Nel THW Peer Support Specialist in Eugene, Oregon at Laurel Hill Center

The Supportive Housing Services (SHS) Traditional Health Worker (THW)/Peer Support Specialist provides non-clinical, recovery-oriented peer support services to residents of The NEL, a Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) program operating under a Housing First model.

This role uses lived experience, mutuality, and relationship-based engagement to support individuals with mental health and/or substance use challenges in achieving and maintaining stable housing. The THW works collaboratively with case managers, care coordinators, property management, and community providers to promote housing stability, self-determination, and recovery.

This position does not provide clinical services or primary case management, but partners closely with those roles.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Peer Support & Engagement

• Use lived experience to build trusting, supportive relationships with residents
• Provide recovery-oriented, person-centered peer support grounded in mutuality and respect
• Support residents in identifying personal goals related to housing stability, wellness, and community integration
• Promote self-advocacy, choice, and empowerment

Housing Stability Support

• Assist participants in navigating housing systems, including completing applications for supportive or subsidized housing
• Support residents in understanding lease agreements, tenant rights, and responsibilities
• Serve as a liaison between residents, property management, and service teams to support successful tenancy
• Provide coaching and reinforcement of independent living strategies that support housing retention

Skill Building Support (Non-Clinical)

• Support (not provide formal training in) development of daily living skills such as:
• Financial organization
• Medication routine adherence (non-clinical support only)
• Household management
• Model problem-solving and coping strategies in real-life settings

Care Coordination Support

• Collaborate with case managers and care teams to share observations and advocate for participant needs
• Participate in team meetings and coordinated care discussions
• Support referrals and connections to community-based resources

Documentation & Compliance

• Complete timely, accurate documentation in the electronic health record (EHR), including:
• Service notes
• Participant progress updates
• Required assessments (as applicable to role scope
• Ensure all services are documented in accordance with agency, SHS, and Medicaid/CCO requirements

Community & Group Engagement

• Facilitate peer-led or peer-supported groups and activities
• Provide regular check-ins and face-to-face engagement with residents
• Contribute to development of supportive programming within The NEL

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

• Support team with referrals and resource navigation
• Identify and maintain knowledge of local community resources
• Collaborate with internal and external partners, including family/support systems (as appropriate)
• Participate in staff meetings and required trainings
• Perform other duties as assigned

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Ability to provide ethical, recovery-oriented, non-clinical peer support
• Demonstrated ability to engage individuals experiencing mental health symptoms, substance use, and/or housing instability
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (in-person and phone)
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries while using lived experience appropriately
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Basic computer proficiency and ability to utilize EHR systems
• Ability to manage time, documentation, and competing priorities
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and harm reduction principles preferred
• Understanding of HIPAA and confidentiality requirements
• Ability to work respectfully and effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds, including differences in race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, disability, and lived experience

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform essential job functions, including walking, sitting, standing, bending, and occasional lifting up to 25 lbs
• Ability to work in a residential environment with varying conditions

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Must meet one of the following:

• Current registration with the Oregon Traditional Health Worker (THW) Registry (Peer Support Specialist, Peer Wellness Specialist, or Community Health Worker), OR
• Ability to obtain THW certification within 12 months of hire, OR
• Lived experience of mental health, substance use, and/or housing instability, plus at least 2 years of related work, education, or volunteer experience, with a commitment to pursue certification
• Valid Oregon driver’s license (if driving is required)
• Ability to pass background check per agency and funder requirements

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE REQUIREMENTS

This position is subject to drug testing requirements due to contractual and funding obligations. While marijuana is legal under Oregon law, this role requires compliance with federal and/or funding-based drug-free workplace standards, which includes a THC screening. Failure to meet or maintain these requirements may impact employment eligibility.