Peer Navigator

Ideal Option; Newport (OR); On-site; USD 36,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical vision dental

Disability insurance

Life insurance

401K plan

Pet insurance

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Job summary

Ideal Option in Newport, Oregon is seeking a Peer Navigator to support individuals experiencing homelessness and substance use disorders. The role focuses on outreach, advocacy, care coordination, and documentation of services provided to clients in Lane County.

The ideal candidate has lived recovery experience, CRM/QMHA endorsements, and strong engagement skills, with a commitment to harm-reduction principles and HIPAA-compliant confidentiality.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 2 years clean and sober with lived recovery experience.
• Experience serving populations facing homelessness, SUD, mental illness and justice involvement.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Strong communication and de-escalation skills.

Responsibilities

• Respond with EMS and partners to assist individuals with non-medical health needs.
• Conduct outreach and engagement with homelessness, SUD, mental health challenges, and food insecurity.
• Connect individuals to housing, treatment programs, MAT, mental health resources, and benefits.
• Provide peer support and recovery-oriented coaching.
• Help navigate complex systems and overcome barriers to services.
• Advocate for clients with providers and partner agencies.
• Document client interactions, referrals, and follow-ups promptly.
• Collaborate with EMS, hospitals, behavioral health, shelters, and community orgs.
• Attend team meetings and ongoing training; maintain confidentiality per HIPAA.

Skills

Peer support

Outreach

Advocacy

Trauma-informed approach

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Location: Newport, OR

Compensation: $30/hr

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 40 hours a week

Job Type: Full-time

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 a Peer Navigator for 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

$30/hr