The Opportunity:

THIS WORK MATTERS!

This recruitment is "Open Until Filled" to allow for a deeper candidate pool. Applicants will be reviewed weekly starting 10/28/2024.

**Must have or obtain within 90 days of hire Peer Support Specialist (PSS) or Peer Wellness Specialist (PWS) certification.**

Mental Health (MH) Residential Services provides health and safety oversight to residential programs that house over 600 individuals in Multnomah County. Programs include: Secure Residential Treatment Facilities (SRTF), Residential Treatment Homes (RTH), Adult Care Homes, and a range of supportive/supported housing. The MH Residential Services Peer Program Specialist position works closely with Residential Specialists, Providers, Behavioral Health Quality Management, and the Office of Consumer Engagement to elevate lived experience via the peer voice of current and past MH Residential Services participants, and thereby incorporate the peer experience and voice to inform and guide future best practice, policies and procedures.

As the MH Residential Services Peer Program Specialist, other duties will include:

Client/Provider Feedback

Develop evaluation criteria and procedures for obtaining and evaluating client and provider feedback on Peer Support in Residential care.
Collect client feedback on their experience in residential placement to help shape new or improved processes for residential settings, services provided, etc.
Gather feedback from Residential Providers on why/how they use Peer Support, how Peer Support informs their processes, rules and regulations, etc.
Organize, assess and synthesize feedback and conduct analysis on best practices and trends.
Formulate recommendations to Behavioral Health leadership, internal and external providers, and service users related to Peer Support in Behavioral Health Residential care.
Act as subject matter expert (SME) to drive future Peer Support initiatives in Multnomah County Residential Services.

Technical Assistance and Consultation

In partnership with the Residential Specialist, participate in client consults lead by Residential Providers and/or Choice Exceptional Needs Care Coordinator (ENCC), including related to safety planning and programming.
Provide technical assistance, advocacy and consultation to Residential Specialists and BH Quality Management regarding critical incidents, as needed, as part of investigations, crisis response, etc.
Participate in training and staff/provider meetings, advocating and representing the consumer perspective to staff and others.
Participate in Community Mental Health Program (CMHP) Multidisciplinary Team meetings as part of education and information sharing.
In partnership with QM and Program Supervisor, conduct workflow analyses to identify areas for improvement, simplify redundant processes, and address quality assurance through the peer lens.
Provide technical assistance and subject matter expertise to other internal and external partners, as needed.
Position requires an understanding of Residential Oregon Administrative Rules, policies, and procedures in order to provide technical assistance in ensuring compliance, through the peer lens.

Community Advocacy

Arrange, publicize, and facilitate training, related to intersection of Substance Use Disorder (SUD), Mental Health and/or Peer Support to provide information and answer questions about how the areas or conditions can affect one another and clients.
Develop and share informational resources, presentations, and materials related to Peer Support, and conduct workshops and trainings internally and/or to Providers on the purpose and benefits of including Peer Support in program settings, processes, etc.
Schedule/partner with other speakers when appropriate.
Represent the county and the Residential Program, centering the peer lens.
Respond to requests for information on the topic of Residential Services and consumer voice.

Pilot Program

Incorporate the findings and recommendations from client/provide feedback above, as a pilot program to provide short-term (up to 1 month) 1:1 peer support during residential placement transitions such as admission and terminations of services, including planning, noting client needs, bridging possible communication gaps, etc.
Work with clients 1:1 to provide hope, education, encouragement, support, self-determination, direction and connection to the community and services.
Mentor, coach and problem solve with clients, to engage in mental health care.
Receive pilot “referrals” directly from Residential Specialists, and consults with Residential Program Supervisor and Peer Supervisor to prioritize referral follow-ups.

Multnomah County offers an exceptional benefits package, including employer-funded retirement savings; health and dental insurance at very low cost to full-time employees and their dependents; paid parental leave; wellness programs; a focus on work-life balance; and much more. Find more details on our benefits website.

TO QUALIFY:

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant. For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page.

Minimum Qualifications (REQUIRED):

Education/Training: Equivalent to a bachelor's degree and one (1) to four (4) years of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position. (Equivalency 5-8 years of qualifying training and/or experience).

Experience: Direct lived experience in Residential Services (strongly preferred)

Certification:

Certified Peer Support Specialist (PSS) or Peer Wellness Specialist (PWS) under the Oregon Administrative Rules Oregon Administrative Rule 410-180-0305. Must be obtained within 90 days of hire.

Other:

This position requires a background investigation, which may include being fingerprinted.
Personal lived experiences and recovery journey
Experience working with systems

Preferred Qualifications/Transferable Skills*: You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/ transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates.

Knowledge of issues faced by those who experience behavioral health challenges and a basic understanding of the full continuum of care for those in need of services.
Lead with race through actions and advocacy with internal programs, with community partners and across departments throughout the county.
Demonstrate the ability to flex style when faced with myriad dimensions of culture in order to be effective across cultural context.
Respect and appreciation for ethnic and cultural diversity.
Ability to collaborate and build relationships to achieve positive work outcomes.
Ability to maintain a safe and healthy workplace.
High degree of resilience, is outcome driven, and can thrive in an environment of rapid change while managing pressure in an effective and professional manner.

*Transferable skills: Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience (including the military) or life experience that are relevant for this position. Be sure to describe any transferable skills on your application and clearly explain how they apply to this position.

SCREENING & EVALUATION (REQUIRED):

The Application Packet: You must submit ALL requested items below. Failure to do so will be deemed as an incomplete application.

1. Attach a Resume demonstrating you meeting minimum qualifications; AND

2. Attach a Cover Letter addressing the following:

Tell us what attracts you to this position and how your background prepares you to serve as the Mental Health (MH) Residential Services Peer Program Specialist; AND
Demonstrate your affiliation and experience (lived and professional) working with diverse communities; AND
Describe experience working in/with systems, including mental health, housing, medical, addiction, etc.; AND
Explain your personal lived experiences and recovery journey.

Note: The application, resume and cover letter should demonstrate your work experience/skills and how it is related to those shown in the ‘Overview’ and ‘To Qualify’ sections of the job announcement. Please be thorough, as these materials will be scored and determine your eligibility to advance in this recruitment process.

The Selection Process: For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page. We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows:

Initial review of minimum qualifications
An evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
Consideration of top candidates/interviews
Background, reference, and education checks

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Type of Position: This hourly union-represented position is eligible for overtime

Type: Represented

FLSA: Non-Exempt

**Applying for this posting will give you the opportunity to be placed on the eligible list for future opportunities for Program Specialist positions as positions for these programs become available. The eligible list created from this recruitment may be used to fill regular, full or part time, temporary, and limited duration assignments.

Teleworking (if applicable) : At this time, this position is designated to “routine telework,” meaning you will be working remotely (from home) most of the time; a hybrid schedule also is available. As with all routine telework positions, employees may be required to come into the office on occasion. The designation of Routine Telework may be subject to change at a future time. Currently, all employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; the county cannot support ongoing telework from other locations.

Pay Equity: Please be advised that the pay range listed for this position is intended to provide general guidance on the earning potential for the role. However, actual compensation will be determined in accordance with the Oregon Equal Pay Law and will take into account factors such as the candidate's relevant experience and education. Candidates should expect that initial offers will be made within the listed pay range and may not be at or near the top of the range.

Diversity and Inclusion: At Multnomah County, we don't just accept difference; we value it and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for our employees.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran or protected veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. The EEO Know Your Rights poster is available for your reference. Multnomah County is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We request priority protected veteran referrals.

Veterans’ Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualifying veterans may apply for veterans’ preference. Review our veterans’ preference page for details about eligibility and how to apply.

Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act: We gladly provide reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing an application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter below in advance to request assistance. Individuals with hearing or speech impairments may contact the recruiter through the Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing 711.

Questions?

Recruiter:

Caitrin Thomaselli

Email:

caitrin.thomaselli@multco.us

Phone:

+1 (971) 4218257

Multnomah County, Health Department, Behavioral Health Division jobs

Mental Health (MH) Residential Services Peer Program Specialist