ACT is an intensive Assertive Community Treatment fidelity program. This is a community-based program, with approximately 80% of your time spent in the community. Our team works with adults, ages 18-99, who have severe and persistent mental illness who need intensive, wrap around services to assist with issues including (but not limited to) difficulty with housing, social support, interactions with law enforcement, addictions, economic status, employment, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal skills, basic needs, and general independent living skills that are barriers to residing independently in the community.

The Peer Support Specialist provides a variety of recovery-oriented services to individuals who have self-identified as desiring peer supports, to promote greater independence, community integration and recovery. Services provided by peers (people who have had the experience of mental health treatment and have training in Peer Support) include a wide variety of supports, services and advocacy that contribute to a client's ability to engage in ongoing treatment and work towards less dependence on traditional mental health treatment. These activities acknowledge the importance of involving significant others in the persons treatment that could positively impact their recovery. 

Location: This position is based out of LifeWorks NW's Beaverton site.

Pay/Benefits: $22.82 starting hourly pay, plus Full benefits.

This role participates in on-call 24/7 crisis phone rotation, members are on-call for 7 day shifts in case of client emergencies, hospitalizations, and to serve as an after-hours emergency contact, mostly by phone and occasionally in person. The on-call clinician receives an additional $210 stipend per week when performing this duty.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Uses a Person-Centered approach to create and work on a Peer-Assisted Wellness Recovery Plan tailored to the specific needs of the individual receiving services. 
• Uses his/her own experiences as guided by training and also models the principles of recovery for those they work with, including gaining greater independence, emphasize wellness and self-determination. 
• Assists the persons they work with to identify and utilize natural community supports to decrease dependence on the traditional mental health system. 
• Work with clients to develop wellness and recovery goals towards what the client wants for their lives.
• Present a model of someone in recovery and share their own experiences as their training provided guidance. 
• Work with clients on specific and obtainable goals included in the person's ISSP. 
• Provides support to clients 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
• 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. 
• Educate and advocate for the values and principles of Peer Delivered Services and the Recovery Model.

• Self-identifies as a current or former recipient of mental health services 
• Holds a Peer Support Specialist certification from a State-approved training program.
• Holds a Traditional Heath Worker (THW) Number. 
• Demonstrate effective communication skills and ability to provide culturally-competent treatment services to diverse client populations.
• Familiar with developmental needs of adults.
• Basic computer skills including keyboarding, use of mouse, ability to navigate website and use common web browser. 
• Transporting clients in a personal vehicle may be required. If required, access to car, valid driver's license, proof of current automobile insurance coverage and ability to meet driving requirements are necessary. 

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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