behavioral health services and must have personal experience with recovery.
Some work experience working with adults with severe and persistent mental health challenges is preferred.
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
Other:
It is preferred that the employee possess a valid drivers license, three year driving history; clean driving record, ability to pass Driver Motor Vehicle (DMV) check and complete the Cascadia online Defensive Driving course.

Cascadia is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at 503.963.7654 or peopleandculture@cascadiabhc.org