What are the responsibilities and job description for the Behavioral Health Resource Network (BHRN) Peer Housing Navigator/ Harm Reduction Specialist position at Eastern Oregon Center for Independent Living...?
Job Announcement:
Eastern Oregon Center for Independent Living (EOCIL) is seeking a compassionate, motivated, and community-centered individual to fill a full-time hybrid position serving in two important roles:
BHRN Housing Navigator (20 hours/week) – BHRN Housing Program
Harm Reduction Specialist (20 hours/week) – Harm Reduction Program
This position supports individuals impacted by substance use, mental health challenges, homelessness, and other barriers to stability. The ideal candidate will bring empathy, strong communication skills, and a commitment to meeting people where they are. This role combines housing navigation and peer support with direct harm reduction services, outreach, education, and advocacy.
Position Summary
BHRN Housing Navigator – BHRN Program (20 hours/week)
The BHRN Housing Navigator will support individuals impacted by substance use and/or mental health challenges in accessing and maintaining stable housing. This role uses lived experience, trauma-informed practices, and person-centered support to build trust and help participants navigate housing resources and systems of care.
Harm Reduction Specialist – Harm Reduction Program (20 hours/week)
The Harm Reduction Specialist will provide harm reduction services including, but not limited to, syringe exchange, overdose prevention, harm reduction education, drop-in center activities, and HIV/HCV/STI screening, testing, and referral services. This role also supports outreach and education related to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), helping link, re-engage, and retain individuals in care.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide peer-based housing navigation services for individuals eligible under BHRN
- Conduct assessments and develop individualized service plans
- Identify housing opportunities and advocate with landlords
- Assist clients with housing applications, landlord communication, and housing readiness
- Maintain accurate documentation
- Participate in community outreach and engagement efforts
- Provide direct harm reduction services to program participants
- Support overdose prevention education and safer use practices
- Conduct outreach and engagement with individuals at increased risk of HIV, STIs, substance use, or behavioral health conditions
- Provide referrals and navigation through medical, behavioral health, and ancillary support systems
- Educate community members about PrEP and support connection to care
- Support drop-in center activities and community-based services
- Maintain documentation and participate in team and community meetings
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field, or two years of relevant experience, Degree in human services, public health, or a related field, or two years of full-time related experience
- At least one year of experience working with marginalized or underserved populations
- Experience supporting individuals facing homelessness, substance use, or mental health challenges
- Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred
- Knowledge of culturally relevant interventions for Spanish-speaking high-risk populations preferred
- Strong communication, empathy, advocacy, and organizational skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse teams
- Valid Driver’s License or access to reliable transportation for outreach, meetings, and events
- LGBTQIA and Two-Spirit community members are strongly encouraged to apply
- Work or lived experience in harm reduction, overdose prevention, syringe exchange, substance use, safer injection or safer drug use practices, sex work, PrEP, HIV, and HCV prevention preferred
- Strong ability to build trust, provide nonjudgmental support, and work effectively with diverse communities.
Schedule
This is a full-time, 40-hour per week position, divided as follows:
- 20 hours per week in the BHRN Peer Housing Navigator role
- 20 hours per week in the Harm Reduction Specialist role
For More Information or to Apply
Contact: Fabiola Pascacio, 541-709-7569, fabiolapascacio@eocil.org
Crescencia Witherspoon, 541-709-7898, crescenciawitherspoon@eocil.org
Obtain the application located at www.eocil.org
Fax or e-mail application or resume to 541-889-4647
Closing Date: Open until filled.
Pay: $23.50 - $25.85 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
Salary : $24 - $26