The Crisis Peer Support Specialist provides a variety of recovery-oriented services to individuals who are experiencing a mental health or emotional crisis who have self-identified as desiring peer supports.  The Peer Support Specialist works, to promote immediate safety and stability, greater independence, community integration and recovery. Services provided by peers (people who have had the experience of mental health treatment and have certification 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 and other natural supports in the persons treatment that could positively impact their recovery.

Location: This position is based out of LifeWorks NW's Hawthorn Crisis Site in Hillsboro, OR.

Pay/Benefits: $23.82 starting hourly pay, plus Full benefits.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Uses a Person-Centered approach to create and work on a short term Peer-Assisted Wellness Recovery Plan tailored to the specific needs of the individual receiving services.
• Works in collaboration with Crisis Team and Intensive Transition Team staff to assist individuals with safety planning and connecting to on-going mental health services.
• Uses his/her own experiences as guided by training and also models the principles of recovery for those they work with, including self care, gaining greater independence, emphasize wellness and self-determination.
• Informs people served of available service options while promoting the use of natural supports and resources within the community. 
• Assists individuals in navigating the mental health services system and in achieving wellness, resiliency and recovery as defined by the person.
• 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 short term crisis treatment plan
• 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.
• 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.  Attend and contribute positively to team meetings, agency and interdisciplinary meetings.
• Educate and advocate for the values and principles of Peer Delivered Services and the Recovery Model.
• Completes documentation 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

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. (Training can be completed after hire, if needed). 
• Demonstrate effective communication skills and ability to provide culturally-competent treatment services to diverse client populations.
• Familiar with developmental needs of adults and children.
• Basic computer skills including keyboarding, use of mouse, ability to navigate website and use common web browser.
• Transporting clients in an agency vehicle may be required. If required, valid driver's license, proof of current automobile insurance coverage and ability to meet driving requirements are necessary.
• Ability to perform essential functions of job without creating a direct threat to the safety of self or others.

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.

www.lifeworksnw.org

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