Peer Support Specialist

Cultivate Initiatives; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Retirement plan

Job summary

Cultivate Initiatives in Portland, OR is seeking a Peer Support Specialist to work at the Menlo Park Safe Rest Village. This full-time, non-exempt role provides direct support to neighbors, conducts intakes, and connects residents with medical, MH, and community resources.

The position requires current Peer Support Certification, HMIS data entry experience, and knowledge of trauma-informed care and de-escalation.

Qualifications

• Current Peer Support Certification is required.
• HMIS data entry experience preferred.
• Knowledgeable of Trauma Informed Care Principles.
• Knowledgeable of De-Escalation Techniques.

Responsibilities

• Maintains positive relationships with community partners.
• Acts as a liaison between neighbors and MH/Medical/Courts/Community Partners.
• Advocates for neighbors and conducts new intakes.
• Schedules medical appointments, therapy sessions, and support groups.
• Maintains confidentiality and professional conduct.

Skills

Google Docs

Basic computer skills

Education

Peer Support Certification

Tools

HMIS data entry

Job description

About Cultivate Initiatives:

We are a group of people who work alongside those on the margins to empower individuals and communities through an inclusive range of initiatives and support. We build communities from the inside out through workforce development, housing and homemaking, and supportive sheltering.

The Peer Support Specialist is a non-exempt, full-time position working with Menlo Park Safe Rest Village staff to provide outstanding support and services to those living at The Menlo Park Safe Rest Village. The shift for this position is Tuesday-Saturday 1-9:30p.

Compensation/Benefits:

• $24-$26 per hour depending on experience
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans.
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact by contributing to the success of a non-profit organization.
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment that values diversity and professional growth.

Accountability:

• Accountable to the Menlo Park Program Manager

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Maintains positive and professional relationships with community partners
• Acts as a liaison between neighbors and MH/Medical/Courts/Community Partners
• Advocates for neighbors
• Performs new intakes
• Completes required training within 30 days of hire (CPR, Blood borne pathogens, food handlers, etc.)
• Maintains the Peer Support Certification the Mental Health and Addiction Certification Board of Oregon requires
• Responds to neighbor emergencies as needed
• Meets with neighbors regularly to offer one‑on‑one support
• Accompanies neighbors to medical/MH/DMV/legal appointments
• Assists the Engagement Coordinator regarding onsite, holistically focused activities
• Arranges medical appointments, therapy sessions, support groups, and other resources
• Maintains composure in highly stressful or adverse situations
• Maintains confidentiality and earns others’ trust and respect through consistent honesty and professionalism.
• May perform other duties as requested by the supervisor

Qualifications:

• Proficient in Google Docs and emails, basic computer function/navigation
• Current Peer Support Certified
• HMIS data entry experience
• Knowledgeable of Trauma Informed Care Principles
• Knowledgeable of De-Escalation Techniques

Work Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in a tiny home shelter village.
• Ability to work in environments with varying noise levels, from quiet offices to louder settings.
• Work requires the ability to perform manual labor that involves the full range of body movement.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Work requires the ability to perform repetitive wrist, hand, or finger movements due to the continuous use of computer keyboards and other office equipment.
• Must be able to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or religious exemption
• Must be able to provide proof of Driver’s License
• Ability to pass a post-employment drug screen

CI is committed to maintaining a safe and secure work environment for employees and neighbors. As part of our hiring process, we conduct criminal history checks for the top candidates of all recruitments and driving history checks for candidates of positions that require operating company vehicles. CI also conducts routine drug tests.

CI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. CI values a diverse, inclusive workforce and provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, vaccination status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local laws. If you require accommodation to apply, please contact Emily Hutsell at the following number or email.

Questions: [e-mail] or [phone]