Peer Support Specialist - Flip Script

Flip the Script (FTS) is a culturally responsive reentry program designed to increase employment, housing stability, and overall wellbeing among African American and Black individuals involved in the criminal legal system. The program seeks to reduce homelessness and recidivism through culturally responsive services, employment support, housing stabilization, peer support, advocacy, and community engagement.

The Peer Support Specialist provides culturally responsive peer support, mentorship, advocacy, and system navigation services to individuals transitioning from incarceration, community supervision, and other justice‑involved circumstances. Drawing from lived experience and/or a deep understanding of the community served, the Peer Support Specialist works independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team to engage participants, promote self‑sufficiency, support successful community reintegration, and increase participation in employment, housing, behavioral health, and other supportive services.

The Peer Support Specialist serves as a trusted mentor and credible messenger, helping participants identify strengths, overcome barriers, build community connections, and achieve personal goals related to stability, employment, housing, and overall wellness.

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm (Saturday & Sunday Off)

Location: Flip the Script (305 SW 4th Ave., Portland, OR 97204)

Compensation: $25.05 – $33.24/hr

* Final compensation will be determined based on relevant experience, education, credentials/licensure, and internal equity. External candidates:
Offer max is $29.07/hr per our Union contract.

Union Representation: AFSCME Union

Recall Rights: This applies to employees who were previously laid off from a CCC union‑represented position. The previous employee may have recall rights to be considered for rehire before internal or external candidates are considered.

Seniority Bid Window Opens: 6/25/2026

Seniority Bid Window Closes: 7/06/2026

• Requires high school diploma, GED, or demonstrated ability to read and write at a sufficient level.
• Must be registered, prior to start, as a Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM) with MHACBO; OR be a certified Peer Support Specialist (PSS or PWS) AND registered as a Traditional Health Worker (THW) on the THW Registry.
• Must not actively be on parole or probation.
• Must possess a current driver’s license, pass a DMV background check and be designated an "acceptable" driver as outlined in Central City Concern’s Fleet Safety Policy. Must pass an initial driver training within 60 days of being an approved driver and continued recertification training. Must maintain vehicle insurance coverage of a minimum of $100,000/$300,000 personal auto liability coverage.
• Demonstrated connection to and engagement with African American and Black communities, including knowledge of African American history, culture, and lived experiences.
• Lived experience with incarceration, community supervision, recovery, housing instability, system navigation, or experiences relevant to the population served is strongly preferred.
• Experience working with justice‑involved individuals, culturally specific populations, or individuals impacted by homelessness, behavioral health challenges, or systemic inequities is preferred.
• Applicants in recovery from chemical dependency and/or personal experience involved in the criminal justice system strongly preferred.
• Ability to adhere to Central City Concern’s drug‑free workplace which encourages a safe, healthy and productive work environment and strictly complies with the Drug‑Free Workplace Act of 1988. An employee shall not, in the workplace, unlawfully manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess or use a controlled substance or alcohol.
• Flexible work schedule required, including some evening and weekend work.
• Will be required to carry an agency cell phone for work use. Cell phone will be provided by Central City Concern.
• Must pass a pre‑employment drug screen, TB test, and criminal background check. This includes clearance by the DHS Background Check Unit.
• Physical ability to bend, stoop, kneel, squat, twist, reach, pull and lift heavy…