LifeWorks NW's STRIDE (Strengthening Tools for Recovery, Independence, Determination and Empowerment) program connects 14 to 25-year-olds to services that support wellbeing and independence. Services include, peer support, case management, outreach and engagement. 

The Peer Support Specialist-STRIDE provides a variety of recovery-oriented services to individuals enrolled in early intervention and transition age youth programs who have self-identified as desiring peer supports.  The Peer Support Specialist works to promote greater independence, community integration, and recovery. Services provided by peers (individuals who have had the experience of mental health treatment and have a state approved certification in Peer Support) include a wide variety of support services and advocacy. Peer Support Specialists 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 natural supports in the person's treatment that could positively impact their recovery.

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

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Uses a Person-Centered approach to create and work on treatment goals 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.
• Maintain confidentiality of records relating to clients' treatment.
• Educate and advocate for the values and principles of Peer Delivered Services and the Recovery Model.

Qualifications: 

• Self-identifies as a current or former recipient of mental health services
• Must have current Peer Specialist Certification and provide required letter from OEI.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills and ability to provide culturally-competent treatment services to diverse client populations.
• Familiar with developmental needs of adolescents and young adults.
• Experience working with marginalized populations, including LGBTQ identifying youth
• 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. 

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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