Peer Support Specialist- Apple Store

The Peer Company; United States; On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee handbook benefits

Job summary

The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) provides peer support as someone with lived recovery experience to offer a listening, nonjudgmental presence and connect guests with community resources.

The PSS works within and around the downtown Portland Apple retail location, offering immediate support for those experiencing homelessness and related challenges. The role includes 1:1 peer support and coordination with Apple staff for ongoing services.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Criminal background check and pre-hire drug screen conducted per policy.
• Lived recovery experience with SUD/mental health and trauma-informed care principles valued.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 peer support to diverse individuals.
• Collaborate with Apple staff and other providers to connect participants to resources.
• Assist participants in navigating community resources and supports.
• Document support services in program database and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Maintain professional boundaries and ethics; participate in supervision sessions.
• Travel within walking distance to visit community partners as needed.

Skills

Written/Verbal communication

Independent work

Diversity awareness

Typing/tech skills

Lifting up to 25 lbs

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Days/Hours:Wednesday to Sunday 10:30am- 6:30pm

Location:Portland Apple Store, 450 SE Yamhill St. Portland, OR 97204

Benefits:This is a benefited position as outlined in The Peer Company Employee Handbook

Reports to:EVOLVE Peer Delivered Services Program Supervisor

Department:EVOLVE Peer Delivered Services

Job Summary

The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) provides peer support as someone who has similar life experiences and acts as a positive role model for living in recovery. The PSS provides a listening, nonjudgmental presence and connect individuals being served with a full range of community resources.

The Peer Support Specialist in this program provides services within and around the downtown Portland Apple retail location, where many guests get referred to basic needs such as meals, clothing, and phone charging. In this setting, the PSS offers approachable, immediate support to individuals experiencing homelessness and related challenges, including in-the-moment, lower-level crisis assistance when needed. The role also includes providing 1:1 peer support to guests referred by Apple staff who express interest in ongoing peer services. Support may extend into the surrounding community as guests transition between Apple services and other resources. Through this unique partnership, the PSS helps guests navigate community systems, strengthen natural supports, and build a sense of connection while utilizing the Apple store as a consistent access point for engagement.

Qualifications

Education:High school diploma or equivalent required.

Background Check:A criminal background check will be conducted by The Peer Company in accordance with The Peer Company background check policy. A criminal record does not necessarily exclude an individual from employment with The Peer Company.

Pre-Hire Drug Screen:As part of The Peer Company's commitment to fostering a safe, productive, and professional workplace, we require pre-hire drug screenings for all potential employees. The screening will be conducted in accordance with The Peer Company's drug screening policy, as well as applicable state and federal laws.

Experience:

• Identifies as having lived experience in recovery with substance use disorder (SUD) and/or mental health challenges. Has at least 24 months of continuous, sustained recovery with SUD and/or mental health challenges before employment
• Experience with mental health recovery is desirable and highly valued
• Understands the principles of trauma informed care, recovery, consumer-involvement, and trauma-informed care

Employees serving in recovery-focused roles who have lived experience with substance use disorder (SUD) must maintain continuous recovery and remain abstinent by not engaging in substance or alcohol use (illegal, legal, and recreational) during their employment with TPC.

Licensure/Certification:

• Peer Support Specialist (OHA Traditional Health Worker certification) or MHACBO CRM certification required or able to be obtained within 90 days of hire

Skills:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team
• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures
• Typing and general technology skills to easily and efficiently navigate electronic systems (e.g., email, Microsoft Teams, etc.)
• Ability to push/pull/lift/carry items up to 25 pounds

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provides 1:1 peer support to diverse individuals being served in accordance with The Peer Company’s values alignment and principles of peer support
• Participates in regular peer support supervision sessions
• Collaborate with other service providers and interdisciplinary teams to connect participant to resources
• Attend meetings, as applicable, to gain knowledge, communicate program objectives and advocate for the needs of the participants being served
• Implements the regulations, policies, and procedures which pertain to peer-delivered service, The Peer Company, and community partners
• Travels within walking distance to visit community partners and participants, occasionally going with participants to relevant community partners
• Support participants in crisis by helping them to deescalate and identify next steps in their recovery journey
• Assist participants in identifying and engaging various community resources and supports
• Documents support services in a program database in a manner that assures compliance with policies, program procedures and local, state, and federal regulations
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date documentation as required by program deliverables
• Acts as a positive role model for individuals being served and exploring their own path to wellness and recovery
• Respects and honors a person’s rights and responsibilities and demonstrates professional boundaries and ethics
• Meets TPC’s metric-based performance expectations based on organizational standards and contract deliverables
• Adheres to mandatory abuse reporting laws and HIPAA requirements
• Complete other relevant duties as assigned

The above accountabilities represent work performed by this position and are not all-inclusive. The omission of a specific accountability will not preclude it from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical extension of the position.

Employment with The Peer Company is "at-will." This means employees are free to resign at any time, with or without cause, and The Peer Company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or advance notice. As an at-will employee, it is not guaranteed, in any manner, that you will be employed with The Peer Company for any set period of time.

The Peer Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment opportunities at The Peer Company are based upon one's qualifications and capabilities to perform the essential functions of a particular job. All employment opportunities are provided without regard to race, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, national origin, age, Veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.