Peer Support Specialist

• Coordinate with and accept client referrals internal and external sources;
• Provide street outreach and outreach to clients at syringe exchanges, including providing harm reduction education/supplies and offering basic needs assistance, to engage clients in peer support services;
• Engage with clients in office and community based locations
• Apply person-centered principles to build relationships, trust, and rapport with clients;
• Assess client needs and develop goal/action plans accordingly;
• Refer clients to substance use disorder treatment/MAT and complete a warm hand-off;
• Utilize cultural competency, active listening, and motivational interviewing skills to provide ongoing assistance to clients in reaching their stability or treatment goals;
• Establish relationships and coordinate with agencies to provide intensive care coordination;
• Provide transportation and accompany clients to appointments to facilitate access to treatment and other services and resources
• Promote/educate on harm reduction methods;
• Connect all clients who test positive for HIV or HCV with a confirmation screening and medical care
• Promote/educate on harm reduction methods, including naloxone and fentanyl test strips, that reduce risks for opioid overdose;
• Meet the definition of a peer recovery or wellness specialist as defined by Oregon Administrative Rule
• Navigate clients to additional services and resources, including health insurance, basic needs services, and housing assistance;
• Maintain up-to-date HIV knowledge;
• Enroll clients in Oregon Health Plan or other insurance programs
• Complete chart notes for client encounters and submit all program paperwork in a professional, timely manner
• Work closely with other Peer Support Specialists to maximize the quality of service
• Attend regular clinical supervision meetings
• Other tasks as assigned, including training/cross-training other staff as needed

• Lived experience and knowledge of addiction and harm reduction principles
• Current Peer Support Specialist or Certified Recovery Mentor certification from a State-approved training program, OR be able and willing to become certified immediately
• Meets the definition of a Peer as defined by the State of Oregon Administrative Rule:
• self-identified person currently or formerly receiving mental health services; OR
• a self-identified person in recovery from a substance abuse disorder, who meet the abstinence requirements for recovering staff in alcohol and other drug treatment programs;
• Minimum 1 year of experience working with clients who have substance use difficulties using harm reduction strategies in all interactions and interventions
• Minimum 1 year of experience in substance use assessment, treatment and service terminology and maintaining accurate records and handling confidential paperwork, and working with Electronic Health records or equivalent filing system
• Willingness to engage in conversations about HIV/HCV risk including sex and injection drug use
• Must be able to work independently, poses time management skills, and meet deadlines
• Basic computer and keyboard proficiency using Microsoft Office software
• Complete and pass a criminal history background check
• Applicants in recovery from substance abuse must have a minimum of 2 years clean & sober
• Must not be listed on the Medicaid provider exclusion list
• TB test (provided at agency)
• Valid Oregon driver's license, or valid out of state driver's license with the ability to get an Oregon driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency in Oregon, and a driving record sufficient to be covered by agency auto insurance policy.
• Ability to pass agency criminal background check

• Interpersonal Communication & Conflict Management (proactively communicates effectively, listens carefully to others, exhibits acceptable standards of conduct, deals effectively with others in difficult situations, works to reduce tension & conflict)
• Organizational Awareness (takes time to learn about agency culture, policies, and procedures; recognizes and balances the interest and impact of one's department with those of other departments, programs, and the agency as a whole)
• Embraces Change (actively identifies problems and opportunities for change, implements solutions where appropriate, maintains effectiveness & adjusts well when experiencing changes in work tasks, environment, processes, and requirements)
• Living the Agency Vision & Values (demonstrates an understanding of agency vision and values, keeping the vision and values at the forefront of decision making)
• Client & Customer Focused (keeps client and customer needs a primary focus; develops and sustains productive relationships with clients, customers, & partners)
• Valuing Diversity (appreciates and leverages the capabilities, insights, & ideas of all individuals; works effectively with individuals of diverse style, ability, & motivation)

• Repetitively use hands, including grasping, twisting/turning of wrists, and finger dexterity to perform various necessary clerical duties, such as typing and writing.
• Frequently use arms, such as pushing & pulling to open/close drawers, cabinets, etc.
• Sit and/or stand for extended periods of time at an assigned station
• Bend, stand, & reach to be able to transport clients and to lift and carry up to 25 pounds for tasks such as building kits & assembling testing/educational materials.
• Use continuous clarity of vision at 20 inches or less for processing of paperwork

• Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends
• Ability to work 5 days per week for a minimum of 40 hours per week
• Ability to work in loud, crowded, busy, or escalated environments
• Ability to drive at night and during various weather conditions safely

HIV Alliance