Peer Support Specialist - African American Specific Program

Central City Concern is an innovative nonprofit agency providing comprehensive services to single adults and families in the Portland metro area who are impacted by homelessness, poverty, and addictions. We hire people who are skilled and passionate to meet our mission through outcome-based strategies that support personal and community transformation. 

Central City Concern is hiring a Peer Support Specialist for its Supportive Housing Karibu Program.

We are hiring for a Swing and Graveyard shift Hybrid role. 

Swing shift:  3:00pm-11:30pm  Graveyard shift:  11:00pm-7:30am

Karibu (pronounced kah-REE-boo) provides individualized, culturally specific stabilization and treatment preparation for Black/African American adults. Services include outreach and engagement, addiction and mental health recovery support, peer services, case management, and transitional housing in the form of dormitory style best for 14-20 unstably housed men.  

Summary: The Peer Support Specialist provides a variety of recovery-oriented services to individuals who have self-identified as desiring peer support; in order to promote greater independence, community integration, and recovery from mental illness and/or addiction. Services provided by peers (people in addiction recovery or with co-occurring mental health disorders) include group activity planning, one-on-one meetings, and advocacy that contributes to a client’s ability to engage in ongoing treatment and maintain their housing. 

Requirements:

• Peer Support Specialist or Certified Recovery Mentor required prior to start.  Must be registered with the Traditional Health Workers Registry prior to starting.  
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must be a self-identified person in recovery from a substance use disorder or mental health disorder, who meets the abstinence requirements for recovery staff in alcohol and other drug treatment programs (two years). Person must identify on the application or cover letter how they have “lived” personal experience leading to an understanding of the needs of persons with substance abuse and mental health issues.
• Must possess a current drivers 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.
• Must have CPR certification prior to start.
• Experience with issues involving mental health preferred.
• Excellent reading, writing, and comprehension skills preferred.
• 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.
• Ability to adhere to Central City Concern’s drug-free workplace which encourages a safe, healthy, and productive work environment and strictly complies with the Drug-Free Work Place Ace of 1988.  An employee shall not, in the workplace, unlawfully manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess, or use a controlled substance or alcohol.
• Must possess a current drivers 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.

Responsibilities:

• Participate in efforts to engage clients, which includes attending resident appointments, unit visits, and working in the building and in the community.
• Connect participants with local services and support programs.
• Advocate and provide referral services to ensure residents get access to a variety of services and benefits, including mental health and physical health services.
• Collaborate with treatment teams, agencies, client’s support networks, and community providers to address the needs of residents.
• Assist with intakes, resident plans, discharges, and service referral follow-ups.
• Escort residents to their primary care provider and to other providers when appropriate.
• Ensure timely completion of all required paperwork.
• Introduce clients to appropriate self-help support and other supportive services/activities.
• Conduct urinary analysis on clients as needed.
• Work to increase the level of cultural sensitivity, awareness, and competency regarding Person-Centered and Peer Delivered Services.
• Work with the program leadership team to develop and support new programming.
• Participate in group supervision as required.
• Relationship/trust building with treatment staff.
• Participate in training opportunities to advance skills and knowledge in mental health and addiction.
• Ability to learn how to appropriately respond to mental health crises

Benefits:  Central City Concern offers an incredible benefits package to our employees:

• Generous paid time off plan which provides up to 4 weeks of PTO accrual in the first year. Accrual increases with longevity.
• Amazing 403(b) Retirement Savings plan with competitive employer match!
• 11 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.

This description is intended to provide a snapshot of the work performed and is not designed to contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required for the position.

As an agency deeply rooted in recovery, part of our policy and commitment to a drug and alcohol-free workplace includes post-offer, and pre-employment drug screens. Please note we follow Federal Guidelines regarding prohibited substances, even for those legal at the state level.   

CCC values and celebrates diversity in race, heritage, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, and disability. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and we prioritize active inclusion of diverse staff.

Central City Concern is a second-chance employer and complies with applicable laws regarding the 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.