Peer Support Specialist - African American Specific Program (Karibu)

Central City Concern is an innovative nonprofit agency providing comprehensive services to single adults and families in the Portland metro area who are impacted by homelessness, poverty and addictions. We hire people that are skilled and passionate to meet our mission to end homelessness through outcome-based strategies which support personal and community transformation.

The Karibu Stabilization for Treatment Preparation (STP) program offers transitional, dorm-style housing with 15 beds. This program is designed to provide individualized, culturally specific services for Black/African American men (ages 18+) who have behavioral health needs and are involved in, or at risk of involvement with, the criminal justice system. Our mission is to provide high-quality services that are inclusive and culturally appropriate, helping our community achieve better health.

Join the Karibu Team as a Peer Support Specialist!

The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) supports recovering and formerly incarcerated and at-risk Black American clients by providing advocacy, mentoring, and other support services to both Imani and Karibu program clients. The PSS works as a member of a primarily culturally specific, multidisciplinary, outreach mobile team called Karibu Community Care Team (KCCT) that works primarily with the Karibu Stabilization Treatment Program (KSTP). The PSS is a member of the culturally specific, clinical outreach team that will address mental health, addiction, housing, employment and other issues for referred clients. The PSS will engage in outreach activities with community partners and individuals to facilitate referrals, with a primary focus on accessing services to meet the treatment, recovery and other basic needs of Black Americans. The PSS will provide peer delivered support to assist individual clients in developing recovery support within the Black American community.

Schedule: Sunday - Thursday, 11:00pm-7:30am (graveyard)

Location: Karibu (2040 SE Powell Blvd. Portland, OR 97202)

Compensation: starting at $23.36/hour

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

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  High school diploma, GED, or demonstrated ability to read and write at a sufficient level for the position.

  
  
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  Must be registered with MHACBO as Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM) with MHACBO; OR be a Certified Peer Support Specialist (PSS) AND registered with Traditional Health Worker (THW) Registry.

  
  
• Must not actively be on parole or probation.
• Engaged in Black American culture. Knowledge of Black American history and cultures.
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  Ability to adhere to Central City Concern's drug-free workplace which encourages a safe, healthy and productive work environment and strictly complies with the Drug-Free Work Place Act of 1988. An employee shall not, in the workplace, unlawfully manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess or use a controlled substance or alcohol.

  
  
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  Will be required to carry an agency cell phone for work use. Cell phone will be provided.

  
  
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  Must have non-violent de-escalation training or equivalent (or complete within 60 days of hire.)

  
  
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  Must pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.

  
  
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  Must generally have the ability to bend, stoop, kneel, squat, twist, reach, pull and lift heavy object and climb stairs, with reasonable or no accommodation.

  
  
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  Must adhere to agency's non-discrimination policies.

  
  
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  Ability to effectively interact with co-workers and patients with diverse ethnic backgrounds, religious views, political affiliation, cultural backgrounds, life-styles and sexual orientations and treat individuals with respect and dignity

  
  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A current driver's license is preferred. If using a vehicle for agency use, must pass a DMV background check and be designated an "acceptable" driver as outlined in Central City Concern's Fleet Safety policy. Must pass an initial driver training within 60 days of being an approved driver and continued recertification training.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

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  Works with the Karibu Stabilization Treatment Program (KSTP), the Karibu Community Care Team (KCCT) the Imani Center Treatment Team and the Multnomah County Department of Community Justice (DCJ) teams on specific objectives, wellness and recovery goals in conjunction with the client's Care Plan.

  
  
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  Receive regular weekly supervision from the Imani Center Clinical Supervisor and the KSTP Program Manager, seeking additional supervision whenever necessary. Minimum requirement two hours of documented supervision per month.

  
  
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  Exemplifies recovery principles in order to show by example that recovery is possible and attainable. Share their own recovery story as appropriate, and walks the road of recovery alongside the client.

  
  
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  Follow outreach plans developed with KSTP, KCCT and Imani Center Teams and meet regularly to track progress on activities to engage prospective clients.

  
  
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  Build relationships with community leaders, community partners, and advocacy groups serving the Black American community.

  
  
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  Provide information, screening for clients on-site at identified programs in the Black American community.

  
  
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  Help clients seek opportunities for further treatment, housing, coordination of care, and services within and outside Central City Concern and the Black American community.

  
  
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  Collaborate with A&D outpatient and residential clinical teams to assist with coordination of services, system navigation and peer support in the Black American community, including support with discharge planning and follow-up care.

  
  
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  Visit, provide support and connect clients to the Black American community, including places of worship, places of recreation, clinics and elsewhere.

  
  
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  Accompany and advocate for clients navigating healthcare, social, benefits, housing and other support services as necessary.

  
  
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  Maintain healthy professional and personal boundaries in relationships with clients, staff and community partners.

  
  
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  Facilitate recovery support activities in the Black American community.

  
  
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  Update and appropriately document in client records in a timely manner with client interactions, appointments, and encounters.

  
  
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  Provide transportation when necessary for clients in CCC vehicle, taxi, or public transportation to and from program related services in the community.

  
  
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  Attend clinical meetings and provide current information to team regarding client's participation in program and other activities.

  
  
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  Adhere to all state and federal privacy regulations, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, and to CCC policies and agreements regarding confidentiality, privacy, and security. Support compliance with all privacy and security requirements pursuant to community partners' and outside providers' patient confidentiality agreements, including privacy and security requirements for EMR access. This includes immediately reporting any breach of protected health information or personal identification information of any person receiving CCC services by CCC or an outside provider to the CCC Compliance Department, as well as to your supervisor or their designee.

  
  
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  Work within scope of training and experience and seek consultation when appropriate.

  
  
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  Participate in training opportunities to advance skills and knowledge in mental health and addiction.

  
  
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  Participate in compliance, quality assurance and quality improvement activities as directed.

  
  
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  Perform other duties as assigned.

  
  

Benefits: Central City Concern offers an incredible benefits package to our Regular/FT employees:

• Generous paid time off plan which provides up to 4 weeks of PTO accrual in the first year. Accrual increases with longevity.
• Amazing 403(b) Retirement Savings plan with competitive employer match with 4.25% in the first year, 6% in the second year, and 8% in the 3rd year.
• 11 recognized Holidays and 2 Personal Holidays.
• Comprehensive Medical, Vision, and Dental insurance coverage.
• Employer Paid Life, Short Term Disability, AND Long Term Disability Insurance!
• Sabbatical Program offering extended time off at years 7, 14, and 21.

This description is intended to provide a snapshot of the work performed and is not designed to contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of the position.

As an agency deeply rooted in recovery, part of our policy and commitment to a drug and alcohol-free workplace includes post-offer, pre-employment drug screens. Please note we follow Federal Guidelines regarding prohibited substances, even for those legal at the state level.

Central City Concern is a second chance employer and complies with applicable laws regarding consideration of criminal background for employment purposes. Government regulations, contractual requirements, or the duties of this job may require CCC to conduct a background check and take appropriate action to address prior criminal convictions.