EASA Peer Support Specialist, Behavioral Health Division

Multnomah County • Portland, OR

5d • $25 - $31 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Early Assessment and Support Alliance (EASA) is looking for an empathetic, dedicated Peer Support Specialist to join their collaborative team. Through the EASA Fidelity and EASA Step-Down programs, they deliver impactful, intensive support to young adults (ages 12–30) navigating a first episode of psychosis. As an EASA Peer Support Specialist, you will partner with young adults (ages 12-30) navigating their first episode of psychosis, centering their agency and strengths in their recovery journey. Leveraging your lived experience, you will provide compassionate, trauma-informed mentorship that fosters resilience and connection within the EASA Fidelity and Step-Down programs. In this vital role, you’ll work alongside a multidisciplinary team to offer individualized, advocacy-driven support, empowering participants to define and achieve their own personal and wellness goals.

Requirements

• Must be registered as a Peer Support Specialist and/or Peer Wellness Specialist with the Oregon Health Authority, Certification is Required
• Equivalent to an Associates degree and minimum 1 year (2 years preferred) of paid or unpaid experience as a peer advocate in a mental health system
• Must meet the standards for Peer Support Specialist in Oregon Administrative Rule 410-180-0305 (Required)
• Must be registered as a Peer Support Specialist and/or Peer Wellness Specialist with the Oregon Health Authority, Certification is Required
• This position requires a Background Investigation, which is may include being fingerprinted.
• This position requires a valid driver’s license

Nice To Haves

• 2 years of paid or unpaid experience as a peer advocate in a mental health system
• Lived experience with psychosis or mental health challenges.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and independently.
• Understanding of HIPAA and privacy standards.
• Familiarity with community resources and support networks.
• Passion for empowering young people and families.

Responsibilities

• Engage and build rapport with individuals and their families enrolled in EASA Fidelity and Step-Down services.
• Provide direct individualized services including support, mentoring, skill building, advocacy, and problem-solving.
• Utilize lived experience and strengths-based approaches to support others in recovery and resiliency, and model skills used in self-directed recovery.
• Assist clients with medical and mental health appointments, while maintaining HIPAA-compliant documentation.
• Empower clients to be self-determined in their treatment and recovery by developing and maintaining self-advocacy skills through coaching, modeling, and skills-building.
• Support clients in their self-advocacy and encourage clients to articulate their hopes and concerns by accompanying them to their appointments at their request.
• Assist and support clients to develop skills to successfully build a personal support network.
• Encourage and assist individuals to participate in related advisory councils or boards.
• Participate in Rounds, administrative meetings, retreats, and individual case staffings.
• Communicate with assigned Mental Health Consultant and other team members to coordinate peer support activities with other treatment goals and activities.
• Engage with families, caregivers, and/or community as part of the multidisciplinary team plan.
• Facilitate psychoeducation groups or other groups and participate in program events such as workshops, retreats, etc.
• Attend Direct Clinical Services (DCS), Behavioral Health Division (BHD), statewide EASA meetings and training as requested or required based on County policies, EASA program fidelity guidelines, and/or professional licensure/certification.
• Assist with outreach to schools, colleges, emergency rooms, community services, providers, crisis lines, etc., to provide program information, referral information and general education about psychotic disorders and first breaks in young people.

Benefits

• employer-funded retirement savings
• health and dental insurance at very low cost to full-time employees and their dependents
• paid parental leave
• wellness programs
• a focus on work-life balance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree