Supported Housing Peer Support Specialist at BestCare Treatment Services, Inc in Madras, Oregon

Job Description:

JOB SUMMARY: The Mental Health Supported Housing Peer Support Specialist will provide support service components to clients who are eligible and accepted into the Rental Assistance/Supported Housing Program (SHP) to provide support and resources to improve and maintain their ability to live as independently as possible within the community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Works with clients in securing and maintaining housing;Works closely with other staff and as a key member of the Mental Health Team to provide effective, compassionate care and supports;Assists clients with accessing resources, benefits, and entitlement programs;Completes administrative paperwork, including but not limited to participant screening and all administrative paperwork required related to client housing and the Supported Housing Program;Provides support to mental health clients in achieving their treatment plans (ISSP/Individual Services & Support Plan) goals and objectives;Stays abreast of state housing codes/standards and ensures that each prospective rental unit is in full compliance with said housing standards;Provides transportation for clients when appropriate and under the direction of the mental health clinician and/or MH Clinical Supervisor;When appropriate, conducts or participates in client home visits and welfare checks, working in conjunction with the mental health clinician and/or MH clinical supervisor;Assists with the facilitation and coordination of skill-building such as completing applications, budgeting, timely bill payments, accessing community resources, maintaining healthy relationships, and applying for mainstream housing resources (HUD/Section 8);Maintains clinical documentation within agency stated guidelines;Participates in training (agency, state, regional, etc.) that will assist the employee in their position;Models appropriate behavior to the newer staff and helps to train and orient new staff to the program. In addition to being a positive role model, provides assistance to clients, showing compassion and being effective in engaging clients in mental health treatment services wherever possible; Other related duties as assigned by immediate supervisor or Program Director.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Performs work in alignment with the BestCares mission, vision, values and professional code of ethics; Supports the organizations commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by fostering a culture of open-mindedness, cultural awareness, compassion, and respect for all individuals; Strives to meet Program/Department goals and supports the organizations strategic goals; Adheres to the organizations Code of Conduct, Business Ethics, Employee Handbook, and all other relevant policies, procedures, and other compliance needs; Understands and maintains professionalism and confidentiality per HIPAA, 42 CFR, and Oregon Statutes; Attends required program/staff meetings and completes assigned training timely and satisfactorily; Ensures that any required certifications and/or licenses are kept current and renewed timely; Works independently as well as participates as a positive, collaborative team member;Acts independently in the community and promotes a positive image of Crook County, the Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Program, and BestCare Treatment Services; Performs other organizational duties as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
High School Diploma (or equivalent) required Must meet the Oregon Administrative Rules definition of a peer: any individual who has similar life experience, either as a current or former recipient of addictions or mental health services, or as a family member of an individual who is a current or former recipient of addictions or mental health services. Familiarity with mental illness and substance abusing populations as well as people with disabilities, and community resources. For individuals in recovery from substance-use disorder and/or mental illness, must have maintained continuous recovery for the previous two years at the time of hire

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Peer Support Specialist certification (PSS, THW, PWS) from a State-approved training program is required. New Hires that do not hold a current certification must make an application within the first 30 days of employment and complete within 6 months from date of hire Must maintain a valid Oregon Driver License or ability to obtain one upon hire, and be insurable under the organizations auto liability coverage policy (minimum 21 years of age and with no Type A violations in the past 3 years, or three (3) or more Type B violations)

PREFERRED:
Lived experience and/or understanding of the unique difficulties of those who are transient or experiencing houselessness Associates degree or college courses in a behavioral health field Bilingual in English/Spanish a plus

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES: Must have demonstrated competency or ability to attain competency for each of the following within a reasonable period:
Knowledge of mental health and addiction problems, as well as community resources; Advanced ability to develop strong, collaborative relationships and demonstrate good communication and customer services skills; Ability to demonstrate effective communication, flexibility and good judgement in decision-making; Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively (both orally and in writing); Must have cultural sensitivity and a fundamental respect toward diverse populations and ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds; Must demonstrate ability to record information in assigned client files, consistent with program policies and procedures and applicable OARs; Must have demonstrated skills in developing cooperative and collaborative efforts with providers, families, advocates, and other community partners; Proficiency using electronic medical record systems (EMR); Proficiency in use of Microsoft applications (Office 365, Word, Excel, Outlook, One-Note, Teams, PowerPoint), databases, virtual meeting platforms, internet, and ability to learn new or updated software; Ability to maintain strict confidence as required by HIPAA, 42 CFR, and Oregon Statutes; Strong interpersonal and customer service skills; Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, accuracy, and follow-through; Excellent time management skills; Critical thinking skills and ability to function effectively and use good judgment in crisis situations; Ability to manage conflict resolution and anger/fear/hostility/violence of others appropriately and effectively; Ability to work independently as well as participating as a positive, collaborative team member.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED: Standard office equipment including computer/laptop, copy/fax/scanning machine, printer, and telephone or multi-line phone.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work environment is respectful, multi-cultural and inclusive, and the characteristics described above are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The position requires the employee to dress in a manner that meets the standards for professional attire at Best Care or per department-or job-specific requirements (See Dress Code Policy in Employee Handbook). Other working conditions/demands include:
Primarily indoors (95%) May need to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), as appropriate Must wear attire as prescribed for staff working in the assigned Program Frequently sits at a desk, stands, walks, bends/stoops, reaches above/below shoulders, uses arms, wrists, hands, and grasps/squeezes Occasionally twists, crouches/squats Must be able to perform repetitive tasks/motions, have good manual dexterity Must be able to lift/carry up to 20 lbs. frequently and push/pull 21-75 pounds occasionallyMust be able to hear alarms/telephone/audio/normal speaking voiceMust have clarity of vision: Near (<20); Mid (>20 to < 20); Far (> 20)Must be able to drive motor vehicle to perform jobMay be exposed to communicable disease