Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of individuals and families in our community? At NARA NW, we are dedicated to providing essential services and support to Native American and Alaska Native people, empowering them to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. As an organization rooted in cultural heritage and community values, we offer a unique and rewarding opportunity to be part of something meaningful.

At NARA NW, you'll find a supportive and inclusive work environment where every member of our team is valued and respected. Whether you're passionate about healthcare, behavioral health, education, or social services, there's a place for you to make a positive impact. With a wide range of programs and services, including medical and dental care, addiction treatment, housing assistance, and cultural enrichment programs, there are endless opportunities to grow and thrive in your career while making a difference in the lives of others.

If you are a motivated and dedicated Mental Health Peer Support Specialist looking for an opportunity to contribute to an organization making a positive impact, we want to hear from you! Join us at NARA NW and help us build a talented and diverse team dedicated to serving our community. Apply now to be part of our team!

POSITION SUMMARY:

Provides peer support, case management, community support services (assistance with maintaining income, housing, basic needs, independent living skills, crisis intervention, and care coordination) for NARA NW clients. Works as a part of the Mental Health team and in close collaboration with the Addictions and Outreach teams, Medical services, and other NARA NW programs. Assists clients and providers in developing and implementing strengths-based service plans for case management and community-based services.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

• Provide peer support, case management, and community-based services to clients living with mental health concerns that significantly affect their functioning.
• Assist with obtaining benefits such as insurance and Social Security benefits, SNAP, job training, housing, health care, socialization, and other community resources as identified in a strengths-based plan.
• Provide skills training, such as finance management, medication management, disease/illness management, self-advocacy, applying for housing, applying for jobs, use of public transportation, nutrition, hygiene, etc.
• Targeted crisis intervention in collaboration with clients’ primary behavioral health and medical providers.
• Assist clients with SUD in finding AA/NA meetings and other recovery supports, in close collaboration with Recovery Support Services and Outreach Team.
• Refer to, and work closely with, Housing and Supported Employment teams.
• Assist clients in learning about and accessing cultural resources and activities.
• Monitor well-being of clients in the community setting on a routine basis as determined by service plan (outreach).
• Send and track / follow-up on referrals to internal and external resources.
• Deliver food boxes to clients as-needed.
• Provide outreach calls and letters to clients not following-up with services. Assisting with closing of client charts.
• Assist Behavioral Health RN Care Coordinator and Psychiatric Providers with coordinating care as-needed.
• Assist Adult MH Intake Department and Operations Supervisor with tasks, as assigned.
• Work collaboratively with Elder Mental Health Case Managers, Elder Tribal Navigator, and support line specialists within NARA NW to assist clients with a variety of care management needs.
• Provide a warm handoff for clients who are being referred to internal and external resources, (e.g. attending first appointments with client at health clinic, addictions intake, housing, cultural activities, etc.).
• Coordination of care – actively initiate and maintain communication and collaboration with all members of client’s support system and service team as permitted by the client.
• Provide hospital follow-up services as directed by NARA NW’s Life is Sacred Team.
• Close collaboration with Life is Sacred Team for case management, coordination of care, and connection to resources for clients who are at elevated suicide risk and/or experiencing current or recent DV/IPV.
• Maintain thorough, accurate, and timely documentation as required by agency policy and OARS.
• Participate in multi-disciplinary team meetings to coordinate care.
• Attend all mandatory meetings and clinical supervisions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of community resources and entitlement programs.
• Knowledge and understanding of mental illness, medications, symptoms, and treatments.
• Ability to engage and interact positively with consumers to promote strengths and improve health and well-being.
• Initiative to communicate effectively in coordinating care.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Knowledge and skill in working in a multi-cultural environment.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries with clients, the community, and other staff members.
• Work collaboratively with clients, other NARA NW staff, team members, and to treat everyone with respect and dignity at all times.
• Experience working within the Native American/Alaska Native community is considered a plus.
• If in recovery, must have a minimum of two years sobriety/clean time.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment or for cause drug tests.
• Ability to pass criminal background and DMV checks.
• Must be able to pass a CRIMS finger printing and background check.

Education, Training (includes licenses or certifications):

• Associates or Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or other related field.
• Certification as a Peer Support Specialist within 6 months of hire.
• At least one year of professional experience working with individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use disorders.
• Current CPR certification within 30 days of hire.
• Required to be legal to drive and have access to their own reliable transportation to perform job.

Benefits: Employees (regular, permanent) working 20 hours or more are eligible for benefits. Benefits are effective the 1st of the month following date of hire.

• Affordable Medical and Dental Insurance through Kaiser Permanente
• 14 Federal Holidays ( Including your Birthday)
• 13 Days of Sick Time
• 13 Days of PTO
• $50,000 Life Insurance & AD&D
• Short Term and Long Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Spending Account
• 401(k) with 4% match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Inclement Weather Days (Snow Days)

Join us at NARA NW and become part of a team dedicated to serving our community with compassion, integrity, and respect. Visit our website at Naranorthwest.org to learn more about our organization and explore current career opportunities. Together, we can build a brighter future for our community! Apply today and be part of something bigger than yourself.