Peer Support Specialist

Peer Support Specialist

Position Summary: The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) will work directly with people who use drugs (PWUD) identified at syringe exchange, street outreach and through referrals from community partners. The PSS will play a critical role in utilizing harm reduction strategies and motivational interviewing to empower clients to take steps to reduce their risk for overdose, improve their health, and access treatment. PSSs will work in collaboration with a network of community providers to mitigate the negative impact of substance abuse on PWUD via evidence-based services and resources that reduce risks for HIV/HCV and opioid overdose, promote recovery, and improve general health outcomes.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate with and accept client referrals internal and external sources
• Provide street outreach and outreach to clients at syringe exchanges, including providing harm reduction education/supplies and offering basic needs assistance, to engage clients in peer support services
• Engage with clients in office and community based locations
• Apply person-centered principles to build relationships, trust, and rapport with clients
• Assess client needs and develop goal/action plans accordingly
• Refer clients to substance use disorder treatment/MAT and complete a warm hand-off
• Utilize cultural competency, active listening, and motivational interviewing skills to provide ongoing assistance to clients in reaching their stability or treatment goals
• Establish relationships and coordinate with agencies to provide intensive care coordination
• Provide transportation and accompany clients to appointments to facilitate access to treatment and other services and resources
• Promote/educate on harm reduction methods
• Connect all clients who test positive for HIV or HCV with a confirmation screening and medical care
• Navigate clients to additional services and resources, including health insurance, basic needs services, and housing assistance
• Maintain up-to-date HIV knowledge
• Enroll clients in Oregon Health Plan or other insurance programs
• Complete chart notes for client encounters and submit all program paperwork in a professional, timely manner
• Work closely with other Peer Support Specialists to maximize the quality of service
• Attend regular clinical supervision meetings
• Other tasks as assigned, including training/cross-training other staff as needed

Required Qualifications:

• Lived experience and knowledge of addiction and harm reduction principles
• Current Peer Support Specialist or Certified Recovery Mentor certification from a State-approved training program, OR be able and willing to become certified immediately