Peer Support Specialist - Veteran's Program

Company: Central City Concern
Location: Gresham
Posted on: January 23, 2023

Job Description:

Since 1979, the Portland community has trusted Central City Concern (CCC) to help people create meaningful, long-term change. Every year, we serve more than 13,000 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness with affordable and supportive housing, person-centered health care, addiction recovery and employment assistance. By providing health care, housing and jobs, CCC is ending homelessness in Portland and helping people achieve their highest potential.

CCC's Veterans Grant and Per Diem Program is seeking a Peer Support Specialist to join our team!

Schedule: 32 hours per week, flexible schedules! One weekend day required.

This position supports formerly homeless Veterans who participate in the Veterans Grant & Per Diem transitional housing program. The Peer Support Specialist will work closely with clients, case managers, as well as other service providers to coordinate services and ensure ongoing support of program participants as they work toward the program goals. The Peer Support Specialist will act to support the stability of individuals within the program, is familiar with resources for Veterans such as benefits and entitlements, alcohol and drug treatment, mental health treatment, and housing. The Peer Support Specialist can be effective working independently, as a member of a team, and as a part of a larger coalition.

The Successful Candidate:

You are a skilled relationship-builder and can partner collaboratively with internal care teams and outreach partners to ensure clients are receiving the care they need. You are passionate about ensuring your relationships with clients and program staff are strong and built on trust. You are able to learn how to intervene in crises in a clinically and culturally appropriate way. You are able to consider the impacts of structural racism, oppression, and individual bias when making decisions.

Duties to Include:

Assist Veterans in working toward the program goals of income enhancement, seeking permanent housing, and developing self-sufficiency.
Exemplify recovery and self-sufficiency principles in order to show by example that self-reliance in a clean and sober setting is possible and attainable. Share your own recovery and self-sufficiency story as appropriate.
Work with peers on specific objectives in conjunction with their case manager and the Veteran's Individual Service Plan.
Attend and positively participate in required team, agency, and interdisciplinary meetings.
Coordinate and consult with other team members to keep team informed of issues and progress of each Veteran.
Collaborate with community resource agencies to remove barriers, provide intervention and make referrals for issues facing Veterans in a variety of areas.
Educate Veteran about employment assistance options, service/non-service connected and social security benefits, and community engagement opportunities.
Document all peer contact at time of service.
Provide ongoing individual support and encouragement to Veterans and give feedback regarding Quarterly Reviews Plans.
Work with internal and VA service providers to assure coordinated and streamlined services.
Support clients in achieving housing stability, including, but not limited to assistance with moving in, obtaining linens, dishes, food boxes, and clothing.
Support clients in establishing community integration, including, but not limited to accessing recovery meetings, faith-based support, clean and sober recreation, etc., in their neighborhoods.
Facilitate activity groups, workshops, and social activities in the community.
Assist in developing skills with public transportation as appropriate.

Requirements:

Certified Recovery Mentor or Peer Support Specialist prior to start. Must be registered with the Traditional Health Worker registry prior to start.
Knowledge of veteran specific services available in the local area.
Flexible work schedule required, including some evening and weekend work.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, TB test, and background check.
Physical ability to bend, stoop, kneel, squat, twist, reach, pull and lift heavy objects.
Must be able to climb stairs several times a day.
Must possess a current driver's license, pass a DMV background check and be designated an "acceptable" driver as outlined in Central City Concern's Fleet Safety Policy. Must pass an initial drivers training within 60 days of being an approved driver and continued recertification training.

Central City Concern offers an incredible benefits package to our employees!

Generous paid time off plan beginning at 4 weeks per year at the time of hire. Accrual increases with longevity.
Amazing 403(b) Retirement Savings plan with an employer match of 4.25% in your 1st year, 6% in the 2nd year, and 8% in your 3rd year!
10 paid Holidays PLUS 2 Personal Holidays to be used at the employee's discretion.
Comprehensive Medical, Vision, and Dental insurance coverage.
Employer Paid Life, Short Term Disability, AND Long Term Disability Insurance!
Sabbatical Program offering extended time off at years 7, 14 and 21.

Central City Concern is a second chance employer and complies with applicable laws regarding consideration of criminal background for employment purposes. Government regulations, contractual requirements, or the duties of this particular job may require CCC to conduct a background check and take appropriate action to address prior criminal convictions.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c) Associated topics: americorps, community and in home participating, community participating, customer service, event organizer, pastor, program staff, resource worker, tutor, vocational support/training

Keywords: Central City Concern, Gresham , Peer Support Specialist - Veteran's Program, Other , Gresham, Oregon