Wellness Group Facilitator / Peer Support Specialist

The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) is a non-profit organization established in 1976 to serve immigrants, refugees, and the broader community in Portland, Oregon. Our mission is to welcome, serve and empower refugees, immigrants and people across cultures and generations to reach their full potential. Find out more at www.irco.org.  

POSITION:                                 Wellness Group Facilitator / Peer Support Specialist

JOB CLASS/GRADE:                 Specialist 1 / Grade 8

WAGE:                                        Starting at $48,600 per year based on experience

FLSA; EEO; WC:                        Non-Exempt; Professional; 8864

LOCATIONS:                             One of IRCO’s Cultural Centers; Hybrid schedule

FTE; FT/PT; STATUS:                1.0 FTE; Full-Time with Benefits; Regular

NUMBER OF POSITIONS:      (1)

APPLY AT:                                 www.irco.org 

STATUS:                                     Full-Time with Benefits

PROGRAM(S):                           Refugee Health Promotion

SECTOR:                                    Community Health and Wellness 

REQUIREMENTS:

Bilingual in English and at least one relevant language for the  communities of Africa, Greater Middle East, Pacific Islander, Asian or Slavic/Eastern European

Must be able to pass an extensive Background Check
Certification as Peer Support Specialist in the State of Oregon (or ability to obtain certification within 6 months of hire)
Personal vehicle with driver’s license and insurance (preferred)

This job announcement is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed in this job. This is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

Program Summary
The Community Health and Wellness sector provides services that support the physical, behavioral, and emotional health and wellbeing of individuals and communities. Our staff are certified Traditional Health Workers (such as Community Health Workers (CHW), Peer Support Specialists (PSS) and Doulas) who offer direct services such as healthcare and systems navigation, health insurance enrollment, physical and emotional health support, adjustment support, mental health resource navigation, and client-directed case management. We also engage in community outreach and physical and emotional health education via community workshops, psycho-education support groups, and by hosting monthly health clinics that provide dental services, health services, and community resource information.  

Position Summary
The Wellness Group Facilitator/Peer Support Specialist (PSS) position is a frontline public health worker who has a close understanding of and history with the community served. This position provides services to address community mental health needs, including mental health systems navigation, resource referral, mental health education, life skills development, stress reduction in one on one and group settings. This position will be responsible for the outreach, planning, implementation and facilitation of wellness support groups and community events, as well as creating a welcoming environment for clients and community. This position works directly with clients, their families, community partners and mental health service providers to support communities in Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas County. Reporting to IRCO’s Wellness Coordinator, this position will be based in one of IRCO’s cultural centers to provide services.

Essential Functions

• Conduct in-depth eligibility screenings with clients and complete all intake paperwork
• Provide a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach in service planning with clients
• Assist and support care coordination, mental health systems navigation and resource referral and connection
• Provide individualized support that helps clients set and meet mental health-related goals that can result in improved mental health and wellbeing 
• Plan curriculum and logistics for community wellness groups and community events and gatherings
• Facilitate regular community wellness groups using curriculum that addresses non-clinical mental health education as well as specific needs that are brought up by group attendees
• Provide pre and post assessment for each group session and collect all necessary documentation
• Track individual’s participation and other program metrics in relevant tracking and reporting documents
• Provide home visits for client intake and mental health resource navigation, as needed  
• Engage in outreach to recruit eligible clients for individual services as well as group participants and to destigmatize mental health education
• Maintain impeccable electronic and paper files as required
• Obtain all required information for eligibility and enter documentation into case files and program reports as required, including releases of information, assessments and eligibility documentation
• Help to remove barriers for clients to access services
• Make referrals as needed to both internal IRCO programs or external partners to meet clients' needs as they are expressed
• Participate in case reviews with other team members and coordinate connections with community resources, as necessary
• Provide a strengths-based approach in group curriculum and content
• Complete required closing documentation when a client reaches their goals or otherwise decides to end their participation in the program
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, committees, and other activities to support the program and agency’s goals
• Ability to work during weekends and after office hours on occasion
• Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned

Education & Experience

MINIMUM JOB SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be certified as a Peer Support Specialist in Oregon at the time of hire or complete certification within 6 months of hire
• Experience working with or have an understanding of refugee and immigrant communities, particularly new arrivals
• Experience facilitating community groups or workshops
• Ability to discuss sensitive topics (mental health) with care and respect 
• Ability to translate clinical terminology into concepts that are understandable for community members 
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team
• Knowledge of mental health education and curriculum preferred
• Strong computer skills including proficiency in the use of Microsoft programs and applications
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to function in a positive manner in a demanding work environment, to demonstrate a high degree of flexibility, to respond to priorities and schedules that change frequently, and to meet commitments 
• Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality and follow HIPAA policies and procedures

Physical, Mental, & Environmental Requirements

• Hybrid-Remote, Office and in Community Job Setting
• Positions require some analysis of problems or Decision-making ability
• Work under close supervision
• Well protected environment with minimal hazards or obstacles
• Stable work schedule with occasional need for weekend or after-hours work

Supervisory Responsibilities

Positions at this level are not responsible for any supervisory functions, or responsibilities, but may occasionally be asked to orient and/or train new employees or volunteers.

What We Offer

IRCO is a very employee-friendly workplace and offers great benefit package to our staff:

• Many flexible working arrangements and schedule
• Amazing opportunity to work with people who come from all over the world
• Work that helps your community 
• 3 to 6 weeks of PTO per year 
• 401k match of over 100% on first 5%, immediate vesting 
• 3% match for student loans or college savings 
• 12 Paid Holidays and 1 Floating Holiday
• Medical & Dental insurance options with 90% coverage for employee AND Families, no deductibles
• Employer Paid Life, Short term, and Long-term Disability Insurance 
• Flexible spending account

Required Engagement 

Engage fully in recommended professional development, as well as other assigned or required training activities. This engagement can also include participation in optional activities that embrace IRCO’s mission, vision, and values based initiatives. 

How To Apply

1. Complete the IRCO application in our Careers Portal: IRCO Application for Employment.  
2. Upload your resume and cover letter addressing your qualifications for this position IRCO Careers.  
3. For questions about this position, please email [email protected]

Please note that physical applications are accessible from IRCO’s main office, 10301 NE Glisan, Portland, OR 97220. Due to the high volume of applications received, we will not be able to contact applicants or return calls regarding applications. Complete applications should include a cover letter, resume, and IRCO application. 

IRCO is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any characteristics protected by law. We will make reasonable accommodations to meet our obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state disability laws.