Peer Support Specialist

Peer Support Specialist

Lane County Behavioral Health is looking for a highly trained individual to fill the role of Peer Support Specialist (PSS) in our Adult Outpatient Program. This person will be providing peer outreach and support to individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, assisting them to engage in services and overcome barriers to participation in treatment. This dynamic peer will model effective self-help strategies and assist with access/linkage to community resources including housing, transportation, education and employment. They will feel comfortable co-facilitating and leading skills and support groups. PSS may be required to provide transportation to appointments and activities and or make home visits. Documentation to state and clinic standards using EHR are expected. The work is done collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team that includes mental health clinicians, case managers, and psychiatry. Using the peer support model, the top candidate will offer support, encouragement and hope to those we serve. For this recruitment we are looking for individuals with a passion to serve adults with severe and persistent mental health needs in our community. This position does require a current Traditional Health Worker Certification through the State of Oregon and Adult Mental Health Peer Support Specialist certification. If you are driven to serve, this is the job for you!

Lane County Behavioral Health provides services to more than 1,600 individuals with behavioral health conditions. We work with community partners to provide a continuum of care from prevention through treatment and aftercare in an environment that promotes a culture of resilience and recovery.

Qualifications

Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

Experience: Six (6) months of paid or unpaid experience as a peer advocate in a mental health system is preferred. Experience facilitating group and participating on committees is preferred.

Special Requirements:

• Transcripts
• Registered as Adult Mental Health Peer Support Specialist THW (Traditional Health Care Worker) through OHA (Oregon Health Authority)
• 40 Hour Adult Mental Health Peer Support Specialist Training & Certification
• NPI
• Diploma
• CV or Resume
• Possession of a valid driver's license at time of application and a valid Oregon Driver's License by the time of appointment.

A Peer Support Specialist must be: a self-identified person currently or formerly receiving mental health services; OR a self-identified person in recovery from a substance use disorder, who meets the abstinence requirements for recovering staff in alcohol and drug treatment programs; OR a family member of an individual who is a current or former recipient of addictions or mental health services. Will be asked to discuss recovering experiences during the interview process.

This position is subject to a full criminal offender information record check. Offers of employment are contingent upon consenting to and successfully passing a drug screening test. Please note that as part of the screening process, Lane County will verify license and certification status.

Studies have shown that women and BIPOC individuals are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. The county will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

Lane County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

In alignment with Lane County's Strategic Plan, incumbent(s) will be expected to demonstrate the following core behaviors: Passion to Serve, Driven to Connect, and Focused on Solutions.

Lane County Health & Human Services is committed to providing Trauma Informed Care. As an organization, we recognize that many of the people we serve have experienced trauma, either currently, recently or in their past. Our agency is dedicated to incorporating an understanding of trauma, both with our clients and with each other. Our employees receive ongoing training to develop or deepen their understanding of trauma and its impacts.

Lane County offers extraordinary benefits to keep you and your family well, physically and financially. Benefits include health insurance coverage, retirement plan, disability coverage, time management, holidays, life insurance, county-paid training & development, deferred compensation retirement savings, vision, supplemental life insurance, Aflac, and group discounts.