Peer Support Specialist - VASH

Job Title

Peer Support Specialist - VASH (Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing) Continuum

River House - 211 SE Caruthers Street Portland, OR 97214

Mon-Fri 9-5p

$20.55 - $27.85 hourly, non-exempt

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.

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.

The VASH Continuum Peer Support Specialist functions as a fully integrated member of the housing team to provide expertise about the recovery process, symptom management, and the persistence required by participants to have a satisfying life. The Peer Specialist collaborates to promote a team culture that recognizes, understands and respects each participant’s point of view, experiences and preferences within the context of Native American/Alaska Native culture.

They provide peer counseling and consultation to Veterans and their families, liaise with community resources, carry out support functions, and assist in behavioral health services, education, support, and consultation under clinical supervision. These services may occur in individual residences, NARA sites, or at other points in the community.

• Openly identify as a Veteran who has lived the experience of receiving behavioral health services. Act as a role model to inspire hope and share life experiences as appropriate to the recovery process.
• Provide expertise and consultation from a consumer perspective to the entire team concerning each participant’s unique and subjective experience and perceptions.
• Provide practical help and support, mentoring, advocacy, coordination, side‑by‑side individualized support, problem solving, direct assistance and supervision to help participants obtain the necessities of daily living including medical and dental health care, legal and advocacy services, financial support such as entitlements (SSI, SSDI, veterans’ benefits), money‑management services (e.g., payee services), and transportation.
• Increase awareness of and support participation in consumer self‑help programs, culturally specific services and consumer advocacy organizations that promote recovery.
• Assist in the provision of ongoing assessment of VASH Continuum participant’s support service needs and suggest appropriate changes in service plans to ensure that appropriate services are provided in response to changes in needs, including behavioral health needs.
• Assist in the provision of direct clinical services to participants on an individual, group and family basis in community settings to teach symptom‑management techniques and promote personal growth and development.
• Provide nutrition education and assistance with meal planning, grocery shopping and food preparation.
• Ensure that participants have adequate financial support (help to gain employment and apply for entitlements).
• Teach money management skills (budgeting and paying bills) and assist participants in accessing financial services.
• Help participants to access reliable transportation (obtain a driver’s license and car, arrange for medical transport, use public transportation, find rides).
• Assist and support participants to have and effectively use a personal primary care physician, dentist and other medical specialists as required.
• Organize and lead individual and group social and recreational activities to help participants structure their time, increase social experiences, and provide opportunities to practice social skills and attend cultural activities.
• Maintain appropriate and timely documentation as needed, and maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Actively seek information and trainings to maintain professional level skills.

Entry level

Full‑time

Hospitals and Health Care

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