Mental Health Peer Support Specialist (PSS) - Clinic Sites - MH086

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.

Company Mission:

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.

About the Company:

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.

Position Overview:

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.

What you will do:

• 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.

We would like to hear from people that have:

• Associates or Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or other related field.
• Must hold a Peer Wellness Specialist or Peer Support Specialist certification and be registered with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Traditional Healthcare Worker Registry.
• Reliable transportation, current driver’s license with a clean driving record, and proof of auto insurance.
• At least one year of professional experience working with individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use disorders.
• Knowledge of community resources and entitlement programs.
• Knowledge and understanding of mental illness, medications, symptoms, and treatments.
• Ability to engage and interact positively with consumers to promote strengths and improve health and well-being.
• Initiative to communicate effectively in coordinating care.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Knowledge and skill in working in a multi-cultural environment.
• Experience working within the Native American/Alaska Native community is considered a plus.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment or for cause drug tests.
• Ability to pass criminal background and DMV checks.

What’s in it for you?

14 Paid Holidays: New Years 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, and December 25th!

Benefits: Employees working 20 hours, or more are eligible for benefits. Benefits are effective from the 1st of the month following the date of hire.

• Affordable Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance through Kaiser Permanente
• 14 Paid Holidays (Listed Above)
• 13 Paid Days of Sick Time
• 13 Paid Days of PTO (Vacation accruals increase with years of service to a maximum of 26 days)
• $50,000 Life Insurance & AD&D
• Short Term and Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Spending Account
• 401(k) with 4% Match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Inclement Weather Days (Snow Days)
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness -NARA NW is a local 501(c)3 nonprofit, FQHC

How to apply:

• To Quick Apply, go to Careers – NARA NW (naranorthwest.org)
• Look for the position you want to apply for and submit a resume (Required) and cover letter (Optional), that’s all!
• Feel free to contact recruiting@naranorthwest.org if you have any questions or would like to know where your application is in the process.

NARA NW Mission: Our mission is to provide education, physical and mental health services and substance abuse treatment that is culturally appropriate to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and everyone in need.

NARA NW is fully committed to supporting sobriety. To support NARA NW in its mission, all employees agree to refrain from illicit drug use, marijuana use, and prescription drug abuse, both on and off the job. In addition, all employees agree to model alcohol sobriety. Modeling alcohol sobriety means not consuming, discussing, or promoting the use of alcohol, on the job, on social media and when in the community where the employee would be likely to be seen by NARA NW clients or community. If in recovery, employees must have been sober/clean for a length of time sufficient to demonstrate that they will be able to remain sober.

Consistent with NARA NW’s sobriety policy, all employees, volunteers, interns, and contractors, as applicable, are required to sign a “Drug-Free/Alcohol-Free Workplace Certification Form” and NARA NW “Modeling Sobriety Policy Form” as a condition of employment to confirm that they are aware of this policy and that they agree to comply with it. Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. This policy is subject to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and its state counterpart

Preference in hiring is given to qualified Native Americans in accordance with the Indian Preference Act (Title 25, US Code, Sections 472 and 473). NARA Northwest is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Within the scope of Indian Preference, all candidates will receive equal consideration. Experience working with Native American/ Alaska Native community is considered a plus.

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