Peer Support Specialist- SUDS

KLAMATH YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CENTER•Klamath Falls, OR

20h•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a Certified Peer Support Specialist Addiction (PSS-A) for our SUDS team. This role is built on trust, connection, and hope. Peer Support Specialists offer insight and empathy that complement clinical care while helping individuals build stability, independence, and meaningful lives. As a Peer Support Specialist in addictions, you will use your personal recovery experience to engage individuals affected by substance use disorders, inspire motivation for change, and promote recovery‑oriented pathways. As a valued member of an interdisciplinary team, you will empower individuals to navigate challenges, build skills, and stay connected to resources that support long term wellness.

Requirements

A Peer Support Specialist Addictions must be one of the following: 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 abstinence requirements for recovering staff in treatment programs; OR A family member of someone currently or formerly receiving addictions or mental health services.
Current Oregon Health Authority Certified Peer Support Specialist Addiction certification.
Must be at least 18 years old and not on the Medicaid provider exclusion list.
Successful completion of: An OHA approved 40 hour Peer Support Specialist Training
OHA application requirements and criminal history background check
Valid Oregon driver’s license, insurable driving record. Driving is required for this position.
Attend a minimum of two hours of clinical supervision per month.
Maintain strict confidentiality and HIPAA compliance, including electronic communication standards.
Use clear, culturally responsive professional boundaries.
Maintain personal wellness and refrain from substances that impair job performance.
Disclose and resolve conflicts of interest promptly.
Protect and use client contact information only as allowed by agency policy.

Responsibilities

Build trusted, supportive relationships with peers by meeting them where they are; whether that is in homes, clinics, community locations, and treatment settings.
Provide consistent emotional support during clinic visits while helping peers feel heard, respected, and empowered.
Facilitate or co lead peer support groups that create safe spaces for growth, connection, and recovery.
Support peers in setting recovery goals and taking concrete steps toward independence (e.g., budgeting, transportation, healthcare access, benefit navigation).
Ensure peers remain connected to community resources through follow up support that promotes long term stability.
Maintain timely and accurate documentation that meets state, federal, grant, and agency requirements.
Model professional, ethical behavior in alignment with the NCC AP NCPRSS Code of Ethics.
Approach each interaction as an opportunity to instill hope and normalize recovery.
Ensure peer voices are represented in care planning by collaborating with clinicians and interdisciplinary team members.
Recognize when services are no longer beneficial and support respectful, appropriate transitions.