Bilingual Peer Support Specialist

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.

• Essential Functions and Responsibilities Peer Support Services Coordinate with and accept client referrals from EDs / hospitals, community partners, and HIV Alliance syringe exchange staff;
• Provide street 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; Assess client needs and develop goal / action plans accordingly;
• 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;
• Establish relationships and coordinate with agencies to provide intensive care coordination; Provide transportation and accompany clients to appointments to facilitate access to treatment and other services and resources Promote / educate on harm reduction methods, including syringe exchange and testing that reduce risks for HIV / HCV / STI infection;
• 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;
• Facilitate client support groups (SMART Recovery Groups); engage with the Local Coordinating Committee to facilitate ongoing communication with partner organizations and expand the provider network 's reach and effectiveness;
• meet the definition of a peer recovery or wellness specialist as defined in OAR 309-019-0105(81). Maintain up-to-date HIV knowledge;

Enroll clients in Oregon Health Plan or other insurance programs; For a complete job description, please visit : Language skill requirement or preference : Will work with and assist Spanish speaking clients.