Housing Peer Support Specialist

Bilingual candidates are eligible for an additional \$1.50 Bilingual Differential. This bilingual differential is not included in the salary above. Position Summary We are seeking a Certified Peer Support Specialist or a person willing to become certified immediately to provide support services to HIV Alliance clients as well as clients housed by other agencies in Lane County, including Eugene, Springfield, Cottage Grove and Florence. The Peer Support Specialist will be a part of our Long-Term Rental Assistance Program. Our Peer Support Specialist must have strong boundaries and a clear understanding of structure and accountability and the ability to work 40 hours per week. The PSS will work directly with people who were previously unhoused and now enrolled in the LTRA Housing program to help increase their housing stability. The PSS will play a critical role in utilizing harm reduction strategies and motivational interviewing to empower clients to take steps to improve their health and housing stability. Our clients will access treatment programs, social service programs and other services in the community and the PSS must be able to effectively work with a variety of providers. While not all clients will be ready to enter treatment, or engage in behavioral health care, the PSS will support them in identifying harm reduction goals to decrease the negative impact of substance use and reduce the risk of HIV and HCV transmission, and support the clients in behavior change. Essential Functions and Responsibilities Apply person-centered principles to build relationships, trust, and rapport with clients; Assess client needs and develop goal/action plans accordingly; Refer clients to substance use disorder treatment/MAT/behavioral health and complete a warm hand-off; Utilize cultural competency, active listening, and motivational interviewing skills to provide ongoing assistance to clients in reaching their stability or treatment goals; Establish relationships and coordinate with agencies to provide intensive care coordination; Provide transportation and accompany clients to appointments to facilitate access to treatment and other services and resources Promote/educate on harm reduction methods, including syringe exchange and testing that reduce risks for HIV/HCV/STI infection; Connect all clients who test positive for HIV or HCV with a confirmation screening and medical care Promote/educate on harm reduction methods, including naloxone and fentanyl test strips, that reduce risks for opioid overdose; Navigate clients to additional services and resources, including health insurance, basic needs services, and housing assistance; Facilitate client support groups (SMART Recovery Groups); engage with the Local Coordinating Committee to facilitate ongoing communication with partner organizations and expand the provider network\'s reach and effectiveness; meet the definition of a peer recovery or wellness specialist as defined in OAR 309-019-0105(81). For a complete job description, please visit: https://hivalliance.criterionhcm.com/jobs/51/1/#619