Bilingual LGBTQIA+ Peer Support Specialist

Position Summary We are seeking a Bilingual Peer Support Specialist or a person willing to become certified immediately to provide support services to HIV Alliance clients. The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) will provide support services to people who use substances identified at syringe exchange, during street outreach, and through referrals from community partners. The PSS will play a critical role in utilizing harm reduction strategies and motivational interviewing to empower clients to take steps to reduce their risk for overdose, improve their health, and access treatment. PSSs will work in collaboration with the Behavioral Health Resource Network (BHRN) providers to mitigate the negative impact of substance abuse on PWUD via evidence-based services and resources that reduce risks for HIV/HCV and substance overdose, promote recovery, and improve general health outcomes. 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 support the clients in behavior change. Lane County: The PSS will be focusing on services to members of the LGBTQ+ communities, and will be co-located at Transponder, a Eugene-based advocacy and support organization for trans and gender-diverse communities. Essential Functions and Responsibilities Coordinate with and accept client referrals from community partners and HIV Alliance syringe exchange staff; Provide rural outreach and outreach to clients at HIV Alliance syringe exchanges, including providing harm reduction education/supplies and offering basic needs assistance, to engage clients in peer support services; Apply person-centered principles to build relationships, trust, and rapport with clients; Support implementation of a rural Harm Reduction Vending Machine program where applicable; Assess client needs and develop goal/action plans accordingly; Keep meaningful and timely data concerning services delivered, including documentation of encounters; Refer clients to substance use disorder treatment/MAT 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; Provide transportation and accompany clients to appointments to facilitate access to treatment and other services; Provide harm reduction services, including syringe exchange, overdose prevention and rapid testing; 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; Follow all HIV Alliance Prevention procedures and safety protocols; Maintain up to date knowledge about service delivery system in rural expansion sites; For a complete job description, please visit: https://hivalliance.criterionhcm.com/jobs/51/1/#557 Language skill requirement or preference: Able to speak Spanish preferred. Able to read Spanish preferred. Able to write Spanish preferred. Employee will work with Spanish speaking clients.