Senior Peer Support Specialist - OSPO Older Adult

JOB TITLE: Senior Peer Support Specialist

LOCATION: REMOTE (In Oregon or Washington)

FLSA: .25 FTE (Expectation to work 10 hours a week) Mon-Fri

SUPERVISOR: OSPO Supervisor, Program Manager

PAY GRADE: B07 ($23.13 - $33.56 per hour, depending on experience)

Eligible for $1,375 Hiring Bonus!

(Paid out in 2 staggered payments, bonus-taxed - 2 year Commitment)

Community Counseling Solutions provides a team-based Servant Leadership environment! Our mission is to provide dynamic, progressive, and diverse supports to improve the well-being of our communities and we’re looking for motivated employees to help us continue our vision!

Apply Directly at https://ccswebsite.org/employment/

**Preferences: Candidate that is 55+ years old with lived experience as an older adult, IPS Training and Resides in WA County

Senior Peer Support Specialists provide services to socially isolated older adults (or persons with physical disabilities). Remoteness and isolation can negatively affect both physical and mental health. The Oregon Senior Peer Outreach Program helps to reduce loneliness by providing weekly telephone calls from a Senior Peer Support Specialist trained in Intentional Peer Support (IPS). Program participants experience a decrease in isolation and an increased sense of well-being.

The Oregon Senior Peer Outreach Program is a program of Community Counseling Solutions whose mission is to provide dynamic, progressive and diverse supports to improve the well-being of our communities.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Senior Peer Support Specialists provide telephone companionship and resources to assigned seniors and individuals with disabilities, building a relationship where both people learn and grow together. The goal of Intentional Peer Support is to foster connection with older adults and persons with disabilities, learn about their worldview, establish mutuality in the relationship, and keep a focus on moving toward desired support outcomes. This work is carried out with a commitment to diversity and equity, respecting all populations, ethnicities and communities.

SUPERVISION

Supervision Received

The Senior Peer Support Specialists works under the general direction of the Oregon Senior Peer Outreach Supervisor. The Supervisor will also conduct yearly performance evaluations in collaboration with the Program Manager.

Supervision Exercised

The Senior Peer Support Specialist does not supervise other employees.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• The Senior Peer Support Specialist will demonstrate an understanding of, and be proficient in, IPS and will use IPS in all interactions with senior peer support participants.
• Make weekly scheduled calls to individuals enrolled in the program, provide IPS support and information regarding resources as requested.
• Identify local addiction and mental health recovery support resources and older adult or alter-able resources that are available in designated area, using the Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) website. If requested, assist in connecting with these resources.
• In a clear, accurate, timely, professional and effective manner, complete Senior Peer Support call logs and complete other data entry.
• Maintain a call calendar/schedule and place calls to assigned Older Adults /Persons with Disabilities as scheduled
• Attend meetings, conferences, trainings and supervision sessions as required.
• Communicate by email and telephone with outreach supervisor on a regular basis.
• The Oregon Senior Outreach Program is a Program of Community Counseling Solutions (CCS). Senior Peer Support Specialists will follow all CCS policies. These polices include, but are not limited to, HIPPA, confidentiality, abuse reporting, and professional boundaries.
• Other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and/or Experience

Must identify as a person with lived experience of, and able to support others through difficult times. Many peers have experienced challenges with their own mental health or are in recovery from substance abuse or addiction.

A minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent is preferred, but not required.

A minimum of 6 months experience is required in working or volunteering with individuals who have addiction and/or mental health issues and/or older adults.

A working knowledge of standard office equipment, including computers, phone systems, cell phones, copy and fax machines, and email.

Experience working with senior citizens or alter-abled individuals is preferred; interest in the needs of and resources for older adults and alter-abled individuals is essential.

Certifications

Must possess a Peer Support Specialist (PSS) Certification of Intentional Peer Support (IPS) Core Training. This training will be provided if needed.

Must be certified by the Oregon Health Authority as a Peer Support Specialist or by ACCBO as a Certified Recovery Mentor within 6 months of hire, and meet requirements to maintain certification(s).

Other Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrate understanding and respect of cross-cultural issues and diverse communities, dual diagnosis/mental health/addictions issues, alter-able person considerations, and effects of trauma.
• The position requires the handling of highly confidential information. Must understand and adhere to rules and laws pertaining to client confidentiality.
• Ability to identify with seniors (55+) and persons with disabilities, including those from underrepresented communities.
• Be professional and ethical in all interactions with, Senior Peer Support participants, CCS employees, community partners, and other relevant individuals.
• Must be able to work with minimal supervision.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in both written and oral formats
• Must be comfortable working with computer applications or willing to learn. Applications include e-mail, data entry and training programs, as well as Zoom and Team audio-visual meetings.
• Demonstrate respect, ability to receive feedback, and strong communication and team skills.
• Use good organizational and time management skills.
• A diverse staff, reflective of our community, is integral and welcome.

Criminal Background Checks

Must pass all criminal history check requirements as required by ORS 181.536-181.537 and in accordance with OAR 410-007-0200 through 410-007-0380

PRE HIRE DRUG SCREEN REQUIRED

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use computer and phone systems that require fine manipulation, grasping, typing and reaching.

The employee is also regularly required to sit; talk and hear; use hands and fingers and handle or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; stoop; kneel and/or squat when adjusting equipment or retrieving supplies

The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus.

This position may be exposed to the everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of such places in a sponsored location (i.e. moving mechanical parts, airborne particles, electrical shock, etc.)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a designated office location or an approved home setting Occasional out of area travel and overnight stays will be required for attendance at meetings and/or trainings.