Peer Support Specialist – (male position) (Lincoln City and Newport)

C.H.A.N.C.E. is a peer recovery support center that uses non-clinical, peer-based activities that supports individuals to make the life changes necessary to recover from mental health and substance abuse disorder conditions.

This position is a part time, twenty (20) hours per week, and will have a focus around individuals, families and friends with Opioid Use Disorders. peer to peer support to include but limited to Mental Health and or Addictions. Physical Health Support, harm reduction principles, and hospital staff to reduce ED utilization. Meet the individual where they are. Offer support through lived experience. We offer support and guidance for members of the community who seek another way of staying active in recovery.

The Peer Support Specialist provides a variety of recovery-oriented services to individuals who identify as desiring peer support, to promote greater independence, community integration and recovery from drug, alcohol, and mental health related issues. Services provided by peers (drug and alcohol and mental health consumers) include a wide range of supports, services, and advocacy that contribute to a peer's ability to engage in ongoing programs and services. Assist in the development of peer led drop in programs provided by C.H.A.N.C.E

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Peer Support Specialist – Opioid Response Program is a team member who is responsible for peer support, acts as role model, offers consumer assertiveness, self-efficacy and advocacy skill building through modeling and provides both direct and indirect support services to clients and peers.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

To engage and assess the needs of the individual through the collection of data and “Peer Intake Forms". Provide guidance and support without judgment.

Work with peers to identify wellness and recovery goals. Assist peers in creating a wellness plan that identifies the individual's self-determined goals, as well as specific objectives to carry out these goals.

Exemplifies recovery principles to show by example that recovery is possible and attainable. Share their own recovery story as appropriate, and walks the road of recovery alongside the service recipient.

Attend and positively participate in required team, agency, and interdisciplinary meetings.

Work to increase level of cultural sensitivity, awareness and competency regarding Person Centered and Peer Delivered Services.

Educate and advocate for the values and principles of the Recovery model.

Lead by example, and to behave in a manner that exemplifies what recovery and C.H.A.N.C.E. stands for. (Including language, and tone of voice)

Able to travel, sometimes daily in the local region.

Provide supportive services in a culturally-responsive, empowering, and non-judgmental manner.

Facilitate the development of recovery skills among assigned participants as a member of the CHANCE support team. Serve as a mentor / role model demonstrating competency in recovery, effective coping skills and self-help strategies for our peers.

Assist participants in articulating personal goals for recovery.

Assist participants in determining their treatment objectives.

Teach and support acquisition and utilization of skills needed to facilitate individual recovery.

Promote the knowledge of available service options and choices.

Observe the progress participants make toward meeting objectives.

Develop and conduct recovery action planning in collaboration with housing specialist and other relevant service provider (internal or external). Educate and engage individuals in the recovery process to recognize early triggers, signs of relapse, and use of individual coping strategies.

Work with local employment resource agencies and educational institutes to support individuals in reach their employment and education goals.

Assist with teaching independent living skills such as accessing public transportation options, cooking, cleaning, accessing and maintaining stable housing, personal finances, etc. Recommend and make referrals to programs for instruction on life skills, livelihood skills and workplace readiness skills necessary for successful reintegration into family life, the work force and the community. May instruct participants in group settings, individually or in their homes as appropriate.

Monitor and keep case records on clients and report progress to case managers and supervisors; participate in well checks, retention calls, and other check-ins as assigned.

Maintain all records in accordance with CHANCES standards, as well as all local, state, and federal laws and accreditation guidelines. Assure that all work is properly documented in participant records, or elsewhere, as required.

Perform quality assurance activities as assigned.

Recognize that individuals with co-occurring disorders are expected, not the exception, and are welcome into program.

Assist in transporting and attending with participants internal and community-based meetings as needed.

Provide participants with information about community resources and keep current on referral resources.

Facilitate group education meetings.

Ensure all services provided comply with professional standards, state and federal regulations and the policies and procedures. Understand and follow all applicable policies and procedures including those regarding confidentiality and HIPAA regulations.

Description of Other Duties:

Provide back up to other staff.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Rotation on call for crisis peer support.

Skills & Abilities:

Ability to work effectively with peers, individual clients and groups.

Ability to work as a team member and to establish priorities.

Ability to apply principles learned to new situations.

Ability to establish and maintain personal and professional boundaries.

Ability to learn new skills.

Ability to display a non-judgmental attitude.

Knowledge of community and social service agencies.

Ability to follow oral and written directions and to apply techniques for specific needs.

Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.

Ability to work in an environment where people may be hostile or abusive.

Ability to manage time and meet deadlines.

Ability to work courteously and effectively communicate with the general public, peer / clients, medical and corrections personnel, police, and co-workers.

Ability to maintain accurate records and necessary paperwork.

Knowledge of de-escalation methods or ability to be trained in de-escalation methods.

QUALIFICATIONS

High School diploma or G.E.D. equivalent

Peer Support Specialist, Certified training may be provided by C.H.A.N.C.E.

Computer skills (Microsoft suit)

Must have at least two years of recovery / sobriety.

Must have lived experience of addiction recovery (would like opioid specific).

Must sign non-disclosure and non- compete agreement.

Active in local community is a plus.

TO APPLY

Please submit a detailed and compelling letter detailing your suitability for this position and your passion for the mission of CHANCE. Your cover letter must identify how you have “lived” personal experience leading to an understanding of the needs of individuals with mental health & substance abuse disorders. Please provide the names and contact information of three references and a cover letter and resume. Please include your first and last name and position title “ Peer Support Specialist Lincoln” in the subject line. No calls accepted. Position is open until filled, but interested candidates are strongly encouraged to respond quickly.

Please send cover letter and resume to

C.H.A.N.C.E.

Attn: Sandra Angerbauer

238 3rd Ave SE

Albany, OR 97321