Peer Support Specialist - HS042

Job Details

Title:

Peer Support Specialist - VASH (Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing) Continuum – HS042

Location:

River House – 211 SE Caruthers Street, Portland, OR 97214

Schedule:

Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Salary Range: $21.58 – $29.24 hourly (non‑exempt)

Position Type:
Full Time

Job Shift: Day

The VASH Continuum Peer Support Specialist is an integral member of the housing team, offering expertise in recovery, symptom management, and the persistence required for participants to achieve a satisfying life. The role collaborates to promote a team culture that recognizes each participant’s perspective, experiences, and preferences within a Native American/Alaska Native context. Responsibilities include providing peer counseling, acting as a liaison with community resources, carrying out support functions, and assisting in behavioral health services under clinical supervision.

Services may be delivered in individual residences, NARA sites, or community settings.

• Openly identify as a veteran who has lived the experience of receiving behavioral health services and act as a role model to inspire hope.
• Provide expertise and consultation from a consumer perspective to the entire team concerning each participant’s unique experience and perceptions.
• Offer practical help and support, including mentoring, advocacy, coordination, side‑by‑side individualized support, problem‑solving, direct assistance, and supervision to help participants obtain necessities of daily living such as medical, dental, legal, financial, and transportation services.
• Increase awareness of and support participation in consumer self‑help programs, culturally specific services, and advocacy organizations that promote recovery.
• Assist in assessing participants’ support service needs and suggest appropriate changes in service plans to ensure responsive care.
• Provide direct clinical services to participants on an individual, group, and family basis in community settings, teaching symptom‑management techniques and promoting personal growth.
• Provide nutrition education and assistance with meal planning, grocery shopping, and food preparation.
• Help participants gain financial support, including assistance with employment and entitlement applications.
• Teach money‑management skills such as budgeting and bill payment.
• Assist participants in accessing reliable transportation, including driver’s license acquisition and transportation arrangements.
• Support participants in obtaining and effectively using a primary care physician, dentist, and other specialists as required.
• Organize and lead individual and group social and recreational activities to build social skills and cultural engagement.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation and uphold confidentiality at all times.
• Actively seek information and training to maintain professional skills.

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Self‑identify as a current or former recipient of behavioral health services and be willing to share lived experiences.
• Complete Peer Wellness Training approved by the Oregon Health Authority or qualify to be certified as a Peer Support Specialist within six months of hire, or qualify to be credentialed as a Certified Recovery Mentor through MHACCBO.
• Knowledge of mental illness, addiction, and physical health with ability to work within an integrated care system.
• Exceptional interpersonal communication skills and ability to engage participants positively and coordinate care with an integrated team.
• Flexibility, confidentiality, and commitment to professional boundaries with participants and staff, and proven ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Pass a pre‑employment or for‑cause drug test.
• Pass a criminal background and DMV check.
• Demonstrate ability to perform CPR and First Aid; CPR and First Aid certificates must be current.
• Comfort working with individuals experiencing symptoms of mental illness.
• Competent with computers for word processing, internet, email, and scheduling, or willing to learn these skills.
• Valid driver’s license, good driving record, and reliable transportation.
• Ability to report to work reliably…