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Form of workJob Description
Pay Scale: $25.00 per hour.
FTE: 1 FTE (40 hours per week)
Benefits: This is a benefited position as outlined in the MHAAO Employee Handbook TITLE: OLDER ADULT (55 +) PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST/ RECOVERY MENTOR REPORTS TO: EVOLVE Manager
DEPARTMENT: EVOLVE Peer Delivered Services
Persons of color, LGBTQIA+ and members of all other underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
A Peer Support specialist is an individual who has made a personal commitment to his or her own mental health and/or addiction recovery, has navigated their recovery over a period of time, participates in special training to work with others, and is willing to share what he or she has experienced to support others on their individualized path.
Peer Support Specialists believe in recovery and work to promote the values that:
- Recovery is a choice and unique to each individual.
- Recovery is a journey, not a destination.
- Self-directed recovery is possible for everyone, with or without professional help.
The Older AdultPeer Support Specialist (PSS)/Recovery Mentor offers Peer Support to individuals ages 55 and older residing in Multnomah County as a peer who has similar life experiences and acts as a positive role model of living in recovery.
Provides holistic, person-centered, trauma-informed, and strength-based support to Older Adults with mental health and/or co-occurring addiction challenges living in Multnomah County established with home and community. The initial point of contact may be while an individual is in the hospital, long-term care community-based setting private residence.
QUALIFICATIONS:Expectations: MHAAO strives to honor cultural and spiritual diversity in the communities we serve as well as honoring Voice and Choice through trauma-informed practices. Being committed to Social Justice means being committed to constantly assessing our organizational values and the extent to which we are modeling or falling short of them. It also means listening to feedback from our stakeholders and others who have interacted with our organization and taking the time to understand and reflect on those interactions. This commitment is extended from the organization as a whole as well as each employee of MHAAO.
Education: High school diploma or equivalent valued.
Background Check: A criminal background check will be conducted by MHAAO in accordance with the MHAAO background check policy. A criminal record does not necessarily exclude an individual from employment with MHAAO.
Experience: Identifies as having lived experience of mental health and/or addiction challenges. Understands the effects of aging and , trauma on health, coping, and other aspects of individual needs. Understands the principles of recovery, person-directed services and trauma-informed care Demonstrates an intimate understanding of the challenges specific to Older Adults (55+) and how they impact recovery.
Qualities:- Possess an absolute belief in every peer’s ability to learn, grow and recover
- Value peers’ right to make their own decisions.
- Value peers as the “experts” in their own lives
- Possess insight pertaining to personal biases and worldview and how they may interfere with effectively working with individuals representing a variety of cultural, ethnic, language and life experiences.
Licensure/Certification: Oregon Health Authority Peer Support Specialist certification and/or MHACBO Recovery Mentor certification is valued but may be applied for within
3-6 months of hire. This position requires at least 2 years of sobriety if applicant identifies as being in recovery from addiction challenges.
Valid Oregon Driver’s License and proof of automobile insurance required. Have reliable transportation preferred.
Skills:Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team. Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Keyboard skills and ability to navigate electronic systems applicable to job functions.
GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Collaborates with individuals to create Person Directed Plans.
- Participates in regular Peer Support supervision sessions.
- Attend staff meetings as applicable to gain knowledge and communicate program goals and the needs of the individuals being served.
- Implements the regulations, policies, and procedures which pertain to peer-delivered service.
- Meets with peers in the community and/or their homes to establish and maintain a positive and trusting relationship.
- Following the direction of the individuals served, assist peers in exploring strategies that increase satisfaction with their life.
- Assists peers with identifying and engaging various community resources and supports.
- Explore building a network of natural supports
- Offers peers educational opportunities to explore new resources related to aging and information and alternatives to utilizing the emergency department for non-emergent needs.
- Administers outcome measurement tools with individuals being served and participates in data collection.
- Reflects positive peer values.
- Documents supports services in a program database in a manner that assures compliance with policies, program procedures and local, state, and federal regulations. Maintains accurate and up-to-date documentation as required by program deliverables.
- As appropriate, openly identifies as a person 55 years or older who has lived the experience of receiving mental health/addiction services and shares own recovery story with individuals being served.
- Acts as a positive role model for individuals being served and exploring their own path to wellness and recovery.
- Acts as an advocate for individuals being served when appropriate, both within the organization and with other entities.
- Respects and honors an individual’s rights and responsibilities and demonstrates professional boundaries and ethics. Adheres to mandatory abuse reporting laws and HIPAA requirements.
The above accountabilities represent work performed by this position and are not all-inclusive. The omission of a specific accountability will not preclude it from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical extension of the position. Employment with Mental Health & Addiction Association of Oregon is "at-will." This means employees are free to resign at any time, with or without cause, and Mental Health & Addiction Association of Oregon may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or advance notice. As an at-will employee, it is not guaranteed, in any manner, that you will be employed with Mental Health & Addiction Association of Oregon for any set period of time. Mental Health & Addiction Association of Oregon is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment opportunities at Mental Health & Addiction Association of Oregon are based upon one's qualifications and capabilities to perform the essential functions of a particular job. All employment opportunities are provided without regard to race, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, national origin, age, Veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
