Peer Navigator - Hep C Free Program - MD161

Title: Peer Navigator - Hep C Free Program

Location: This position is primarily community-based, with some time spent at NARA NW clinic locations: Indian Health Clinic - 703 NE Hancock St., Portland, OR 97212 & Wellness Center - 12360 E Burnside St., Portland, OR 97233

Schedule: This is an in-person position, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Wage Range: $23.20 – $27.50 hourly, Non-Exempt

If you are a motivated and dedicated Peer Navigator looking for an opportunity to contribute to an organization making a positive impact, we want to hear from you!

At NARA Northwest, you’ll find a supportive work environment where every team member 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 meaningful difference.  

Company Mission:

The mission of NARA NW is to provide education, physical, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment that is culturally appropriate to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and anyone in need.

About the Company:

At NARA NW, we deliver services and support to Native American and Alaska Native communities, helping individuals lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

With over 450 employees across a variety of programs—including medical and dental care, addiction treatment, housing assistance, and enrichment initiatives NARA NW offers numerous opportunities for growth and advancement, all while making a tangible, positive impact on the lives of others.

Position Overview:

The Hep C Peer Navigator provides outreach, engagement, and peer-based support services for individuals participating in or eligible for the Hep C program, including those diagnosed with Hepatitis C and those at risk. Drawing from lived experience, this role builds trusting relationships with clients to support engagement in care, recovery, and wellness. The Peer Navigator helps individuals navigate services, reduce barriers to care, and stay connected to medical, behavioral health, substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, and social services. This position promotes hope, empowerment, and self-advocacy to improve overall health outcomes.

What you will do:

• Conduct outreach and engagement with individuals who have Hepatitis C or are at risk, including those not yet connected to care.
• Use lived experience to provide peer support, encouragement, and mentorship to individuals navigating Hep C diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
• Build trusting, supportive relationships that promote client engagement and retention in care.
• Assist clients in accessing and navigating internal and external services, including primary care, Hep C treatment, mental health, psychiatry, SUD treatment, and social services.
• Share personal recovery experiences appropriately to inspire hope and model pathways to wellness.
• Support clients in identifying personal goals and developing self-advocacy skills.
• Coordinate referrals and follow up with clients to encourage ongoing engagement and continuity of care.
• Escort clients to appointments (medical, behavioral health, or social services) when appropriate.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams including medical providers, behavioral health staff, case managers, and housing/support service staff.
• Assist clients in overcoming barriers to care, including transportation, stigma, scheduling, and system navigation challenges.
• Provide education and support related to Hepatitis C prevention, treatment, and recovery.
• Support relapse prevention and promote health-care engagement.

We would like to hear from people that have:

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
• Understanding of recovery principles, peer support values, and trauma-informed care.
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn about Hepatitis C, including prevention, treatment, and engagement strategies.
• Ability to use lived experience in a professional and appropriate manner to support others.
• Experience working with diverse populations, including individuals impacted by substance use disorder and intergenerational trauma.
• Experience working within the Native American/Alaska Native community is considered a plus.
• Lived experience with recovery from substance use and/or mental health challenges strongly preferred.
• Experience providing peer support, outreach, or working in behavioral health, SUD treatment, or community-based services preferred.
• Experience working with individuals affected by substance use, homelessness, or chronic health conditions such as Hepatitis C preferred.
• High degree of cultural humility and willingness to learn.
• Ability to engage, motivate, and support clients in various stages of change and recovery.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries with clients, the community, and staff members.
• Ability to work in both indoor and outdoor environments and manage competing priorities.
• Willingness and ability to work a flexible schedule.
• Must pass a pre-employment or for cause drug tests.
• Must pass criminal background and DMV checks.

What’s in it for you?

14 Paid Holidays: New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Battle of Little Big Horn, Independence Day, Labor Day, Native American Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, day after Thanksgiving, and December 25^th!

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

• Affordable Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance through Kaiser Permanente
• 14 Paid Holidays (Listed Above)
• 13 Paid Days of Sick Time
• 13 Paid Days of PTO (Vacation accruals increase with years of service to a maximum of 26 days)
• $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)
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness -NARA NW is a local 501(c)3 nonprofit, FQHC

How to apply:

1. To Quick Apply, go to Careers – NARA NW (naranorthwest.org)
2. Look for the position you want to apply for and submit a resume (Required) and cover letter (Optional), that’s all!
3. Feel free to contact recruiting@naranorthwest.org if you have any questions or would like to know where your application is in the process.

NARA NW Mission: Our mission is to provide education, physical and mental health services and substance abuse treatment that is culturally appropriate to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and everyone in need.

NARA NW is fully committed to supporting sobriety. To support NARA NW in its mission, all employees agree to refrain from illicit drug use, marijuana use, and prescription drug abuse, both on and off the job. In addition, all employees agree to model alcohol sobriety. Modeling alcohol sobriety means not consuming, discussing, or promoting the use of alcohol, on the job, on social media and when in the community where the employee would be likely to be seen by NARA NW clients or community. If in recovery, employees must have been sober/clean for a length of time sufficient to demonstrate that they will be able to remain sober.

Consistent with NARA NW’s sobriety policy, all employees, volunteers, interns, and contractors, as applicable, are required to sign a “Drug-Free/Alcohol-Free Workplace Certification Form” and NARA NW “Modeling Sobriety Policy Form” as a condition of employment to confirm that they are aware of this policy and that they agree to comply with it. Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. This policy is subject to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and its state counterpart

Preference in hiring is given to qualified Native Americans in accordance with the Indian Preference Act (Title 25, US Code, Sections 472 and 473). NARA Northwest is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Within the scope of Indian Preference, all candidates will receive equal consideration. Experience working with Native American/ Alaska Native community is considered a plus.

This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position’s activities and requirements, the agency reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties, as necessary.

Salary : $23 - $28