Mobile Peer Provider (Project Respond)

Job Overview

Location/Schedule: This position is based out of the Kerns Building located in NE Portland, OR, but work is conducted primarily in the community. The schedule for this position is variable, four 10-hour shifts per week.

Position: Mobile Peer Provider

Program: Project Respond

Cascadia's Mission and Vision:

Mission: Cascadia Health delivers whole health care – integrated mental health and addiction services, primary care, and housing – to promote hope and support the well-being of the communities we serve.

Vision: We envision a community where everyone benefits from whole health care, experiences well-being, and has a self-directed, connected life.

Position Description: The Mobile Peer Provider offers mobile, trauma-informed, and strength-based services to individuals or families experiencing challenges related to mental health or developmental needs. This position works in coordination with clinicians in their assigned area of support.

The Mobile Peer Provider models wellness and recovery while offering acceptance, hope, options, opportunities, problem solving, non-directive and supportive peer services based on respect and mutuality through similar or shared lived experiences to individuals they are responding to. The employee works collaboratively with mental health and physical health care providers, police agencies, emergency departments, school personnel, and other social service agencies to assure the best possible treatment for clients, while supporting a Trauma Informed Care environment. 

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.   

• Perform other duties as assigned.  

• Provide immediate mobile response to individuals experiencing mental health crises in Multnomah County.  

• Provide mobile support to individuals or parents and families experiencing emotional, developmental, or health challenges.  

• Share lived experience to inspire hope and model positive outcomes for individuals or families.  

• Assist individuals or families in developing and implementing communication, crisis, and safety plans.   

• Offer guidance in accessing local resources such as housing, public benefits, education, and health services.  

• Mentor skills related to parenting, positive communication, and self-care.  

• Prepare individuals or families for treatment team planning, safety planning, and policy meetings.  

• Assist in completing applications and forms related to services (e.g., housing, insurance, education).  

• Provide culturally responsive services, particularly for historically underserved populations. 

Regulatory & Compliance: 

• Comply with laws, regulations, policies, and procedures under which the program and company operates.  

• Assist in crisis situations as appropriate; follow protocols and procedures in coordination with the treatment team. 

• Respect and honor client rights and responsibilities and demonstrate professional boundaries and ethics.  

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation that ensures compliance with all agency policies and procedures and local, state, and federal regulations, and billing requirements.   

• Understand safety regulations and evacuation procedures; participate in regular safety drills in compliance with program policies and procedures.  

• Complete assigned employee training in compliance with program and company requirements.  

• Provide guidance, support, and training to other staff in alignment with company mission and values. 

• Participate in all scheduled staff meetings, supervision sessions, and other departmental and company meetings. 

Qualifications

Education:

• Peer Support Specialist (PSS): Completion of Peer Support training approved by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA).

• Peer Wellness Specialist (PWS): Completion of Peer Wellness training approved by the OHA.

• Traditional Healthcare Worker (THW) certification required.

Experience:

• Must self-disclose as a current or former recipient of behavioral health services, with personal recovery experience. 

• Experience working with adults experiencing severe mental health challenges and with diverse communities is preferred.

Specialized Skills and Knowledge:

• Effective communication and active listening skills. 

• Effective interpersonal and customer service skills. 

• Ability to work proactively and effectively in a team and independently. 

Other: 

• Possess a valid driver’s license, minimum of one year driving history, ability to pass Driver Motor Vehicle (DMV) check and complete the Cascadia online Defensive Driving course...  OR  Must have the ability to travel to multiple locations throughout the Portland Metro area.  

• All client-facing positions must have the ability to perform Basic Life Support (BLS) and properly use AED equipment. BLS certification training will be provided within the first 60 days of hire. Certification must remain current

Working Conditions

Environmental: Work is performed in one or more of the following: clinical office, acute care settings and community setting including client residences, correctional facilities, shelters, hospitals, public places and other social service sites. Meal periods and breaks are subject to interruption. Universal Precautions and remaining alert to the environment are critical to address the potential for violent behavior, exposure to disease, biohazards, noise, and contaminants.  

Mental Demands: The work assigned is diverse and involves addressing new and unusual circumstances. The work regularly involves a degree of unpredictability and disruption of planned tasks requiring a flexible time management approach. In addition, this position requires exercising sound judgment.  

Cascadia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at 503.963.7654.

This position is represented by a labor union.

Benefits

We offer generous benefits for our full-time and part-time employees (20 hours pro-rated) including:

• Generous Paid Time Off Package Full-time employees earn 6 weeks of PTO in their first year!
• Medical and Dental Coverage (begins 1st of the month following 30 days after hire date)
• VSP Vision Discount Plan
• 403(B) Retirement Savings (Pre and post-tax plans with up to 8% employer matching contribution!)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) (Medical, dependent care, and transportation options)
• Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• Paid Bereavement and Jury Duty Leave
• Length of Service Award
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Supplemental Insurance
• Student loan forgiveness options

Wellness Benefits:

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Bicycle Reimbursement
• Discounted Fitness Memberships
• Trauma Support Team

Starting Rate Range in USD ($)

Salary : $26 - $28