Peer Support Specialist

Position Type: 1.0 FTE, hourly (40 hours/week), Nonexempt
Supervisor: Beha vioral Health Manager
Bilingual candidates are eligible for an additional $1 Bilingual differential
Eligible for Full-time benefits. See our benefits page at http://hivalliance.org/employment/benefits
Application Instructions: All applicants must submit a complete Job Application, Supplemental Questions, and Resume via the Job Portal to be considered. The Job Portal can be found here https://hivalliance.org/employment/open-positions/

*Position Summary
*

We are seeking a Certified Peer Support Specialist or a person willing to become certified immediately to provide support services to HIV Alliance clients. The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) will be a part of our Prime Peer Support Program, working directly with people who use drugs identified at syringe exchange, street outreach and through referrals from community partners. The PSS will be co-located at local emergency departments, working directly with people experiencing overdoses. 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. While not all clients will be ready to enter treatment, or engage in behavioral health care, the PSS will support them in identifying harm reduction goals to support the clients in behavior change. Our Peer Support Specialist must have strong boundaries and a clear understanding of structure and accountability and the ability to work 40 hours per week.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities
Coordinate with and accept client referrals from EDs/hospitals, community partners, and HIV Alliance syringe exchange staff;
Provide street outreach and outreach to clients at HIV Alliance syringe exchanges, including providing harm reduction education/supplies and offering basic needs assistance, to engage clients in peer support services;
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, including syringe exchange and testing that reduce risks for HIV/HCV/STI infection;
Connect all clients who test positive for HIV or HCV with a confirmation screening and medical care
Promote/educate on harm reduction methods, including naloxone and fentanyl test strips, that reduce risks for opioid overdose;
Navigate clients to additional services and resources, including health insurance, basic needs services, and housing assistance;
Facilitate client support groups (SMART Recovery Groups);
engage with the Local Coordinating Committee to facilitate ongoing communication with partner organizations and expand the provider network’s reach and effectiveness;
meet the definition of a peer recovery or wellness specialist as defined in OAR 309-019-0105(81).
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 internal and local Peer Support Specialists and Certified Recovery Mentors to maximize the quality of community service
Attend regular clinical supervision meetings
Perform other duties as assigned/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
A self-identified person in recovery from a substance abuse disorder, who meet the abstinence requirements for recovering staff in alcohol and other drug treatment programs
Minimum 1 year of experience working with clients who have substance use difficulties using harm reduction strategies in all interactions and interventions
Minimum 1 year of experience in substance use assessment, treatment and service terminology
Willingness to engage in conversations about HIV/HCV risk including sex and injection drug use
Must be able to work independently, poses time management skills, and meet deadlines
Basic computer and keyboard proficiency using Microsoft Office software
1 year of experience maintaining accurate records and handling confidential paperwork, and working with Electronic Health records or equivalent filing system
Complete and pass a criminal history background check
Applicants in recovery from substance abuse must have a minimum of 2 years clean & sober
Must not be listed on the Medicaid provider exclusion list
TB test provided by agency

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement: HIV Alliance is a healthcare facility and is requiring all employees to complete their COVID-19 vaccination series by October 18 th , 2021. For more information, please visit https://www.oregon.gov/gov/Documents/executive_orders/eo_21-29.pdf and our employment page https://hivalliance.org/engage/careers-at-hivalliance/

Preferred Qualifications
Ability to work with diverse populations
1 year of experience working with people living with HIV/AIDS, HepC, and other chronic health conditions, and members of the LGBTQ community
Bilingual in Spanish preferred
Poses effective oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills and organizational skills
Exceptional applicants will have experience facilitating support groups
Ability to provide HIV education, including explanation of available services, and partner programs to all clients

Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required
· Repetitive use of hands such as grasping, twisting/turning of wrists, and finger dexterity necessary to perform various clerical duties, such as typing and writing.
· Frequent use of arms such as pushing and pulling to open and close drawers and cabinets
· Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time at an assigned station
· Ability to bend, stand, and reach to be able to transport clients and to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds (harm reduction kits, naloxone kits, testing and education materials)
· Continuous clarity of vision at 20 inches or less for processing of paperwork
· Ability to walk at a reasonable pace for 2 hours
The physical demands described above here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Working conditions, Travel and Environment
The duties of this job require individuals be able to work in non-traditional and community-based settings
The duties of this job require regular attendance and
· Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends
· Ability to work 5 days per week for a minimum of 40 hours per week
Travel to other locations as necessary to complete essential job functions
· Ability to transport self to job-related events and locations

Supplemental Questions
What do you want us to know that is not reflected in your resume and application packet?
What is the most important thing we need to know about you in order to create a work environment where you will succeed?
What do you see as your strengths and weaknesses as they apply to this position?
How would you handle a situation in which someone made a sexist, racist, homophobic or otherwise prejudiced remark?

If you're offered this job, you may need to work from home due to COVID risk in your area. As a new employee, HIV Alliance can assist you set up a home office. Please let us know which situation best applies to you.
- I have reliable internet
- I don't have reliable internet but with assistance I can obtain it
- I live in an area without reliable internet connection
- I am not sure

Have you previously assigned a google phone number to your cell phone? Responses to this question will have no bearing on the final hiring decision.
- I already have a google phone number assigned
- I don’t have a google phone number assigned
- I don’t know what a google phone number is
- I am not sure

HIV Alliance is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the ADA. HIV Alliance encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status.
HIV Alliance prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, age, sex, sexual/affectional orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital or partnership status, veteran status, political affiliation or belief, genetic information, HIV antibody status or any other factor protected by law or association with any of these classes, in its services, employment, or use of volunteers.
HIV Alliance is a community united to stop the spread of the HIV epidemic. We strive to create an environment where everyone is empowered to reach their full potential. We value the diverse perspectives that each of us brings to this work, understanding the influences of culture, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, age, sex, sexual/affectional orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital or partnership status, veteran status, political affiliation or belief, genetic information and HIV status in shaping our life experiences. We pledge to listen and ask questions before making judgments, and to continue to educate ourselves and each other. We recognize that we will only be successful against the HIV epidemic in a culture where oppression is not tolerated.

Location: 132 NE B St, Grants Pass, OR 97526

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: Multiple Locations