Peer Support Specialist - HS042

Native American Rehabilitation Assoc. of the NW; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 29,728 - 40,281; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with 4% match

Flexible Spending Account

Job summary

Native American Rehabilitation Assoc. of the NW is seeking a Peer Support Specialist for the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program in Portland, Oregon. This role involves providing peer counseling, support, and resources to veterans for recovery and personal growth.

The ideal candidate will have lived experience in behavioral health services and a high school diploma. The position offers a salary range of $21.58 – $29.24 hourly, working Monday to Friday.

Qualifications

• Must pass a pre-employment drug test.
• Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Demonstrate ability to perform CPR and First Aid.

Responsibilities

• Provide peer counseling and support services.
• Help participants access medical and social services.
• Support participants in developing daily living skills.

Skills

Self-identification as a current or former recipient of behavioral health services

Communication skills

Knowledge of mental illness and addiction

Flexibility and confidentiality

Ability to work collaboratively in a team

Education

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent

Tools

CPR and First Aid certification

Computers for word processing and scheduling

Job description

Job Details

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

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

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Salary Range: $21.58 – $29.24 hourly (non‑exempt)

Position Type: Full Time

Job Shift: Day

Position Overview

The VASH Continuum Peer Support Specialist is an integral member of the housing team, offering expertise in recovery, symptom management, and the persistence required for participants to achieve a satisfying life. The role collaborates to promote a team culture that recognizes each participant’s perspective, experiences, and preferences within a Native American/Alaska Native context. Responsibilities include providing peer counseling, acting as a liaison with community resources, carrying out support functions, and assisting in behavioral health services under clinical supervision. Services may be delivered in individual residences, NARA sites, or community settings.

What You Will Do

• Openly identify as a veteran who has lived the experience of receiving behavioral health services and act as a role model to inspire hope.
• 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, including mentoring, advocacy, coordination, side‑by‑side individualized support, problem‑solving, direct assistance, and supervision to help participants obtain necessities of daily living such as medical, dental, legal, financial, and transportation services.
• Increase awareness of and support participation in consumer self‑help programs, culturally specific services, and advocacy organizations that promote recovery.
• Assist in assessing participants’ support service needs and suggest appropriate changes in service plans to ensure responsive care.
• 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.
• Help participants gain financial support, including assistance with employment and entitlement applications.
• Teach money‑management skills such as budgeting and bill payment.
• Assist participants in accessing reliable transportation, including driver’s license acquisition and transportation arrangements.
• Support participants in obtaining and effectively using a primary care physician, dentist, and other specialists as required.
• Organize and lead individual and group social and recreational activities to build social skills and cultural engagement.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation and uphold confidentiality at all times.
• Actively seek information and training to maintain professional skills.

Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Self‑identify as a current or former recipient of behavioral health services and be willing to share lived experiences.
• Complete Peer Wellness Training approved by the Oregon Health Authority or qualify to be certified as a Peer Support Specialist within six months of hire, or qualify to be credentialed as a Certified Recovery Mentor through MHACCBO.
• Knowledge of mental illness, addiction, and physical health with ability to work within an integrated care system.
• Exceptional interpersonal communication skills and ability to engage participants positively and coordinate care with an integrated team.
• Flexibility, confidentiality, and commitment to professional boundaries with participants and staff, and proven ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Pass a pre‑employment or for‑cause drug test.
• Pass a criminal background and DMV check.
• Demonstrate ability to perform CPR and First Aid; CPR and First Aid certificates must be current.
• Comfort working with individuals experiencing symptoms of mental illness.
• Competent with computers for word processing, internet, email, and scheduling, or willing to learn these skills.
• Valid driver’s license, good driving record, and reliable transportation.
• Ability to report to work reliably and in a timely fashion.

Benefits

• Affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance through Kaiser Permanente.
• 15 paid holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Battle of Little Big Horn, Independence Day, Labor Day, Native American Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Day After Thanksgiving, December 25th, and birthday.
• 13 paid days of sick time.
• 13 paid days of PTO (vacation accruals increase with service years up to a maximum of 26 days).
• $50,000 life insurance with AD&D.
• Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance.
• Flexible Spending Account.
• Health Spending Account.
• 401(k) with 4% match.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Inclement weather days (snow days).
• Public student loan forgiveness.

Employment Policies

NARA NW is fully committed to supporting sobriety. All employees agree to refrain from illicit drug use, marijuana use, and prescription drug abuse, both on and off the job, and to model alcohol sobriety on the job, in social media, and in community settings where clients may be present. Employees in recovery must be sober for a length of time sufficient to demonstrate sustained sobriety. All personnel must sign a Drug‑Free/Alcohol‑Free Workplace Certification Form and a Modeling Sobriety Policy Form. Violation of this policy results in disciplinary action up to termination, while complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state laws.

Equal Opportunity

Preference in hiring is given to qualified Native Americans in accordance with the Indian Preference Act (Title 25, U.S. Code, Sections472 and473). NARA Northwest is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Within the scope of Indian Preference, all candidates receive equal consideration. Experience working with Native American/Alaska Native communities is considered a plus.

Legal Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be an all‑inclusive list of all responsibilities, skills, or working conditions. While it reflects the position’s activities and requirements, the agency reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary.