Peer Support Specialist - Karibu (Graveyard)

Karibu Center: Karibu Stabilization for Treatment Preparation (Karibu STP) is a culturally specific transitional housing program that provides services for Black/African American men (age 18+) who have behavioral health needs and are involved in, or at risk of involvement with, the crimincal justice system. Karibu's facility offers transitional, dorm-style housing with 15 beds. During their stay, for up to 9 months, participants engage in programming, while working on securing next-step housing. Karibu is co-located at this facility with Imani Center.,

The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) supports recovering and formerly incarcerated and at-risk Black American clients by providing advocacy, mentoring, and other support services to both Imani and Karibu program clients. The PSS works as a member of a primarily culturally specific, multidisciplinary, outreach mobile team called Karibu Community Care Team (KCCT) that works primarily with the Karibu Stabilization Treatment Program (KSTP). The PSS is a member of the culturally specific, clinical outreach team that will address mental health, addiction, housing, employment and other issues for referred clients. The PSS will engage in outreach activities with community partners and individuals to facilitate referrals, with a primary focus on accessing services to meet the treatment, recovery and other basic needs of Black Americans. The PSS will provide peer delivered support to assist individual clients in developing recovery support within the Black American community.

Schedule: Sunday - Thursday, 11:00pm - 7:30am, Graveyard (Friday & Saturday Off)

Location: Karibu (2020 SE Powell Blvd. Portland, OR 97202)

Compensation: $25.05 - $33.24/hr.

*Final comp will be determined based on relevant experience, education, credentials/licensure, and internal equity. External candidates: Offer max is $29.07/hr per our Union contract.

Seniority Bid Window Opens: 4/28/2026

Seniority Bid Window Closes: 5/06/2026

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma, GED, or demonstrated ability to read and write at a sufficient level for the position.
• Must be registered with MHACBO as Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM) with MHACBO; OR be aCertified Peer Support Specialist (PSS) or Peer Wellness Specialist (PWS) AND be registered with Traditional Health Worker (THW) Registry.
• Engaged in Black American culture. Knowledge of Black American history and cultures.
• Must not actively be on parole or probation.
• Ability to adhere to Central City Concern's drug-free workplace which encourages a safe, healthy and productive work environment and strictly complies with the Drug-Free Work Place Act of 1988. An employee shall not, in the workplace, unlawfully manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess or use a controlled substance or alcohol.
• Will be required to carry an agency cell phone for work use. Cell phone will be provided.
• Must have non-violent de-escalation training or equivalent (or complete within 60 days of hire.)
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
• Must generally have the ability to bend, stoop, kneel, squat, twist, reach, pull and lift heavy object and climb stairs, with reasonable or no accommodation.
• Must adhere to agency's non-discrimination policies.
• Ability to effectively interact with co-workers and patients with diverse ethnic backgrounds, religious views, political affiliation, cultural backgrounds, life-styles and sexual orientations and treat individuals with respect and dignity.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A current driver's license is preferred. If using a vehicle for agency use, must pass a DMV background check and be designated an "acceptable" driver as outlined in Central City Concern's Fleet Safety policy. Must pass an initial driver training within 60 days of being an approved driver and continued recertification training.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Works with the Karibu Stabilization Treatment Program (KSTP), the Karibu Community Care Team (KCCT) the Imani Center Treatment Team and the Multnomah County Department of Community Justice (DCJ) teams on specific objectives, wellness and recovery goals in conjunction with the client's Care Plan.
• Receive regular weekly supervision from the Imani Center Clinical Supervisor and the KSTP Program Manager, seeking additional supervision whenever necessary. Minimum requirement two hours of documented supervision per month.
• Exemplifies recovery principles in order to show by example that recovery is possible and attainable. Share their own recovery story as appropriate, and walks the road of recovery alongside the client.
• Follow outreach plans developed with KSTP, KCCT and Imani Center Teams and meet regularly to track progress on activities to engage prospective clients.
• Build relationships with community leaders, community partners, and advocacy groups serving the Black American community.
• Provide information, screening for clients on-site at identified programs in the Black American community.
• Help clients seek opportunities for further treatment, housing, coordination of care, and services within and outside Central City Concern and the Black American community.
• Collaborate with A&D outpatient and residential clinical teams to assist with coordination of services, system navigation and peer support in the Black American community, including support with discharge planning and follow-up care.
• Visit, provide support and connect clients to the Black American community, including places of worship, places of recreation, clinics and elsewhere.
• Accompany and advocate for clients navigating healthcare, social, benefits, housing and other support services as necessary.
• Maintain healthy professional and personal boundaries in relationships with clients, staff and community partners.
• Facilitate recovery support activities in the Black American community.
• Update and appropriately document in client records in a timely manner with client interactions, appointments, and encounters.
• Provide transportation when necessary for clients in CCC vehicle, taxi, or public transportation to and from program related services in the community.
• Attend clinical meetings and provide current information to team regarding client's participation in program and other activities.
• Adhere to all state and federal privacy regulations, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, and to CCC policies and agreements regarding confidentiality, privacy, and security. Support compliance with all privacy and security requirements pursuant to community partners' and outside providers' patient confidentiality agreements, including privacy and security requirements for EMR access. This includes immediately reporting any breach of protected health information or personal identification information of any person receiving CCC services by CCC or an outside provider to the CCC Compliance Department, as well as to your supervisor or their designee.
• Work within scope of training and experience and seek consultation when appropriate.
• Participate in training opportunities to advance skills and knowledge in mental health and addiction.
• Participate in compliance,quality assurance and quality improvementactivities as directed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated ability to provide culturally specific services to Black American men including experience with trauma informed care and alcohol and drug treatment issues.
• Ability to assist participants with developing healthy Black American identity.
• Ability to identify access and coordinate other resources in the Black American community that can provide added support to meet the needs of individuals who have experienced addiction.
• Demonstrated ability to relate to individuals and families of varied ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, ages and living circumstances.
• Ability to advocate for individuals, their identified families, and community groups/populations.
• Ability to function as a team member and be flexible in attitude and have the desire to relate effectively with clients.
• Ability to promote programs and services to the community (faith based, funders, recovery/treatment providers, culturally specific groups, elected officials, governmental bureaucracy etc.)
• Ability to learn and apply training instruction.
• Knowledge of de-escalation methods or ability to be trained.
• Ability to review medical records and other client information.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work courteously and effectively communicate with the general public, medical personnel, corrections personnel, police, merchants and co-workers.
• Ability to work in an environment where people may occasionally be hostile or abusive.
• Ability to maintain strict standards of confidentiality with regard to patient information.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends and/or holidays when necessary for the program.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and necessary paperwork.
• Ability to navigate comfortably with a computer system and having knowledge of how to use various types of software (Microsoft word, Excel, etc.).

AFSCME Union

This role is a Union Represented position through; American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). You can find more information about your representation here www.afscme.org.

Benefits at Central City Concern

We offer incredible benefits to our employees, including an extensive total rewards package, competitive compensation, medical, dental, vision, Student loan repayment options, and retirement savings matching plans!

• Generous paid time off plan beginning at 4 weeks of PTO accrual per year! Accrual amount/rate increases with longevity.
• Up to 11 recognized Holidays and 2 personal holidays (dependent on work shift schedule).
• Amazing 403(b) Retirement Savings plan with an employer match of 4.25% in your 1st year, 6% in the 2ndyear, and 8% in your 3rdyear!
• Comprehensive Medical, Vision, and Dental insurance coverage.
• Employer-Paid Life, Short-Term Disability, & Long-Term Disability Insurance!
• Sabbatical Program offering extended time off at years 7, 14, and 21.

This description is intended to provide a snapshot of the work performed and is not designed to contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required for the position.

As an agency deeply rooted in recovery, part of our policy and commitment to a drug and alcohol-free workplace includes post-offer, and pre-employment drug screens. Please note we follow Federal Guidelines regarding prohibited substances, even for those legal at the state level.

Central City Concern is a second-chance employer and complies with applicable laws regarding the consideration of criminal background for employment purposes. Government regulations, contractual requirements, or the duties of this particular job may require CCC to conduct a background check and take appropriate action to address prior criminal convictions.