Peer Support Specialist #210

LifeWorks NW's Zenith program provides mental health residential treatment services for youth and young adult clients (17 to 25 years of age) who are experiencing severe and persistent mental illness and behavioral problems.

The Peer Support Specialist additional support for clients needing assistance to stay in the community and not be hospitalized.

Location: This position is based out of LifeWorks NW's Zenith Residential Home. 

Pay/Benefits: $21.32 starting hourly pay, plus pro-rated comprehensive benefits. This is a part-time position.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Provides support to consumers who are having symptoms that could result in hospitalization.  Duties could include grocery shopping, meal preparation or just spending time with clients until they feel secure enough to be on their own.
  • Works with clients' Service Coordinator in order to reinforce client's skills training as outlined in ISSP.
  • Coordinates care with appropriate partners such as community partners, primary care physicians or other medical providers and consultation with team and supervisors.
  • Assesses safety issues for client and reviews with their Service Coordinator.
  • Assists clients in accessing community resources such as food boxes, healthcare appointments and other services as appropriate.
  • Assists clients in maintaining medication compliance.  May deliver medications, makes reminder calls and home visits to ensure compliance.
  • Maintain confidentiality of records relating to clients' treatment. 
  • Meets standards for documentation and accuracy of work as defined in the Performance Evaluation.
  • Meets standards as defined in the Performance Evaluation for client care, quality/customer service, attendance/punctuality and teamwork. 
  • Continually increase level of cultural sensitivity, awareness and competency.
  • Participates in regular individual and team meetings with supervisor.  Provides written and verbal reports to supervisor regarding cases. Attends informational and clinical meetings which may include all-agency meetings, team meetings, consultation meetings with psychiatrist, staffings, intra-agency trainings, etc. 
  • Completes Service Activity Logs (S/AL's) on a timely basis.
  • Checks e-mail/voice mail daily/throughout the day when working responding to contacts within 48 hours  for routine matter (urgent matters may require a more immediate response) 
  • Completes online training courses as assigned 
  • Travels between sites or in the community transporting clients in personal vehicle when needed.

Qualifications:  

  • Must be a consumer, have prior experience working with SPMI adults or have a nursing background.
  • Must be available on an on-call basis, evenings, weekends and possible nights.   Requires access to a car, a valid driver's license, proof of current automobile insurance coverage and verification of safe driving record from DMV.
  • Demonstrate effective communication skills and ability to provide culturally-competent treatment services to diverse client populations.
  • Basic computer skills including keyboarding, use of mouse, ability to navigate website and use common web browser.
  • Ability to perform essential functions of job without creating a direct threat to the safety of self or others.

LifeWorks NW is a private, non-profit organization providing prevention, mental health, substance use treatment, and related social services to youths, adults, and older adults in over fifteen locations throughout Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties. LifeWorks NW promotes a healthy community by providing quality and culturally responsive mental health and addiction services across the lifespan. 

Our core values-Recovery and Relationships, Resilience, and Results-inform the work we do. The four pillars of the strategic vision include: Compassionate, Impactful Care; Holistic Health; Passionate Team; and a Thriving Organization. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are critical to successfully achieving the mission. We know that "life works" when people get the help they need and are dedicated to changing lives.

Equal Opportunity Employer

www.lifeworksnw.org

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