Peer Support Specialist - Estate

Central City Concern; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 34,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO and holidays

403(b) retirement with employer match

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

Life and Disability Insurance

Sabbatical program

Employee assistance and wellness

Job summary

Central City Concern seeks a Peer Support Specialist (Recovery Mentor) to engage clients, escort to treatment, and connect them with community resources at the Hooper Center and partner facilities. The role focuses on outreach, relationship-building with providers, and supporting client self-sufficiency including housing and employment goals.

Ideal candidates bring CRM or Peer Wellness credentials, maintain a valid driver's license, and demonstrate strong communication and de-escalation skills

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED or demonstrated ability to read/write at required level.
• Must be CRM registered or certified Peer Support Specialist with THW registration.
• Must have a valid driver's license and pass DMV checks; maintain auto liability coverage.
• Must pass pre-employment drug screen and background check.
• Flexible schedule including evenings and weekends.
• Ability to interact respectfully with diverse populations and adhere to non-discrimination policies.
• Ability to bend, lift, and perform physical tasks as needed.
• Knowledge of HIPAA/privacy requirements and CCC policies.

Responsibilities

• Engage prospective clients through outreach, appointments, and home visits.
• Develop relationships with community organizations and advocacy groups.
• Connect participants with services and supports.
• Collaborate with treatment teams and referral networks.
• Escort clients to treatment episodes and medical appointments as needed.
• Maintain records and follow-up on client progress.
• Introduce clients to self-help supports and activities.
• Participate in admission and discharge planning and privacy compliance.

Skills

CRM registration

Driver's license

Flexible schedule

De-escalation skills

Clear communication

Diversity & inclusion

HIPAA compliance

Education

High school diploma or GED

Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM) or Peer Wellness Specialist with THW registration

Job description

Peer Support Specialist (Recovery Mentor) | Central City Concern

Your lived experience can inspire hope. Your support can change lives. Join CCC and make a difference where it matters most.

The Recovery Mentor Specialist will conduct interventions with clients at the Hooper Center and other treatment institutions. The Mentor will escort and provide transportation for clients to initial post Detox treatment episodes, primary care providers, twelve-step meetings, and other outside support meetings. The Recovery Mentor will work with Hooper Staff and other Treatment Providers for potential referrals. The Mentor will work to prepare clients to continue on the path to self-sufficiency such as employment and stable housing.

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30am- 5:00pm (Saturday & Sunday Off)

Location: Estate (225 NW Couch St. Portland, OR 97209)

Compensation: $25.05 - $33.24

*Final comp will be determined based on relevant experience, education, credentials/licensure, and internal equity. External candidates: Offer max is $29.07/hr per our Union contract.

AFSCME Union This role is a Union Represented position through; American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). You can find more information about your representation here www.afscme.org This position could be subject to Recall Rights: This applies to employees who were previously laid off from a CCC union-represented position. The previous employee may have recall rights to be considered for rehire before internal or external candidates are considered.

Seniority Bid Window Opens: 8/25/2026

Seniority Bid Window Closes: 9/02/2026

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Requires high school diploma, GED, or demonstrated ability to read and write at a sufficient level.
• Must be registered, prior to start, as a Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM) with MHACBO; OR be a certified Peer Support Specialist (or Peer Wellness Specialist) AND be registered as a Traditional Health Worker (THW) on the THW Registry.
• Must possess a current drivers license, pass a DMV background check and be designated an 'acceptable' driver as outlined in Central City Concern's Fleet Safety Policy. Must pass an initial Annual Drivers training and then pass an annual Recertification training. Must maintain vehicle insurance coverage of a minimum of $100,000/$300,000 personal auto liability coverage.
• Ability to adhere to Central City Concern's drug-free workplace which encourages a safe, healthy and productive work environment and strictly complies with the Drug-Free Work Place Ace of 1988.An employee shall not, in the workplace, unlawfully manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess or use a controlled substance or alcohol.
• Flexible work schedule required, including some evening and weekend work.
• Will be required to carry an agency cell phone for work use. Cell phone will be provided by Central City Concern.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
• Must generally have the ability to bend, stoop, kneel, squat, twist, reach, pull and lift heavy objects and climb stairs, with reasonable or no accommodation.
• Must adhere to agency's non-discrimination policies.
• Ability to effectively interact with co-workers and clients with diverse ethnic backgrounds, religious views, political affiliation, cultural backgrounds, lifestyles and sexual orientations, and treat individuals with respect and dignity.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate in outreach efforts to engage prospective clients, including appointments, home visits, and work in the community.
• Develop relationships with organizations, providers, community leaders, and advocacy groups serving a diverse community.
• Connect participants with services and supports.
• Collaborate with treatment team, agency, client's support networks, and community providers to address the needs of clients.
• Assist with screenings, intakes, case plans, discharges, and follow-up calls.
• Escort clients to initial treatment episodes, to primary care provider, and to other providers when appropriate.
• Follow-up with referral resources to determine outcome of intervention and maintain records on their progress.
• Introduce clients to appropriate self-help support and other supportive services/activities.
• Conduct urinary analysis on clients as needed.
• Advocate and provide referral services to assure that participants get access to a variety of services and benefits, including mental health and physical health services.
• Participate in admission and discharge planning for any client needing hospitalization or sub-acute level of care.
• Work within scope of training and experience and seek consultation when appropriate.
• Adhere to all state and federal privacy regulations, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, and to CCC policies and agreements regarding confidentiality, privacy, and security. Support compliance with all privacy and security requirements pursuant to community partners' and outside providers' patient confidentiality agreements, including privacy and security requirements for EMR access. This includes immediate reporting of any PHI breach of CCC or outside provider health records to the CCC Legal and Quality departments, as well as to the program administrator.
• Monitor office and answer telephone as necessary.
• Participate in compliance, quality assurance and quality improvement activities as directed.
• Attend all mandatory CCC trainings in a timely manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to consider the impacts and outcomes for underserved communities during decision-making process.
• Ability to consider impacts of oppression, structural racism, and individual bias on client outcomes.
• Ability to provide appropriate services for Mentor clients.
• Skills in program planning, including the development of goals, objectives, timelines, scheduling and evaluation.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and necessary paperwork.
• Ability to work in an environment where people may exhibit behaviors that are hostile or abusive.
• Ability to manage time and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work courteously and communicate effectively with the general public, clients, other community service providers, medical personnel, corrections personnel and co-workers.
• Ability to learn and apply training instruction.
• Knowledge of de-escalation methods or ability to be trained in de-escalation methods.
• Conflict resolution skills.
• Knowledge and skills in chemical dependency and crisis intervention.
• Proficient with computers.
• Sufficient manual dexterity and physical ability to perform assigned tasks.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Benefits at Central City Concern:

We offer incredible benefits to our employees, including an extensive total rewards package, competitive compensation, medical, dental, vision, Student loan repayment options, and retirement savings matching plans!

• Generous paid time off plan beginning at 4 weeks of PTO accrual per year! Accrual amount/rate increases with longevity.
• Up to 11 recognized Holidays and 2 personal holidays (dependent on work shift schedule).
• Amazing 403(b) Retirement Savings plan with an employer match of 4.25% in your 1st year, 6% in the 2nd year, and 8% in your 3rd year!
• Comprehensive Medical, Vision, and Dental insurance coverage.
• Employer-Paid Life, Short-Term Disability, & Long-Term Disability Insurance!
• Sabbatical Program offering extended time off at years 7, 14, and 21.

This description is intended to provide a snapshot of the work performed and is not designed to contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of the position.

As an agency deeply rooted in recovery, part of our policy and commitment to a drug and alcohol-free workplace includes post-offer, pre-employment drug screens. Please note we follow Federal Guidelines regarding prohibited substances, even for those legal at the state level.

Central City Concern is a second chance employer and complies with applicable laws regarding consideration of criminal background for employment purposes. Government regulations, contractual requirements, or the duties of this job may require CCC to conduct a background check and take appropriate action to address prior criminal convictions.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.