Central City Concern is an innovative nonprofit agency providing comprehensive services to single adults and families in the Portland metro area who are impacted by homelessness, poverty and addictions. We hire people that are skilled and passionate to meet our mission through outcome-based strategies which support personal and community transformation.

SUMMARY: This position supports formerly homeless Veterans who participate in the Veterans Grant & Per Diem transitional housing program. The Peer Support Specialist will work closely with clients, case managers, as well as other service providers to coordinate services and ensure ongoing support of program participants as they work toward the program goals. The Peer Support Specialist will act to support the stability of individuals within the program, is familiar with resources for Veterans such as benefits and entitlements, alcohol and drug treatment, mental health treatment, and housing. The Peer Support Specialist can be effective working independently, as a member of a team, and as a part of a larger coalition.

Hours: M-F 8A-4P

Starting wage: $22.46

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist Veterans in working toward the program goals of income enhancement, seeking permanent housing, and developing self-sufficiency.
• Exemplify recovery and self-sufficiency principles in order to show by example that self-reliance in a clean and sober setting is possible and attainable. Share your own recovery and self-sufficiency story as appropriate.
• Work with peers on specific objectives in conjunction with their case manager and the Veteran's Individual Service Plan.
• Attend and positively participate in required team, agency, and interdisciplinary meetings.
• Coordinate and consult with other team members to keep team informed of issues and progress of each Veteran.
• Collaborate with community resource agencies to remove barriers, provide intervention and make referrals for issues facing Veterans in a variety of areas.
• Educate Veteran about employment assistance options, service/non-service connected and social security benefits, and community engagement opportunities.
• Document all peer contact at time of service.
• Provide ongoing individual support and encouragement to Veterans and give feedback regarding Quarterly Reviews Plans.
• Work with internal and VA service providers to assure coordinated and streamlined services.
• Support clients in achieving housing stability, including, but not limited to assistance with moving in, obtaining linens, dishes, food boxes, and clothing.
• Support clients in establishing community integration, including, but not limited to accessing recovery meetings, faith-based support, clean and sober recreation, etc., in their neighborhoods.
• Facilitate activity groups, workshops, and social activities in the community.
• Assist in developing skills with public transportation as appropriate.
• Adhere to all state and federal privacy and security regulations applicable to the program, and to CCC policies and agreements regarding confidentiality, privacy, and security.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

ABILITIES:

• Ability to consider the impacts and outcomes for underserved communities during decision-making process
• Ability to consider impacts of oppression, structural racism, and individual bias on client outcomes.
• Ability to provide appropriate services for Grant & Per Diem clients.
• Skills in program planning, including the development of goals, objectives, timelines, scheduling and evaluation.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and necessary paperwork.
• 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 communicate effectively with the general public, clients, other community service providers, medical personnel, corrections personnel and co-workers.
• Ability to learn and apply training instruction.
• Knowledge of de-escalation methods or ability to be trained in de-escalation methods.
• Conflict resolution skills.
• Knowledge and skills in chemical dependency and crisis intervention.
• Proficient with computers
• Sufficient manual dexterity and physical ability to perform assigned tasks.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School, GED or demonstrated ability to read and write at a sufficient level.
• Registered with MHACBO as Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM) OR Certified Peer Support Specialist (PSS) AND registered with Traditional Health Workers Registry.
• Knowledge of veteran specific services available in the local area.
• 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 Work Place Ace 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 and background check.
• Physical ability to bend, stoop, kneel, squat, twist, reach, pull and lift heavy objects and able to climb stairs several times a day.
• 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 drivers training within 60 days of being an approved driver and continued recertification training.
• Must adhere to agency's non-discrimination policies.
• Ability to effectively interact with co-workers and clients who have diverse ethnic or cultural backgrounds, religious views, political affiliations, lifestyles and sexual orientation and treat each person with respect and dignity.

Benefits: Central City Concern offers an incredible benefits package to our Regular/FT employees:

• Generous paid time off plan which provides up to 4 weeks of PTO accrual in the first year. Accrual increases with longevity.
• Amazing 403(b) Retirement Savings plan with competitive employer match with 4.25% in the first year, 6% in the second year, and 8% in the 3rd year.
• 11 paid Holidays PLUS 2 Personal Holidays to be used at the employee's discretion.
• Comprehensive Medical, Vision, and Dental insurance coverage.
• Employer Paid Life, Short Term Disability, AND Long Term Disability Insurance!
• Excellent relocation package for those roles that qualify.
• Sabbatical Program offering extended time off at years 7, 14, and 21.

This description is intended to provide a snapshot of the work performed and is not designed to contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of the position.

As an agency deeply rooted in recovery, part of our policy and commitment to a drug and alcohol-free workplace includes post-offer, pre-employment drug screens. Please note we follow Federal Guidelines regarding prohibited substances, even for those legal at the state level.

Central City Concern is a second chance employer and complies with applicable laws regarding consideration of criminal background for employment purposes. Government regulations, contractual requirements, or the duties of this job may require CCC to conduct a background check and take appropriate action to address prior criminal convictions.