Young Adult Services Peer Specialist

Position Summary :

This position works specifically with individuals in the C@P Young Adult programs (Ages 18-24), provides emotional, social, and practical support to individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges. Using lived experience, the specialist offers hope, mentorship, advocacy, and guidance to help participants achieve personal recovery goals and improve overall well-being. The Peer Specialist will focus on supporting participants with daily site operations including deep cleans, chores, and attending regularly scheduled meetings/groups. This position will also support the daily functions and operations of the shelter site.

• High School diploma or GED strongly preferred

• Have completed an approved training program by the Oregon Health Authority certifying you as peer specialist; or

• Provide documentation that you are certified by a group other than the Oregon Health Authority that requires completion of an approved training program and at least 20 hours of continuing education every three years; or

• Provide documentation that you have worked or volunteered as a peer specialist for at least 2000 hours in Oregon from January 1, 2004 to June 30, 2019.

• Demonstrated experience in mediation between persons exhibiting escalated behavior.

• Strong ability to work collaboratively with other case managers, healthcare providers, and social service agencies.

• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, chronic illness, behavioral health challenges, or substance use disorders, preferred.

• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple participants' needs effectively.

Supervision & Guidance

• This position operates under general supervision and will receive regular direction, support, and performance feedback from leadership.

• The role requires initiative, reliability, and regular communication with supervisors regarding project progress, challenges, and development needs.

Data, Documentation, and Compliance.

• Maintains thorough and accurate documentation of client interactions, services provided, and progress toward goals.

• Submits all data, case notes, and reporting as required by program and grant guidelines.

• Ensures that all Personal and Health Information (PHI) is handled in compliance with HIPAA standards.

• Participates in training initiatives to enhance team capacity.

• Carries out medication delivery and pickup for participants as needed, ensuring secure handling, accurate receipts and forms, and compliance with C@P established process.

Upholding Site Policies and Procedures while building relationships with participants.

• Carries out shelter protocols and emergency procedures in the event of an incident.

• Verifies forms such as site expectations and standards as well as absence of residency forms, ensuring they are completed accurately during after hour shifts.

• Follows the check-in and check-out procedures for any individuals entering and exiting the site.

• Effectively communicates updates with management and case management.

• Supports individuals as they take the next step in stability through accessing resources, including OHP, domestic violence intervention, drug and alcohol treatment, behavioral and mental health services, and others.

• Conducts regular visits from initiation through addressing needs that may impact shelter and housing retention.

• Assists participants with achieving their goals, communicating progress with site management and case manager, as well as assisting with any barriers while maintaining the dignity and choice of the participant.

• Educates individuals and groups on life skills, such as appointment management, nutrition, hygiene, and navigating systems independently.

Cultivating the mission and values of C@P by developing and working with community partners and Church at the Park programs.

• Committed to practicing trauma informed care and harm reduction approaches.

• Network and attend meetings with other social service agencies to promote interagency cooperation and coordination.

• Participates in collaborative opportunities alongside partnering organizations, such as Salem Housing Authority, HIV Alliance, Easter Seals, ARCHES, Northwest Human Services, etc.

• Collaborates with all team members in a respectful and collaborative manner, following C@P’s values of seeing with compassion, building relationship, practicing empathetic listening and pursuing peacemaking, while utilizing the outward mindset and Non-violent communication principles.

• Attend all required training, team meetings, and learn about policies and procedures for C@P operations.

Navigating barriers and resource

• Connect participants with housing, employment, benefits, and community resources/benefits and assist with goal setting

• Participate in treatment planning

• Provide peer support and advocacy to participants utilizing community services, with regular travel between multiple locations.

• Build rapport with participants, helping them engage with the program and feel welcome and safe.

• Assist participants with filling out documents, applications, etc.

• Teach participants problem solving skills

• Promote community involvement and/or advocacy

• Identify and Breakdown barriers to services.