**Peer Support Specialist, #265**

LifeWorks NW's STRIDE program connects 14 to 25-year-olds to services that support wellbeing and independence. STRIDE stands for Strengthening Tools for Recovery, Independence, Determination and Empowerment. Services include peer support, case management, outreach and engagement.

The Youth/Young Adult **Peer Support Specialist** provides a variety of recovery-oriented services to individuals enrolled in early intervention and transition age youth programs who have self-identified as desiring peer supports. The Peer Support Specialist works to promote greater independence, community integration, and recovery. Services provided by peers (individuals who have had the experience of mental health treatment and have a state approved certification in Peer Support) include a wide variety of support services and advocacy. Peer Support Specialists 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 natural supports in the person's treatment that could positively impact their recovery.

*As a behavioral health organization, LifeWorks NW employees are required to have had their COVID 19 vaccination (or have an approved medical/religious exemption) . Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required upon hire.*

**Location:** N. Portland (St. Johns area)

**Hours:** This is a full-time position working 40 hours per week, daytime office hours.

**Pay/Benefits:** $17.02 to $18.30 per hour. .

**Essential Responsibilities:** (These responsibilities must be able to be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.)

Uses a Person-Centered approach to create and work on treatment goals tailored to the specific needs of the individual receiving services.

Uses his/her own experiences as guided by training and also models the principles of recovery for those they work with, including gaining greater independence, emphasize wellness and self-determination.

Assists the persons they work with to identify and utilize natural community supports to decrease dependence on the traditional mental health system.

Work with clients to develop wellness and recovery goals towards what the client wants for their lives.

Present a model of someone in recovery and share their own experiences as their training provided guidance.

Work with clients on specific and obtainable goals included in the person's ISSP.

Provides support to clients who are having symptoms that could result in hospitalization. Duties could include grocery shopping, meal preparation 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.

Maintain confidentiality of records relating to clients' treatment.

Meets standards for documentation and accuracy of work as defined in the Performance Evaluation.

Meets standards as defined in the Performance Evaluation for client care, quality/customer service, attendance/punctuality and teamwork.

Continually increase level of cultural sensitivity, awareness and competency.

Participates in regular individual and team meetings with supervisor. Provides written and verbal reports to supervisor regarding cases. Attends informational and clinical meetings which may include all-agency meetings, team meetings, consultation meetings with psychiatrist, staffings, intra-agency trainings, etc. Attend and contribute positively to team meetings, agency and interdisciplinary meetings.

Educate and advocate for the values and principles of Peer Delivered Services and the Recovery Model.

Checks e-mail/voice mail daily/throughout the day when working responding to contacts within 48 hours for routine matter (urgent matters may require a more immediate response)

Completes online training courses as assigned

**Qualifications**: (Equivalent education and/or experience may be substituted for qualifications. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee will possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each task proficiently.)

Self-identifies as a current or former recipient of mental health services

Must have current Peer Specialist Certification and provide required letter from OEI.

Demonstrate effective communication skills and ability to provide culturally-competent treatment services to diverse client populations.

Familiar with developmental needs of adolescents and young adults.

Experience working with marginalized populations, including LGBTQ identifying youth

Basic computer skills including keyboarding, use of mouse, ability to navigate website and use common web browser.

Transporting clients in a personal vehicle may be required. If required, access to car, valid driver's license, proof of current automobile insurance coverage and ability to meet driving requirements are necessary.

Ability to perform essential functions of job without creating a direct threat to the safety of self or others.

LifeWorks NW is a private, non-profit organization providing prevention, mental health, substance use treatment, and related social services to over 30,000 youths, adults, and older adults in 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. Core values include Recovery and Relationships, Resilience, and Results. The four pillars of the strategic vision include Compassionate, Impactful Care, Holistic Health, Passionate Team, and Thriving Organization. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are critical to successfully achieving the mission. LifeWorks NW is committed to advancing our equity and inclusion work with an emphasis on ensuring an anti-racist organizational culture and practice. We strive to continuously improve the cultural competence and cultural humility of LifeWorks NW, its staff, and its services to clients and consumers in all aspects including race, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, socio-economic background and status, age, religion, veteran status, citizen status, and ability. LifeWorks NW creates and upholds a work environment that is respectful and inclusive for all. LifeWorks NW services are effective across cultural groups.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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