Department: Behavioral Health
Reports To: Peer Services Manager, Behavioral Health Manager
Position Type: FTE 1.0, 40 hours/week, non-exempt

Note: We are hiring for two positions at this location.

Hiring Bonus: $2,500

Bilingual candidates are eligible for an additional $1.50 Bilingual Differential

Eligible for Full-time benefits.

Application Instructions: All applicants must submit a complete Job Application, Supplemental Questions, and Resume via the Job Portal to be considered.

Position Summary

We are seeking a 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

Engage with partners in rural expansion sites to facilitate ongoing communication with partner organizations and expand the provider network’s reach and effectiveness;

Maintain up-to-date HIV/HCV knowledge;

Enroll clients in Oregon Health Plan or other insurance programs

Work closely with internal and local Peer Support Specialists and Certified Recovery Mentors to maximize the quality of community service

Attend regular clinical supervision meetings

Perform other duties as assigned/needed

Required Qualifications

Familiarity with LGBTQ+ communities and resources

Current Peer Support Specialist or Certified Recovery Mentor certification from a State-approved training program, OR be able and willing to become certified immediately.

Meets the definition of a Peer as defined by the State of Oregon Administrative Rule:

Minimum 1 year of experience working with clients who have substance use difficulties using harm reduction strategies in all interactions and interventions

Ability to work in a variety of settings, including mobile syringe exchange and street-based outreach locations

Minimum 1 year of experience in substance use assessment, treatment and service terminology

Lived experience and knowledge of addiction and harm reduction principles

Willingness to engage in conversations about HIV/HCV risk including sex and injection drug use

Must be able to work independently, possess time management skills, and meet deadlines

Basic computer and keyboard proficiency using Microsoft Office software

1 year of experience maintaining accurate records and handling confidential paperwork, and ability to work in Electronic Health records or equivalent filing system

Ability to work with diverse populations

Strong boundaries and a clear understanding of structure and accountability

Effective oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills and organizational skills

Complete and pass a criminal history background check

Applicants in recovery from substance abuse must have a minimum of 2 years clean & sober

Must not be listed on the Medicaid provider exclusion list

Valid Oregon driver’s license, driving record sufficient to be covered by agency auto insurance policy

TB test provided by agency

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement: HIV Alliance is a healthcare facility and is requiring all employees to complete their COVID-19 vaccination series, including Booster shots.

Preferred Qualifications

1 year of experience working with people living with HIV/AIDS, Hep C, and other chronic health conditions, and members of the LGBTQ+ community

Experience with HIV education, including explanation of available services, and partner programs to all clients

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required

The physical demands described above here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Working conditions, Travel and Environment

The duties of this job require individuals be able to work in non-traditional, outdoor and community-based settings

The duties of this job require regular attendance

Travel to other locations as necessary to complete essential job functions

HIV Alliance prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, age, sex, sexual/affectional orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital or partnership status, veteran status, political affiliation or belief, genetic information, HIV antibody status or any other factor protected by law or association with any of these classes, in its services, employment, or use of volunteers.

HIV Alliance is a community united to stop the spread of the HIV epidemic. We strive to create an environment where everyone is empowered to reach their full potential. We value the diverse perspectives that each of us brings to this work, understanding the influences of culture, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, age, sex, sexual/affectional orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital or partnership status, veteran status, political affiliation or belief, genetic information and HIV status in shaping our life experiences. We pledge to listen and ask questions before making judgments, and to continue to educate ourselves and each other. We recognize that we will only be successful against the HIV epidemic in a culture where oppression is not tolerated.