USDescription:
Location: Portland, OR
Who we are looking for: The ideal candidate will be mission-driven with a desire to make a difference for families and communities served by LCS Northwest.
The Peer Support Technology Specialist is responsible for providing and supporting technology that helps culturally specific clients access care as effectively and efficiently as possible. The Peer Support Technology Specialist will leverage both their own lived experience as an immigrant or refugee, as well as their knowledge of technology to support LCSNW clients in improving digital literacy and access care. Technology at LCSNW refers not just to the hardware and software tools used by our staff and volunteers when offering care to clients. This position will also train and educate staff in the use of technology, and technical processes that can improve our delivery of service and pursuit of desired outcomes as needed for client care.
Responsibilities:
- Offer hope, encouragement, and empowerment to clients
- Provide outreach and engagement in identified communities in need of technical support to access care
- Develop and facilitate digital literacy programs for culturally diverse communities
- Assist clients in attendance and compliance to treatment when technology is the cause
- Provide on-going psycho-education to clients as needed
- Maintain strict client confidentiality; information revealed by the client, therapist, or counselor/case manager must not be revealed to any person without the clients expressed, written permission in compliance with HIPAA laws
- Demonstrate awareness and sensitivity in the delivery of client services as it relates to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of the populations served
- Be an active participant of the Counseling team by participating in meetings and conference calls, contributing to projects, and freely sharing information
- Provide and support technology that makes accessing care and support programs easier and more effective for clients
- Troubleshoot system problems in consultation with clients and other staff by determining sources of problems and identifying and testing solutions.
- Actively and continuously research and share knowledge about new technology and information services in order to improve Services offered to clients.
- Complete documentation of services, problem resolution, research, and planning to help communicate and spread technical knowledge amongst staff and clients served.
Qualifications:
- Knowledge of common operating systems, networking protocols, routers, switches, printing systems.
- Completion of an accredited Peer Support training, or willingness to do so
- Knowledge of the population being served
- Understanding of the refugee resettlement process, issues, and community resources
- Good communication and social skills
- Willingness to learn mental health screening tools, collaborate in a group setting, and participate in interpreter trainings
- Ability to be flexible and attend required meetings which may be held in the evenings or on weekends; may require convening in community locations
- Must be able to work in a multicultural setting
- Requires strict adherence of HIPAA standards in the office workspace to ensure confidentiality
- Comfortable providing basic support of commonly used software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Suite) and able to quickly learn new products (e.g., Mac OS; etc.)
- Ability to support telephone systems, mobile phones, video recording equipment, and other technology peripheral to basic computers and networks.
- Able to work professionally on an independent basis with minimal oversight and supervision.
- Able to coordinate with and clearly communicate with a team of diverse staff
- Experience and comfort working in a non-profit environment where technology is often not “state of the art” and users are focused more on client service than technical details.
- Strong problem-solving and trouble-shooting skills involving a variety of variables and situations where limited standardization exists.
- EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Peer Support Specialist certification through the State of Oregon is required (may secure PSS certification within 3 months of hire). Lived experience and at least one year cross-cultural experience with refugee populations is preferred.
- CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: A valid driver’s license, car insurance, and reliable transportation is required for this position due to the need to quickly travel from location to location. Certified Peer Specialist & Community Health Worker Certificate.
Benefits:
- We offer a full benefits package with options for medical, vision and dental insurance.
- Employer-paid short and long-term disability, as well as life insurance.
- Vacation includes up to 2 weeks in the first year, with an increase up to 3 weeks in the second year and incrementally up to 5 weeks after 6 years (based on hours worked).
- Up to 2 ½ weeks of Sick leave for you or to take care of your immediate family (based on hours worked).
- 10 Paid Holidays plus 2 Floating Holidays each year.
- A 403(b) Retirement plan, with employer matching contributions after meeting eligibility requirements.
- Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is designed to help and support you.
- Mileage and expense reimbursement is also provided.
