Description

The main role of the Peer Support Specialist is to support program participants in their housing stabilization journey. They will assist participants with the tasks they need to accomplish to meet their goals as outlined in their housing stabilization plans. The Peer Support Specialist will work with other program participant case managers, other ACCESS staff members, and community partners as part of a multi-disciplinary team to help participants overcome barriers and access resources. This position will mainly focus on providing peer support, resources, and referrals to individuals and families who are already in ACCESS programs.

About ACCESS

ACCESS is an energetic, diverse, and compassionate team that creates positive change in the community every day. If you are dedicated, hardworking and have a passion for helping others, ACCESS is the place for you!

Position Duties & Responsibilities

• Identify the needs of individuals and families through direct Peer Support activities.
• Make referrals and follow up on referrals to appropriate community resources.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with other service providers and community support providers, providing wrap-around services to assist this population towards housing stability.
• Participate in appropriate workshops, training, and meetings as requested.
• Maintain complete client records, daily activity logs, mileage logs, and other reports as requested.
• Take appropriate action to deal with any participant or potential participant emergency.
• Work with the Program Supervisor, Manager, and Director in identifying new opportunities for participants in ACCESS programs.
• May transport participants in a company vehicle.
• Work nights or weekends when severe weather activations occurs.
• Fill in when needed to lead the operations of the severe weather shelter.
• Attend regular meetings with local community partners to help improve access to services for program participants.
  
  

Position Requirements

• Belief in ACCESS’ mission to provide food, warmth, and shelter.
• Minimum 1 years’ experience in Customer Service-related field.
• Ability to lead others in a dynamic environment during severe weather activations.
• Ability to maintain patience and tact when dealing with individuals with barriers as needed to provide information or instruction.
• Ability to interact effectively with a variety of individuals and groups from varying educational, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds to include listening, sensitivity to the other's feelings, needs, point of view, tact, and courtesy in expressing opinions or ideas.
• Projecting a positive image of ACCESS and recognizing opportunities to enhance community relations.
• Peer Support Certification or ability to obtain one within the first year of employment.
• Use a trauma-informed communication delivery model when interacting with all clients and fellow staff members.
• Ability to work flexible Willingness and ability to adjust to changing conditions or priorities.
• In addition to working in a typical office environment, the Peer Support program will be required to work in areas inhabited by unhoused persons, low-income apartments, and in outside environments and dealing with persons who may become challenging to work with due to the barriers they may be experiencing.
• Must be willing to work in poor weather.
• Proven ability to consistently provide ideas, opinions, or information in an articulate, professional way.
• Ability to actively listen to others and demonstrate understanding of other points of view.
• This position requires you to have a work-issued cell phone (in lieu of a cell phone other similar options are available per the agency Cell Phone Election Form).
• A Valid Oregon driver’s license with a record that is acceptable under ACCESS’ insurance policies.
  
  

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

ACCESS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, ACCESS complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.