Mental Health Peer Support Specialist; PSS Clinic Sites - MH

Overview

Title: Mental Health Peer Support Specialist

Location: Wellness Center - 12360 E Burnside St., Portland, OR 97233 (3 days/week);
Indian Health Clinic - 703 NE Hancock St., Portland, OR 97212 (2 days/week)

Schedule: This is an in-person position, Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm.

Wage Range: $21.58 – $29.24 hourly, Non-Exempt

If you are a motivated and dedicated Mental Health Peer Support Specialist looking for an opportunity to contribute to an organization making a positive impact, we want to hear from you!

At NARA Northwest, you’ll find a supportive work environment where every team member is valued and respected. Whether you’re passionate about healthcare, behavioral health, education, or social services, there’s a place for you to make a meaningful difference.

The mission of NARA NW is to provide education, physical, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment that is culturally appropriate to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and anyone in need.

At NARA NW, we deliver services and support to Native American and Alaska Native communities, helping individuals lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. With over 450 employees across a variety of programs—including medical and dental care, addiction treatment, housing assistance, and enrichment initiatives NARA NW offers numerous opportunities for growth and advancement, all while making a tangible, positive impact on the lives of others.

The Mental Health Peer Support Specialist provides peer support, case management, and community support services (assistance with maintaining income, housing, basic needs, independent living skills, crisis intervention, and care coordination) for NARA NW clients. Works as a part of the Mental Health team and in close collaboration with the Addictions and Outreach teams, Medical services, and other NARA NW programs. Assists clients and providers in developing and implementing strengths-based service plans for case management and community-based services.

• Provide peer support, case management, and community-based services to clients living with mental health concerns that significantly affect their functioning.
• Assist with obtaining benefits such as insurance and Social Security benefits, SNAP, job training, housing, health care, socialization, and other community resources as identified in a strengths-based plan.
• Provide skills training, such as finance management, medication management, disease/illness management, self-advocacy, applying for housing, applying for jobs, use of public transportation, nutrition, hygiene, etc.
• Targeted crisis intervention in collaboration with clients’ primary behavioral health and medical providers.
• Monitor well-being of clients in the community setting on a routine basis as determined by service plan (outreach).
• Provide a warm handoff for clients who are being referred to internal and external resources, (e.g. attending first appointments with client at health clinic, addictions intake, housing, cultural activities, etc.).
• Coordination of care – actively initiate and maintain communication and collaboration with all members of client’s support system and service team as permitted by the client.
• Assist clients with SUD in finding AA/NA meetings and other recovery supports, in close collaboration with Recovery Support Services and Outreach Team.