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Peer Support Specialist

White Grape Community Services
place Portland, 97296
local_atm $20 - $22 an hour
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Multiple Types Available
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Spanish, Russian
Experience:
Avoidant Personality Disorder
Aging
Coping Skills
Racism, Diversity, and Tolerance
ECT
Individuals

About Job

Required:

Job Summary:

White Grape Community Services is seeking a compassionate, dedicated, and experienced Peer Support Specialist to join our team. The Peer Support Specialist will provide one-on-one and group support to individuals experiencing mental health challenges, using their lived experience to empower others in their recovery journey. This role will focus on promoting mental wellness, self-advocacy, and recovery-oriented services through peer-based support. **MUST HAVE Oregon Peer Support Specialist Certification BEFORE APPLYING**

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide emotional support, mentorship, and guidance based on personal lived experience with mental health challenges.
  • Assist clients in identifying their goals for recovery and help them develop a plan to achieve those goals.
  • Conduct individual and group peer support sessions, offering encouragement, empathy, and shared experiences.
  • Share personal stories of recovery to help clients understand the process of mental health recovery.
  • Offer clients tools and resources for managing mental health, such as self-care strategies, coping skills, and problem-solving techniques.

Client Engagement and Empowerment:

  • Build trusting, respectful relationships with clients by maintaining a non-judgmental and supportive presence.
  • Encourage clients to actively participate in their recovery process and empower them to make their own decisions.
  • Assist clients in navigating mental health services, including connecting them to necessary resources, services, and community programs.

Collaboration and Teamwork:

  • Collaborate with case managers, therapists, and other healthcare providers to create holistic care plans.
  • Attend team meetings to provide feedback on client progress and identify any areas of concern.
  • Participate in ongoing training and professional development to maintain skills and knowledge of recovery-oriented practices.
  • Documentation and Reporting:
  • Maintain accurate and confidential records of interactions with clients, including progress notes and activity logs.
  • Adhere to all organizational policies and guidelines regarding documentation and confidentiality.
  • Report any concerns regarding client safety or well-being to the appropriate supervisor or healthcare provider.

Community Outreach and Advocacy:

  • Act as a liaison to community organizations and services, advocating for clients’ needs and connecting them to available resources.
  • Promote the importance of mental health awareness and recovery in the community, reducing stigma and supporting inclusivity.

Qualifications:

  • Oregon Peer Support Specialist Certification **MUST HAVE BEFORE APPLYING**
  • Lived experience with mental health challenges and a commitment to recovery.
  • Minimum of high school diploma or GED.
  • Ability to maintain boundaries while building supportive, empathetic relationships.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including active listening.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Understanding of and respect for confidentiality and ethical guidelines in mental health and peer support.
  • Basic computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Office and electronic health record systems.

Preferred:

  • Previous experience in peer support, mental health services, or a related field.
  • Familiarity with local mental health resources and services in Oregon.
  • Knowledge of recovery-based principles and practices.
  • Bilingual abilities (Spanish, Russian, or other languages) are a plus.

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
  • Ability to engage in long periods of sitting, standing, or walking, as required.
  • Ability to work in an office environment, client homes, or community settings.

Benefits:

  • Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
  • Supportive work environment that values diversity and inclusion.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit their resume Whitegrapeofficemanager@gmail.com

White Grape Community Services is an equal-opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We encourage applications from individuals with lived experiences, people of color, veterans, and those from diverse communities.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Contract

Pay: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20 – 40 per week

Schedule:

  • 4 hour shift
  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Evening shift

Work Location: In person

Professional Field

professional badgeOther Behavioral, Mental, or Healthcare Field
professional badgePeer Specialist

Patient Focus

Diagnoses

Avoidant Personality Disorder

Issues

Aging
Coping Skills
Racism, Diversity, and Tolerance

Therapeutic Approach

Methodologies

ECT

Modalities

Individuals

Practice Specifics

Populations

Peer Support
Victims of Crime/Abuse (VOC/VOA)

Settings

Milieu
Private Practice
Research Facilities/Labs/Clinical Trials
Home Health/In-home
Military