Peer Support Specialist

About South Lane Mental Health:

Located in Cottage Grove, Oregon, South Lane Mental Health is guided by an enduring commitment to provide individualized mental health services with compassion and respect. South Lane Mental Health’s staff of almost 100 provided a variety of therapeutic services to over 2,000 individuals in Cottage Grove and the surrounding community. Our employees have a wide range of backgrounds, educational attainment and skill sets. We strive to create an agency community characterized by empowerment, compassion and innovation.

About the Position:
The Substance Use Disorders (SUD) Peer Support Specialist provides recovery-based Peer Support to clients who would benefit from extra support within the treatment continuum of care. The Peer Support Specialist would offer assistance with tasks such as attending appointments and meetings in the community, provide skills training, case management and linkage to various resources and socialization within the recovery community.

Position Duties:
Conduct individual Peer Support sessions and participate in recovery focused activities, provide skills training, case management, co-facilitate treatment groups with CADC’s and provide various other supports to clients receiving SUD services through SLMH’s SUD program.
Provide education to clients and families about substance use disorders and the treatment and recovery process
Provide education to others, including community service providers, regarding treatment and the recovery process.
Serve as the contact point, advocate, and informational resource for client, care team, family/caregivers, and community resource agencies.
Assist with resolving issues that could affect treatment.
Participate in collaboration meetings with SUD team, Therapists, Doctors, Probation Officers, DHS caseworkers and other community service providers to assist in achieving treatment and recovery goals and outcomes on service plans.
Monitor client progress in a timely manner, and facilitate and communicate changes to plans as needed.
Assist in evaluating and monitoring the effectiveness of and adherence to the treatment plans.
Understand that many clients have been traumatized and strive to constantly provide services from a respectful, trauma-informed perspective.
Complete all required paperwork, including notes on each session and individual client paperwork, in a timely manner.
Meet requirements regarding productivity and dependability.
Coordinate with co-workers and treatment teams, including participating in complex case reviews or family systems reviews as necessary.
Actively participate in clinical supervision, as well as staff meetings.
Engage in continuing education activities and trainings, and continually build therapeutic skills.
Participate in completeness and quality reviews as required.
As required, positively represent SLMH in the community and with other service providers, and/or act as a liaison with other organizations or with internal committees/cross-departmental teams.
Perform all duties in a respectful and responsible manner, both with clients and coworkers, and in a manner that meets all professional ethical standards.
Additional duties as requested.
Position Requirements:
Lived experience in recovery from a substance use disorder, with at least two years abstaining from alcohol and other drugs, and a willingness to complete necessary training and other requirements to become certified as a Peer Support Specialist, or current certification as a SUD Peer Support Specialist.
Previous experience in substance use Peer Support and case management experience is a plus.
Valid driver’s license.
Competencies:
Skill in building supportive relationships with clients, particularly female clients with complex trauma histories.
Ability to respond calmly and professionally in high-stress situations and respond constructively to clients experiencing various crises and life struggles.
Ability to balance clinical, cultural, and ethical values, particularly as relates to client and staff needs.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Ability to interact with people of all ages and cultural background.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Sound computer skills.
Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
Benefits of Working for South Lane Mental Health:
100% employer payment of health insurance premiums for the employee, plus 100% employer coverage of in-network copays and deductibles.
100% employer payment of dental and vision premiums.
5 weeks Paid Time Off per year.
9 paid holidays per year.
Up to 12 weeks of paid family/medical leave as needed, plus paid bereavement and civic duty leave.
Robust Employee Assistant Program, including gym and wellness discounts and resources for legal and financial advice.
Opportunities for pre-tax contributions to a 403(b) retirement account, and to acquire supplemental insurances (disability, life, etc.)
Eligibility for state and federal student loan forgiveness/repayment programs.
Flexible schedules.
Exceptional culture where employees are supported, trusted and treated as adults.
Resume and Cover letter are required. No phone calls, please.