Job Description

Title: Veteran Peer Support Specialist

Wage: $26.30 Hourly

Shift: Wednesday-Saturday 10:00am-9:00pm

Classification: Non-Exempt, Full-Time, Union Represented

Location: Thayer Family Foundation Veteran's Motel Shelter

Reports To: Program Manager

This position has an introductory probationary period of 90 days. All work is completed in-person; this is not a remote position.

THE POSITION:

The Veteran Peer Support Specialist (PSS) combines evidence-based peer practices with the knowledge and skills gained through their own lived experience of recovery to support Veteran participants who identify as being in recovery from substance use. The PSS provides consistent, compassionate, and trauma-informed support to participants in an abstinence-based recovery shelter environment at times when participants are actively engaging in services, appointments, and programming. The PSS plays a vital role in helping participants identify and pursue their self-defined recovery goals, create recovery and relapse-prevention plans, strengthen natural community supports, and develop life skills to promote long-term stability. Through active listening, advocacy, and encouragement, the PSS empowers Veterans to build self-efficacy and navigate complex systems of care such as the VA, OHP, CareOregon, and community-based providers. The role includes coordinating care with program staff, external service providers, and community partners to ensure participants have full access to the resources, benefits, and supports necessary to sustain recovery and housing stability. Daytime Peer Support Specialists provide ongoing peer mentoring, assist participants with completing applications, accompany participants to appointments when appropriate, and support engagement in recovery groups and on-site programming. They model effective coping strategies, self-help tools, healthy boundaries, and professional ethics consistent with the Oregon Health Authority's Peer Scope of Practice. In collaboration with team members, the PSS also supports the overall safety, cleanliness, and smooth operation of the shelter. Tasks may include cleaning and sanitizing surfaces, picking up and disposing of trash, assisting with room turnovers or cleanouts, restocking supplies, laundering linens, ensuring proper sharps and biohazard disposal, and assisting with heat treatment of items entering or leaving the site. These tasks are performed in compliance with all OSHA and Oregon Health Authority safety standards, with or without reasonable accommodation. Veteran Peer Support Specialists embody Do Good Multnomah's commitment to equity, compassion, and respect for all individuals. They contribute to an inclusive, supportive, and recovery-focused environment while assisting Veterans in achieving their housing and recovery goals.

THE PROGRAM:

The Thayer Family Foundation Veterans Motel Shelter offers safe, supportive, and trauma-informed services for Veterans who are committed to an abstinence-based lifestyle. The program serves up to 18 adult participants, including historically marginalized Veterans who are part of the LGBTQIA2S+ and BIPOC communities. The program provides compassionate, Veteran-centered services, including Peer Support and Recovery Mentorship, housing and resource navigation, assistance with addressing medical and mental health needs, personal finance and budgeting guidance, and more. Staff collaborate closely with participants to ensure they have access to the support and resources needed to maintain their individualized recovery plans during their stay. Program staffing includes Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors (CADCs), Certified Recovery Mentors, Peer Support Specialists, and other roles as determined by program needs.


Do Good Multnomah's definition of a Veteran is intentionally inclusive--our programs welcome all Veterans, regardless of federal eligibility status. This includes members of the Reserves with fewer than 180 days of active duty and Veterans with less-than-honorable or dishonorable discharges.

CONFIDENTIALITY AND PERSONAL HEALTH INFORMATION (PHI):

This position will have access to Protected Health Information (PHI) during the course of work activities. Applying the minimum necessary standard of HIPAA, the designated record sets to which this position may have access include all sections of the medical record, participant demographic information in the case management system, and related data. The employee is required to review the content of these records only to the extent necessary to accomplish assigned tasks. In addition, this position must comply with 42 CFR Part 2, which provides specific confidentiality protections for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment records. This means that any information identifying an individual as receiving or having received SUD treatment may not be disclosed without the individual's written consent or as otherwise permitted under federal law. All staff are required to maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with these federal regulations and Do Good Multnomah's internal privacy and data security policies. Any actual or suspected breaches must be immediately reported to a supervisor.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Utilize work and lived experience to empower, mentor, and promote wellness and recovery among Veterans, while upholding Do Good Multnomah's values of equity, inclusion, and trauma-informed care. Support participants in identifying and developing ongoing community recovery supports that promote long-term stability. Use the S.M.A.R.T. goals framework to support participants in developing and working towards their 30-, 60-, and 90-day recovery goals. Update S.M.A.R.T. goals every 30 days to document progress and adjust as needed. Collaborate with team members to ensure participants have sustainable access a variety of services and benefits, including employment, recovery, and mental and physical health support. Provide advocacy and complete referrals for these services as needed. Develop comprehensive knowledge of recovery housing options in the Tri-County area. Establish and maintain effective relationships with these community partners to best meet participants' needs. Assist participants in identifying and removing barriers to housing. This can include, but is not limited to obtaining valid identification documents, addressing warrants, resolving past property debt, and improving credit. Assist participants with housing searches, application completion, and lease signings. Work with the Program Manager to prepare participant assistance fund requests. Participate in weekly team case conferencing and other recurring meetings with community partners serving Veterans and non-Veterans. Attend applicable community-facing meetings (e.g., Multnomah County HSD, neighborhood associations, HADIN, Veteran-by-Name-List, Coordinated Access). Maintain organized and compliant treatment and service records, including progress notes, treatment plans and updates, and entry/exit summaries. Maintain accurate and up-to-date physical and electronic records using the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and CaseWorthy to document peer, recovery, and other services provided. Collaborate with team members to maintain a safe and sanitary shared environment, following organizational/program policies and applicable OSHA and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) health and safety standards. Perform cleaning and maintenance tasks as needed to maintain program safety and hygiene standards. Tasks may include disinfecting surfaces, collecting trash, distributing supplies and meals, ensuring safe disposal of sharps and other biohazards, assisting with room turnovers or clean-outs, restocking supplies, completing program laundry, and assisting with heat-treatment of items entering or leaving the site, with or without reasonable accommodation. Complete all required OSHA and organizational safety trainings by assigned due dates and maintain documentation of completion and current certifications. Maintain Peer Support Specialist certification and advance professional knowledge and skills under the guidance of the Program Manager to support continuous improvement in program effectiveness. Maintain effective communication with all staff, programs, and community partners. Adhere to all federal, state, and organizational privacy and security regulations, including confidentiality requirements under HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and Do Good Multnomah policy. Perform other job-related duties as assigned.


The essential duties are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor, in accordance with applicable laws and organizational policy. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.*

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Understanding of houselessness and the systemic factors and barriers that contribute to houselessness. Strong understanding of Housing First, Trauma-Informed Care, and Harm Reduction models. Demonstrated ability to work with individuals with serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI) and/or substance use disorder in a manner that promotes recovery and dignity. Ability to treat unhoused people with dignity and respect. Knowledge of recovery resources and other service providers in North Portland and the greater Portland Metro area. Knowledge of and experience with addressing and supporting an escalated participant through proper trauma-informed de-escalation and engagement techniques. Ability to maintain calm and compassion under pressure. Ability to use motivational interviewing techniques, strengths-based advocacy, and trauma-informed care with staff and participants. Ability to analyze complex problems and provide effective solutions, utilizing systematic and analytical approaches to make informed decisions that meet participants' needs and align with the organization's goals and values. Demonstrated ability to work independently, problem solve, and complete tasks in a timely manner. Ability to organize multiple high-priority tasks in a fast-paced environment. Ability to positively interface with businesses and neighbors who may not be immediate supporters of the work being accomplished, and to represent the program/organization in a manner that promotes trust and ethical behavior. Willingness to take time to understand the points being made and ask questions as appropriate. Consistent, clear/direct, and courteous communication with participants, staff, referrals, community partners, and vendors. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing. Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries with both participants and staff, including utilizing discernment to know what is appropriate to share and what is confidential. Ability and willingness to treat all co-workers and clients with respect and dignity, while being mindful of diverse ethnic backgrounds, religious views, political affiliations, cultural backgrounds, genders, and sexual orientations. Ability and willingness to engage in Do Good's diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racist work at the full-staff, program-specific, and individual levels. Commitment to ongoing DEIA learning, growth, and development, including managing one's own internal biases and judgments. Willingness to engage with a new program within a rapidly expanding organization, including the ongoing development/improvement of program processes as the program grows and develops. * Ability to reliably and consistently utilize the organization's technology systems, including time tracking software, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Suite programs.