Peer Provider - Building Community With Peer Providers Program

Location: Portland Metro Area

Department: Peer Delivered Services

About Cascadia Health:

Cascadia Health is a leader in trauma-informed, recovery-oriented services, dedicated to supporting individuals with serious mental illnesses and addictions. We believe in a consumer-involved, consumer-engaged, and consumer-driven approach, ensuring our services are responsive to the unique experiences of those we serve. Join our inclusive and supportive team to make a real difference in the lives of our residents.

Job Summary:

Be a part of a dynamic team of individuals working to provide peer support and build a sense of community with individuals living independently in various locations throughout the metro area. As a Peer Provider at Cascadia Health, you will work in apartment complexes to build connections, create opportunities for community interaction, and develop natural supports among residents. Utilizing your own lived experience of recovery, you will deliver peer-led groups and work individually with residents to identify and address their support needs, including behavioral health, substance use, food, primary care, and more.

Key Responsibilities:

• Role model empowerment, self-determination, and self-advocacy; share your personal recovery journey when appropriate.

• Engage with individuals using strengths-based tools and harm reduction concepts.

• Assist individuals in identifying goals for plans of care/support; coordinate with the team to ensure continuity of services and resource development.

• Promote and support community building and the development of natural support and self-sufficiency.

• Provide support in securing benefits, mental health services, addictions treatment, medical services, emergency services, and housing.

• Create opportunities for community connections and socialization.

• Offer individual and group support in living skills, wellness, hygiene, and community resources.

• Accompany participants to appointments and assist them in using public transportation.

• Provide coaching and emotional support to resolve housing and community-related concerns.

• Assist in crisis situations, following emergency protocols and coordinating with the treatment/service team.

• Develop positive working relationships with the treatment/service team, landlords, families, and potential service providers.

• Document and maintain records as required by the program.

• Respect participant rights and responsibilities, maintaining professional boundaries and ethics.

• Adhere to mandatory abuse reporting laws and HIPAA requirements.

• Participate in staff meetings, supervision sessions, and other departmental and agency meetings.

• Complete annual training requirements and attend seminars to develop professional skills.

Qualifications:

• Education: Peer Support Specialist Certification required. Application for Traditional Health Worker (THW) certification completed prior to hire and obtained within 6 months. Peer Wellness Specialist Certification preferred.

• Experience: Personal experience with behavioral health services and recovery is essential. Experience working with adults with severe and persistent mental health challenges and/or homelessness is preferred.

• Skills: Understanding of Assertive Engagement, recovery model, harm reduction, motivational interviewing, wellness/illness management, and strength-based case management. Well-developed coping skills and strategies, ability to learn and adapt, and proficiency in computer use for documentation.

• Other: Valid driver's license, clean driving record, ability to pass DMV check, and completion of Cascadia's online Defensive Driving course. Must be pre-approved to provide transportation using agency vehicles.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed in the community, in clinic environments, and in participants' homes. There is regular exposure to the elements and moderate risk of personal injury/illness. The role involves addressing new and unusual circumstances, requiring flexibility in time management.

Benefits:

We offer generous benefits for our full-time and part-time employees (20 hours+ pro-rated) including:

• Generous Paid Time Off: Full-time employees earn 6 weeks of PTO in their first year!

• Medical and Dental Coverage: Begins 1st of the month following 30 days after hire date.

• VSP Vision Discount Plan

• 403(B) Retirement Savings: Pre and post-tax plans with matching contribution.

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Medical, dependent care, and transportation options.

• Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance

• Paid Bereavement and Jury Duty Leave

• Length of Service Award

• Voluntary Life Insurance

• Supplemental Insurance

• Wellness Benefits:

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Bicycle Reimbursement

• Discounted Fitness Memberships

• Trauma Support Team

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Cascadia Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at 503.963.7654.

Join us in our mission to support and uplift our community through compassionate and expert care. Apply now and be a part of something truly impactful!