Peer Support Specialist - HS042

Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest, Inc. (NARA); Portland (OR); On-site; USD 29,728 - 40,281; Part time

Job summary

The Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest, Inc. (NARA) is seeking a Peer Support Specialist for the VASH Continuum in Portland, Oregon. This role supports veterans and their families on their recovery journey, helping them access resources and providing vital support.

As a Peer Support Specialist, you will work alongside team staff, provide direct services, and lead social and recreational activities while ensuring up-to-date documentation and confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Openly identify as a Veteran with lived experience.
• Provide expertise and consultation based on unique life experiences.
• Teach symptom-management techniques to participants.

Responsibilities

• Act as a role model for participants in recovery.
• Provide direct assistance to help participants meet daily needs.
• Organize individual and group social activities.

Skills

Veteran with lived experience

Crisis intervention

Advocacy

Mentoring

Symptom management techniques

Job description

Title: Peer Support Specialist - VASH (Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing) Continuum - HS042

Location: River House - 211 SE Caruthers Street Portland, OR 97214

Schedule: Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm

Wage Range: $21.58 - $29.24 non-exempt, hourly

Seeking a motivated and dedicated Peer Support Specialist for the VASH Continuum. The role supports veterans and their families in their recovery journey.

Position Overview

The VASH Continuum Peer Support Specialist is a fully integrated member of the housing team, providing expertise on the recovery process, symptom management, and the persistence required by participants to have a satisfying life. The Specialist collaborates with team staff, acts as a liaison with community resources, and assists in behavioral‑health services, education, support, and crisis intervention under clinical supervision.

Responsibilities

• Openly identify as a Veteran who has lived the experience of receiving behavioral health services and act as a role model to inspire hope and share life experiences.
• Provide expertise and consultation from a consumer perspective to the entire team concerning each participant’s unique experience and perceptions.
• Offer practical help and support, mentoring, advocacy, coordination, side‑by‑side individualized support, problem solving, direct assistance and supervision to help participants obtain daily necessities such as medical and dental care, legal services, financial support (SSI, SSDI, veterans’ benefits), money‑management services, and transportation.
• Increase awareness of and support participation in consumer self‑help programs, culturally specific services, and advocacy organizations that promote recovery.
• Assist in ongoing assessment of participant support‑service needs and suggest appropriate changes in service plans.
• Provide direct clinical services to participants on an individual, group, and family basis in community settings, teaching symptom‑management techniques and promoting personal growth.
• Provide nutrition education and assistance with meal planning, grocery shopping, and food preparation.
• Ensure participants have adequate financial support, including help with employment and entitlements.
• Teach money‑management skills (budgeting and paying bills) and assist participants in accessing financial services.
• Help participants gain reliable transportation, including obtaining a driver’s license, arranging medical transport, and using public transportation.
• Assist participants in effectively managing primary care, dental, and other specialist visits.
• Organize and lead individual and group social and recreational activities, increasing social experiences and cultural engagement.
• Maintain appropriate, timely documentation and confidentiality at all times.
• Actively seek information and trainings to maintain professional skill level.