5580- Peer Support Or Peer Wellness Specialist (Standing Stone)

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This position is located at Cascadia's SE health center location, Plaza, near 50th and Division. The schedule is Tuesday through Friday 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The Standing Stone Resource Room Peer Specialist (PSS or PWS) provides follow-up support and services to individuals that have contact with Crisis Services through Cascadia, including the Urgent Walk-In Clinic or Project Respond. This position is part of a team and approaches work with people from a trauma-informed, strength-based, perspective and works in concert with programs in Multnomah County’s Acute Care Continuum. The Peer Specialist 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 that are referred to them. 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

Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare delivers whole health care, integrated mental health and addiction services, primary care, and housing, to promote hope, and to support the well-being of the communities we serve. Cascadia is aligned with trauma-informed care, is committed to working effectively with diverse community populations, and hiring those who strengthen that capacity.

On the first of the month, following 60 days of employment, benefit eligible employees (20/hrs. or more per week) are able to enjoy affordable, low cost, medical, dental, and vision benefits. Additionally, Cascadia provides a generous paid time off package, volunteer time off, and more. Upon hire, you will complete paid training and then continue to train onsite in your new job. During the first week of training, you will learn about the agency, understanding those we serve, Trauma informed care, and other skills to prepare you for significant and meaningful work in the behavioral health field, whether you are providing clinical services or non-direct services. Click here to learn about the benefits we offer and more

Essential Duties

This position description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities or an all inclusive job description.

• Openly identify as an individual who has lived experience of receiving mental health services. Share own recovery story with the individual(s) being served when appropriate to model recovery and increase hope.
• Provide support through recovery process for individuals being served as required and directed by the program.
• Provide individual and/or multi-participant training in living skills and development of healthful lifestyles.
• Assist and support in connecting to and developing the skills necessary to access and utilize community resources, and other life skills.
• May facilitate one or more peer groups per week.
• Model and encourage participation in community inclusion activities.
• Coordinate services provided with other service providers including but not limited to medical providers, mental health providers, and Aging and Disability Services.
• Assist in crisis situations as appropriate, following emergency protocols/procedures and coordinating with the Crisis Team, which may include requesting support from the Urgent Walk-In Clinic, Project Respond, and/or law enforcement support as appropriate.
• Reflect positive peer values that include non-hierarchy and mutuality.
• Act as a positive role model for individuals being served, demonstrating a recovery and healthful lifestyle orientation.
• Represent the Peer Wellness Program at community, state, and/or national functions as related to the work of the Peer Wellness Program.
• Provide information and facilitate linkage to mental health treatment and other social services.
• Consult with teammates, supervisors, program managers, and program medical directors as appropriate.
• Operate in a sometimes ambiguous and frequently changing work environment. Some work may occur in the community away from the primary worksite.
• Respect client rights and responsibilities and demonstrate professional boundaries and ethics.
• Adhere to mandatory abuse reporting laws and HIPAA requirements.
• Document and maintain electronic health record (EHR) and ancillary records in a manner that assures compliance with all agency policies, program procedures and local, state, and federal regulations.
• Demonstrate responsibility for safety of consumers, staff and property; possess familiarity with fire regulations and evacuation procedures.
• Complete annual employee training requirements on a timely basis as indicated in the licensing requirements for the facility as well as agency requirements. Attend seminars, training and other educational opportunities in order to develop professional skills and abilities.
• Participate in all scheduled staff meetings, supervision sessions, and other departmental and agency meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• A completed Peer Delivered Service training approved by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). A Traditional Healthcare Worker (THW) certification is required and must be kept current and in compliance with the OAR’s. Must complete a Peer Wellness Training approved by the OHA within one year of the date of employment if incumbent has not completed one.
• Position requires experience as a former or current user of mental health services. Must self-disclose as a current or former user of behavioral health services and must have personal experience with recovery.
• Some work experience working with adults with severe and persistent mental health challenges is preferred
• Operate computer hardware and software (including Electronic Health Record software) at a level needed to effectively perform job functions
• Prepare simple reports and progress notes and enter and retrieve data
• The position is must have the ability to transport to other locations. It is preferred to possess a valid driver’s license, three year driving history; clean driving record, ability to pass Driver Motor Vehicle (DMV) check and complete the Cascadia online Defensive Driving course.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a resource room setting with occasional services in the community setting including client residences, schools, police precincts, shelters, residential facilities, and public spaces. 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 in which outcomes may negatively affect clients, community and/or employee mental health. The nature of the work dictates that the employee is alert and attentive during their assigned shift. The Peer Specialist must have the ability to quickly assess and respond to concerns related to interpersonal and environmental safety. The work regularly involves a degree of unpredictability and disruption of planned tasks requiring a flexible time management approach.
• Physical Demands: The Peer Specialist must work collaboratively with partner to minimize risk to self and clients and, when necessary, quickly and accurately communicate with police agencies in emergent situations.

Cascadia is an Equal Opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at (503) 963-7654 or peopleandculture@cascadiabhc.org

This position is represented by a labor union