Peer Mentor (Withdrawal Management/MAT Services) at Fora Health Inc – Portland, Oregon

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY

The mission of Fora Health is to work with individuals, families, and communities to create freedom from addiction. We are 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 the mission, each employee will, at a minimum:

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

POSITION SUMMARY

The role of the WM/MAT Peer Mentor is to provide mentoring, guidance and support for patients in two settings: those discharging from our 24-bed inpatient Withdrawal Management unit and those enrolled in our outpatient Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) and Ambulatory Withdrawal Management Programs. The Peer Mentor works closely with WM Case Coordinators and MAT Case Coordinators and is part of a larger interdisciplinary team that includes outreach coordinators, techs, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physicians. The peer also benefits from supervision and integration with the Fora Peer Mentor team. Program Operations Guidance is provided by the Medical Operations Director. Tasks are to be completed with little follow up from the Peer Mentor Supervisor or Medical Operations Director. Support takes the form of teamwork, weekly team meetings, and bi-weekly supervision (group or individual) from the Peer Mentor Supervisor with additional program specific meetings with the Medical Operation Director.

The primary role of the WM/MAT 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, restructuring life and daily schedule to accommodate goals; developing healthy support networks; and gaining access to services and community resources as needed.
• To meet patients as time and schedule allow in Inpatient Withdrawal Management Unit.
• To help patients connect with Fora outpatient SUD services
• To connect individuals to self-help community supports and provides encouragement to develop lasting relationships in such settings.
• To connect individuals to walk-in mental health or medical services as needed.
• To follow up by phone/text with patients in the community who are missing MAT medication appointments & provide support & coordination with MAT team members.
• To make home or phone visits to patients enrolled in the Ambulatory (OP) WM program and collaborate with AWM providers on care plans.
• To accompany patients carrying their methadone take-out doses to Fora WM, who are referred by OTPs for management of withdrawal from alcohol, benzodiazepines, or stimulants.
• To attend community meetings and promote program awareness and outreach.
• Working collaboratively with WM & MAT case coordinators, Residential Admissions team, and Outreach workers to facilitate smooth and pleasant transitions among all levels of care at Fora Health.
• To collaborate with IMPACT and Emergency Department peers at OHSU Hospitals to support smooth transitions for patients between Fora inpatient hospital stays.

ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Work under the supervision of the Peer Mentor Supervisor and in conjunction with the Medical Operations Director, the department liaison for this position.
• Attend weekly Withdrawal Management & MAT Operations Meetings.
• Chart care coordination planning as appropriate in electronic medical record.
• 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 priority and maintain your clean driving record to continue in this capacity.
• Special projects and other duties 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 solve problems 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

• For employees with a history of substance use disorder, Fora Health’s policy requires certification of a minimum of two years of sobriety for this position.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment or for cause drug tests.
• Ability to pass DHS criminal background and DMV checks.
• Position will require some amount of regular connection to work via cell phone to answer questions and respond to internal and external contacts.
• Be flexible to work a variety of shifts including early morning, late night, and weekends

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Peer Wellness Specialist Certification

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This position works both in an indoor and outdoor environment with frequent travel in 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.