Working Title: Peer Support Specialist 
Program: Community Support Services-ACT       
Reports To: Clinical Supervisor- ACT
Employment Type: Monday- Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 
Location: Onsite, The Dalles (Serving Wasco, Hood River, and Sherman Counties) 
Pay Range (Dependent on experience): 
          $21.11-25.65/hour
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

    
Description:

The Peer Support Specialist provides peer support to clients who may be experiencing mental health issues in the community. This position facilitates contact with providers, assists with transportation issues and other issues that may be barriers to accessing treatment and/or support in the community.  The Peer Support Specialist provides training in independent living skills, documents client progress and issues, and conducts program outreach as necessary. This role may support any one of the agency’s programs, including Intensive Case Management, Housing, Jail Diversion, Community Drop-In, and Adult Mental Health. 

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) provides comprehensive services to individuals who may be diagnosed with significant mental illness. This Peer Support Specialist role works alongside other ACT team members to provide services to clients both individually and in a group setting. Services are regularly provided in various community settings

Mid-Columbia Center for Living (MCCFL) is a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) that specializes in providing services that are both trauma-informed and recovery-oriented to persons / consumers with mental illness and addictions. Trauma-informed care includes safety, choice, collaboration, trustworthiness, and empowerment for both clients and staff. MCCFL serves Hood River, Wasco, and Sherman Counties and utilizes a consumer-involved, consumer-engaged, and consumer-driven model. MCCFL provides a whole-person care approach to adults and children to address both physical and mental health needs. MCCFL offers a variety of programs including a mobile crisis unit, intensive case management, ongoing counseling, community support, supported employment, jail diversion, hospital discharges, hearings, and more.


Qualifications:

What skills and education do you need:

• High school diploma or GED. 
• Be certified as a Peer Delivered Service Provider through the Oregon Health Authority or obtain certification within 90 days of hire.
• Have previous or current lived experience as a mental health treatment consumer, and/or support a family member with experience as a mental health treatment consumer, as defined by OAR 309-018-0105.
• Must possess a valid Oregon or Washington Driver's License, maintain an acceptable driving record and be insurable for client service purposes and for travel between business office for meetings and/or trainings.
• Must pass all criminal history check requirements as required by ORS 181.536 to 181.537, and in accordance with OAR 407-007-0220 to 407-007-0370.

• Meet regularly with consumers; train consumers in independent living skills and model same behaviors; provide feedback or other documentation as necessary.
• Document encounters with consumers using an electronic health record system. Access and use Agency email system and Intranet to remain updated on Agency functions and department communications.
• Advocate on behalf of consumers and promote self-advocacy; maintain consumer networks in the community; conduct outreach activities in local communities.
• Communicate with treatment team about problems or concerns; participate in ongoing support network with other Peer Support Specialists. Participate in team meetings with other MCCFL staff.
• Coordinate and facilitate oversight of outings/activities. Facilitate group planning of activity; ensure the group is in agreement. Accompany group on outings; ensure safety; provide transportation as required and appropriate.
• Provide coverage for other Peer Support Specialists if required.
• Ensure that safety procedures are followed.
• Complete specialized training and certification and register on the Oregon Health Authority Traditional Health Worker registry.
• Use agency vehicles to travel within the community, provide transport for clients, and drive between business offices in order to complete essential responsibilities and attend required meetings and/or trainings.
• Regular and reliable attendance; professional communication with all contacts; maintain confidentiality.
• Position-specific Essential Responsibilities of the Peer Support Specialist (This position may include any of the aforementioned general responsibilities plus the following):
• Assist clients in transitioning from a higher level of care or jail to community.
• Assist and support clients in resuming benefits.
• Set up client appointments with other community agencies.
• Partner with other agency programs to assist and support clients who are engaged in maintaining stable housing.
• Provide support with shopping, housekeeping, and managing calendars.
• Model appropriate behavior with landlords, neighbors, and other community members.

• Competitive salary, dependent on experience.
• 95% employer-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees only. Low deductible plans for family coverage through PEBB
• PERS Retirement Contribution
• 11 Holidays including 1 floating holiday
• 10 days paid vacation for non exempt employees
• 12 sick days a year
• Education reimbursement and loan forgiveness- HRSA!

1. Application review
2. Questionnaire (if additional information is needed)
3. Panel Interview
4. Possible second-round panel interview
5. Conditional Offer
   1. DMV Record Review, if the position requires driving
   2. 10 Panel Drug Screen (Although recreational marijuana use is legal in the state of Oregon, you will not be considered for this position if you’re unable to pass a pre-employment drug screening due to federal regulations.)
   3. Criminal History check through Orchards BCU
   4. Reference check
   5. Licensure Primary Source Verification

MCCFL provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. To request accommodation in the recruitment or selection process, please contact human resources at 541-288-4359 or email hr@mccfl.org.