Peer Support Specialist

CAP is excited to announce that we are currently hiring for an experienced Peer Support Specialist to provide high quality, coordinated, strengths-based social services consistent with the agency’s mission. The Peer Support Specialist works with the staff and management of the Housing and Support Services Department, to provide high quality, coordinated, strengths-based social services consistent with the agency’s mission to people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). This individual will work to support clients experiencing homelessness or housing instability to access needed community resources including housing, healthcare, mental health/substance use treatment, etc. This also includes providing advocacy on behalf of clients with housing and healthcare providers, person-centered goal planning, assistance navigating various systems of care and providing information and referrals to other services as needed. This person will also work with clients to reduce stigma and isolation and to build social connections through participation in the mentoring program and through referral to other psychosocial supports. This is a full-time, 1.0 FTE position, which reports to the Manager of Supportive Programming.

Responsibilities include: regular individual meetings with clients, assessing client needs; providing clients with information, resources and referrals to supportive services; collaborating with housing staff, medical case managers, navigators and other support services staff to develop client goals; assisting clients in carrying out the activities to fulfill their goals; addressing barriers to accessing and maintaining stable housing, mediation and direct communication with landlords; addressing barriers to engagement in medical/HIV care and/or medication adherence; accompanying clients to housing and healthcare appointments, completing forms and entering data into the agency database in a timely and accurate manner; working collaboratively with other CAP staff, community partners, and volunteers; and other duties as assigned.

The person in this position is stationed at CAP’s Davis St. office but will travel frequently throughout the five-county service area for meetings and client home-visits. Must be available to work evenings and weekends for required agency events. This is a non-management, union-represented position.

Required Qualifications:

            Within 3 months of hire, successful completion of an Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Addictions & Mental Health (AMH) –approved Certified Recovery Mentor certification (completion of this certification requires two years of sobriety).

            Knowledgeable about the lived experience of housing instability and/or knowledgeable about the lived experience of experiencing mental health and/or substance use issues and willingness to mindfully share those experiences.

            Successful ability to work with ethnic, racial, economic and sexually diverse populations and persons who have experienced homelessness, persons with a mental illness and/or substance abuse

            Basic computer and keyboard proficiency using Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, Outlook) and working knowledge of the internet

            Excellent written and verbal communication skills

            Good organizational and time management skills

            Ability to travel throughout the service area on a regular basis

            Ability to work independently with accountability; exercise sound judgment and discretion, maintain healthy boundaries, respect, discretion and professionalism at all times

            On occasion, be available to work evenings and weekends for required agency events

Preferred Qualifications:

            Knowledgeable about the lived experience of living with HIV and willingness to mindfully share that experience

            One year of relevant work, education, training or experience or Bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences field (social work, public or community health, psychology)

            Verbal and written fluency in English and Spanish

            Previous experience working with people living with HIV/AIDS

            Knowledge of housing laws and local housing resources

NOTE: This is a union represented position.

Closing Date: Open until filled.

To apply for this position, mail, email, fax, or deliver the following three documents:

1) a complete cover letter (attached as Word or pdf) that serves as an example of your writing and addresses how you meet all of the required qualifications specific to the position you are applying for, 2) your resume, and 3) a completed CAP Employment application (available at http://www.capnw.org/careers) to:

Cascade AIDS Project

Peer Support Specialist

520 NW Davis St., Suite 215

Portland, Oregon 97209

Or by email to:

[email protected]

Or fax to:

503-223-6437

Cascade AIDS Project is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

People of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals and people living with HIV are strongly encouraged to apply.