The Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) program is a multidisciplinary team approach with assertive outreach in the community for clients experiencing the most severe symptoms of mental illness. ACT programs are evidence-based and fidelity reviewed to help support those clients at highest risk of psychiatric crisis and hospitalization and involvement in the criminal justice system.

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: $23.34-$29.76 per hour plus Full benefits.

Salary Placement Notice:
The posted salary range reflects the compensation potential for this role. Most candidates will be placed between the entry level and midpoint of the range, depending on their experience and qualifications. However, more seasoned professionals with extensive exact or similar experience may be considered for placement toward the higher end of the range. Final salary offers are made in alignment with internal compensation processes in accordance with Oregon Pay Equity laws.

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.
• 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) 

Qualifications:

• 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 may be required. 
• Requires valid driver's license, proof of current automobile insurance coverage, verification of safe driving record from DMV, and ability to meet LWNW driving requirements.

This is a represented position.

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 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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