Peer Mentor

Portland, OR

Full Time

Clinical

Mid Level

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking a full-time Peer Mentor. The Peer Mentor acts as a role model for sober living. Mentors offer support to current residential and outpatient patients as they navigate treatment and aim to connect patients to the outside recovery communities through individual and group activities. The Mentors aid the transition from residential to outpatient services as well as create visibility for Fora Health's programs through outreach.

POSITION SUMMARY
The role of the Residential and Outpatient Peer Mentor is to provide mentoring, guidance and support for patients in two settings: those engaging in treatment in Fora’s 70 adult residential program and those engaging in treatment in the Outpatient program. The Peer Mentor works closely with the other peer mentors on the team and the addiction and mental health counselors, and community partners, and is part of a larger interdisciplinary team that includes residential assistants, counselors, and psychiatric nurse practitioners. The peer also benefits from supervision and integration with the Fora Peer Mentor team. Tasks are to be completed with little follow‑up from the Peer Mentor Supervisor Support takes the form of teamwork, weekly team meeting, and bi-weekly supervision (group or individual) from the Peer Mentor Supervisor.

The primary role of the Fora Peer Mentor is:

To serve as a personal guide and mentor for people seeking both to discontinue their substance use and to reduce harms from their substance use. Recognizing the need for human connection and support in all stages of change, the Peer provides emotional support; assisting with setting both recovery & harm reduction goals, ~~and developing safety & recovery plans~~; restructuring life and daily schedule to accommodate goals; developing new ~~friendship~~ healthy support networks; and gaining access to services and community resources as needed.
To connect individuals to self-help community supports and provide encouragement to develop lasting relationships in such settings.
To connect individuals to walk-in or urgent care clinics as needed. ~~mental health services as needed.~~
To follow up with patients in the community who are missing treatment appointments & provide support & coordination with the interdisciplinary team members to coordinate care.
To assist patients in establishing primary care or dental care and accompany patients to medical appointments.
To attend community meetings and promote program awareness and outreach.
To facilitate smooth and pleasant transitions among all levels of care at Fora Health.
Assisting patients in accessing transitional sober housing and housing funds as available.
To assist patients in accessing peer-led recovery support meetings in the community.
Facilitate peer mentor led group sessions to include housing retention groups.

ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Work under the supervision of the Peer Mentor Supervisor
Attend weekly Peer Mentor staffing meetings.
Accurate and timely documentation of all engagements with patients in electronic medical records.
Follow agency policies and procedures provided by Fora Health, including but not limited to: Fraud, Waste and Abuse, Conflict of Interest, Boundaries, Ethics, Confidentiality, Drug-Free Workplace and Harassment Policies.
Attend training and meetings as scheduled and required by supervisor.
If deemed eligible to drive a company car, do so responsibly, with safety being the first priority and maintain your clean driving record to continue in this capacity.
Special projects and other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY FUNCTIONS

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Certification through a recognized certification board that may include and is not limited to MHACBO, or the State of Oregon including CRM, PSS and THW.
Internal hires have 6 months to attain this certification, and external hires will need to be certified upon hire. All hires must maintain certification as required by the role.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

Peer Mentor shall work to establish professional and supportive relationships.

Demonstrate genuine concern for people struggling with substance use disorders and the ability to treat all people and agencies with dignity and respect;
Work effectively within a team environment and be willing to receive and act upon feedback;
Relate to patients, families and staff in a manner which is open-minded and non-judgmental in relation to individual differences and diverse backgrounds;
Stay calm, alert, and emotionally available in a high-risk, general public environment, effectively de-escalating as needed;
Maintain appropriate professional boundaries in working with all others (patients, families, staff, referents, etc.);
Demonstrate strong verbal communication and active listening skills;
Creatively problem solve and serve as a resource (or know where to find resources) to patients and families;
Demonstrate initative, self confidence, and serve as a substance abstinent role model to patients;
Model and encourage direct professional communication;

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Verification of Sobriety, per Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) standards
DHS Background Check Approval
Successful completion of Drug Test upon hire
Documentation of Tuberculosis test and/or evaluation with negative results or evidence of non-communicability
Be flexible to work a variety of shifts including early morning, late night, and weekends

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position works both in an indoor and outdoor environment with frequent travel among locations within the community
Position requires some overtime, including evening and weekend work. Adjustment of work schedule may be required.
Possible exposure to communicable diseases which can encompass a variety of illnesses and infections, including tuberculosis, Hepatitis A, B, and C, and HIV.
Possible exposure to upset, angry, severely traumatized, disabled, intoxicated or emotionally disturbed patients and families.
Exposure to potentially hazardous cleaning chemicals, personal protective equipment provided.

HOURS AND PAY

This is a full time position earning $23.45 - 24.89 per hour (depending upon experience). This position is non-exempt and eligible for overtime compensation. The schedule for this position is Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

LOCATION

This position is an on-site position at our SE Cherry Blossom location in Portland, Oregon.

ABOUT FORA HEALTH

Looking for a meaningful career? At Fora Health, we employ a team of passionate, diverse and caring people who are committed to carrying out our mission to provide treatment, care and advocacy for all who are affected by substance use disorder. We are seeking dedicated individuals to join our experienced team of professionals in the fight to overcome the stigma of addiction and mental health. Come join one of Oregon’s largest and most reputable providers of substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health treatment for adults!

Fora Health is committed to providing a wide range of accessible, coordinated, and well-integrated services that benefit the community and support our clients to recover and to maintain recovery from addiction. To maintain an organizational culture which supports Fora's mission, each employee will, at a minimum:

Have knowledge of substance use disorders.
Recognize the importance of family, social networks, and community systems in the treatment and recovery process.
Respect the diversity and uniqueness of all people.
Recognize that a healthy work environment is maintained through the practice of mutual respect and healthy self-care.
Uphold the highest standard of customer service to clients, referents, and all community partners.

BENEFITS

Kaiser medical insurance
Comprehensive dental and vision insurance
Employer-paid basic life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance
Additional voluntary insurance (short-term disability insurance, supplemental group life insurance, accident & critical illness insurance, and pet insurance)
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for healthcare, dependent care and transportation costs
401K plan with Employer Matching up to 6%
4 weeks paid vacation, one floating holiday & sick leave
10 observed holidays, paid bereavement and paid jury duty days
Flexible schedules
Employee Assistance Program
Discounted 24 Hour Fitness membership from $6.99/month
One free employee meal on days worked at our Cherry Blossom location
Online education tools for CEUs
Critical shift compensation up to double hourly pay rate and shift premiums for certain positions
Employee referral bonus
Education grant program reimbursement for continuing education expenses after 90 days of employment
Loan forgiveness for eligible medical and clinic positions
Free parking at our two facilities

Employees may be eligible for education grants:

National Health Service Corps (NHSC)
NURSE Corps
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Fora Health is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Fora Health encourages applications from those who are in recovery. Please note that we require individuals in recovery to certify that they have at least two years of continuous sobriety upon hire.

Fora Health is a second chance employer and complies with applicable laws regarding consideration of criminal background for employment purposes. Fora Health conducts a background check for all positions upon offer of employment. Government regulations, contractual requirements, or the duties of certain jobs may require us to take appropriate action to address prior criminal convictions.

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Peer Mentor

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