Position Summary
This position works specifically with individuals in the C@P Young Adult programs (Ages 18-24), provides emotional, social, and practical support to individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges. Using lived experience, the specialist offers hope, mentorship, advocacy, and guidance to help participants achieve personal recovery goals and improve overall well-being. The Peer Specialist will focus on supporting participants with daily site operations including deep cleans, chores, and attending regularly scheduled meetings/groups. This position will also support the daily functions and operations of the shelter site
Preferred Qualifications:
High School diploma or GED strongly preferred
Have completed an approved training program by the Oregon Health Authority certifying you as peer specialist; or
Provide documentation that you are certified by a group other than the Oregon Health Authority that requires completion of an approved training program and at least 20 hours of continuing education every three years; or
Provide documentation that you have worked or volunteered as a peer specialist for at least 2000 hours in Oregon from January 1, 2004 to June 30, 2019.
Demonstrated experience in mediation between persons exhibiting escalated behavior.
Strong ability to work collaboratively with other case managers, healthcare providers, and social service agencies.
Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, chronic illness, behavioral health challenges, or substance use disorders, preferred.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple participants' needs effectively.
Essential Job Duties Include (But Not Limited To):
Maintains thorough and accurate documentation of client interactions, services provided, and progress toward goals.
Submits all data, case notes, and reporting as required by program and grant guidelines.
Ensures that all Personal and Health Information (PHI) is handled in compliance with HIPAA standards.
Participates in training initiatives to enhance team capacity.
Carries out medication delivery and pickup for participants as needed, ensuring secure handling, accurate receipts and forms, and compliance with C@P established process.
Carries out shelter protocols and emergency procedures in the event of an incident.
Verifies forms such as site expectations and standards as well as absence of residency forms, ensuring they are completed accurately during after hour shifts.
Follows the check-in and check-out procedures for any individuals entering and exiting the site.
Effectively communicates updates with management and case management.
Supports individuals as they take the next step in stability through accessing resources, including OHP, domestic violence intervention, drug and alcohol treatment, behavioral and mental health services, and others.
Conducts regular visits from initiation through addressing needs that may impact shelter and housing retention.
Assists participants with achieving their goals, communicating progress with site management and case manager, as well as assisting with any barriers while maintaining the dignity and choice of the participant.
Educates individuals and groups on life skills, such as appointment management, nutrition, hygiene, and navigating systems independently.
Committed to practicing trauma informed care and harm reduction approaches.
Network and attend meetings with other social service agencies to promote interagency cooperation and coordination.
Participates in collaborative opportunities alongside partnering organizations, such as Salem Housing Authority, HIV Alliance, Easter Seals, ARCHES, Northwest Human Services, etc.
Collaborates with all team members in a respectful and collaborative manner, following C@P’s values of seeing with compassion, building relationship, practicing empathetic listening and pursuing peacemaking, while utilizing the outward mindset and Non-violent communication principles.
Attend all required training, team meetings, and learn about policies and procedures for C@P operations.
Connect participants with housing, employment, benefits, and community resources/benefits and assist with goal setting
Participate in treatment planning
Provide peer support and advocacy to participants utilizing community services, with regular travel between multiple locations.
Build rapport with participants, helping them engage with the program and feel welcome and safe.
Assist participants with filling out documents, applications, etc.
Teach participants problem solving skills
Promote community involvement and/or advocacy
Identify and Breakdown barriers to services.
Data, Documentation, and Compliance.
Upholding Site Policies and Procedures while building relationships with participants.
Cultivating the mission and values of C@P by developing and working with community partners and Church at the Park programs.
Navigating barriers and resource
Supervision & Guidance
This position operates under general supervision and will receive regular direction, support, and performance feedback from leadership.
The role requires initiative, reliability, and regular communication with supervisors regarding project progress, challenges, and development needs.
Physical Requirements
This position requires walking long distances outdoors in adverse weather conditions.
Must be able to go up and down stairs.
Must be able to push, pull, and/or lift 50 pounds or less.
Work Environment
Close quarters with vulnerable people, including individuals without stable living situations who may be struggling with mental health and substance use concerns.
Indoor/outdoor work environment with frequent interruptions and demands, and occasional unpredictable behavior.
Traveling between Church at the Park managed sites, community partner agencies, and various encampments throughout the area.
Other Requirements
All applicants must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening prior to beginning employment.
Skills Required
- High school diploma or GED
- Approved Oregon Health Authority peer specialist training and certification
- Certification from another qualifying peer specialist organization, including approved training and continuing education
- At least 2,000 hours of peer specialist work or volunteer experience in Oregon during the specified eligibility period
- Experience mediating situations involving escalated behavior
- Ability to collaborate with case managers, healthcare providers, and social service agencies
- Experience supporting people experiencing homelessness, chronic illness, behavioral health challenges, or substance use disorders
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple participants’ needs
- Ability to practice trauma-informed care and harm reduction
- Ability to travel regularly between multiple sites, partner agencies, and encampments
- Ability to walk long distances outdoors, use stairs, and push, pull, or lift up to 50 pounds
- Successful pre-employment drug screening
- Successful criminal history check
What We Do
Church at the Park is a non-profit organization based in Salem, Oregon, dedicated to serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Their mission centers on restoring dignity and alleviating hunger through shared meals, while providing essential support, transitional housing via micro-shelters, and relational partnerships. They seek the mutual transformation of unsheltered people through compassion, advocacy, and the provision of tangible resources and employment opportunities.
