Peer Navigator

Ideal Option PLLC; Cottage Grove (OR); On-site; USD 34,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision, and dental

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

401K retirement

Pet Insurance

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Ideal Option is seeking a Peer Navigator to support Lane County, Oregon, coordinating outreach, navigation of housing and treatment resources, and peer-based recovery coaching. The role focuses on individuals facing homelessness, substance use disorders, and complex barriers to care.

Candidates should have lived recovery experience, be familiar with harm-reduction practices, and hold CRM/QMHA endorsements. The position aligns with robust benefits and a mission-driven team.

Qualifications

• Experience serving populations affected by poverty and behavioral health with harm reduction.
• Lived recovery experience required or strongly preferred.
• CRM, QMHA, or forensic peer endorsements are valued.
• Must live in Lane County, Oregon and know local resources.

Responsibilities

• Respond with EMS and partners to assist individuals with non-medical social and behavioral health needs.
• Conduct outreach to people experiencing homelessness, SUD, mental health challenges, and food insecurity.
• Connect individuals to housing, treatment, mental health services, and other resources.
• Provide peer support, recovery-oriented coaching, and advocacy with providers.

Skills

Engagement skills

Lived recovery experience

Communication & de-escalation

Education

Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM)

Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA)

Forensic Peer Endorsement

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Location: Cottage Grove, OR

Compensation: $30/hr

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 40 hours a week

Ideal Option has been working on the front lines of the opioid epidemic since our first clinic opened in 2012. With more than 80 clinics across 9 states, we continuously strive to be the nation’s leading provider of low-barrier evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder.

We are looking for aPeer Navigatorfor Lane County in Oregon and to help us in our vision to give back lives, reunite families, and heal communities that are suffering from the devastating effects of substance use disorder.

The ideal candidate brings strong engagement skills, lived experience in recovery, and the ability to build trust with individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders, justice system involvement, and other barriers to care. The Peer Navigator will provide outreach, advocacy, care coordination, and documentation of services provided.

We value our patients and our employees! We treat our employees like we would want to be treated ourselves: with respect and compassion. Below are some specifics on what Ideal Option offers and the role.

Benefits:

• Medical, vision, and dental
• Short-term and long-term disability options
• Life insurance
• Employee Assistance and Life Assistance programs
• A 401K retirement program
• Pet Insurance
• Paid time off and paid holidays

Job responsibilities include:

• Respond alongside EMS and community partners to assist individuals with non-medical social and behavioral health needs
• Conduct outreach and engagement with individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders, mental health challenges, and food insecurity
• Connect individuals to community resources including: Emergency and transitional housing, Substance use treatment programs, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) services, Mental health services, Food and clothing resources, Transportation and benefits assistance
• Provide peer support, encouragement, and recovery-oriented coaching
• Assist individuals in navigating complex systems and overcoming barriers to services
• Advocate for clients with community providers and partner agencies
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of client interactions, referrals, and follow-up activities
• Collaborate with EMS personnel, hospitals, behavioral health providers, shelters, law enforcement, and community organizations
• Participate in team meetings, case coordination, and ongoing training opportunities
• Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries in accordance with agency policies and HIPAA requirements

Our ideal candidate has:

• Experience serving populations impacted by extreme poverty, behavioral health conditions, and mental illness from a harm reduction model of care.
• Be a Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM)
• Be a Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA)
• Have previous Forensic Peer Endorsement experience.
• Must live in Lane County, Oregon and be familiar with local resources and service systems.
• The ability to respectfully engage and develop a working alliance with the people we are serving.
• Demonstrates a compassionate, trauma-informed approach when supporting individuals with diverse needs and experiences
• Maintains strong professional boundaries while fostering trust and rapport
• Exhibits cultural humility and respect when working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and communities
• Skilled in engaging and building relationships with individuals who may be hesitant or resistant to services
• Dependable, adaptable, and proactive in identifying solutions and responding to changing situations

Minimum Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED Required
• Minimum of two (2) years clean and sober with lived recovery expererience
• Experience working with vulnerable populations including individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders, mental illness, and justice system involvement
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and de-escalation skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Basic computer and documentation skills
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required