Peer Support Specialist

Lane County•Mental Health Building, OR

13h•Hybrid

About The Position

Lane County Behavioral Health is looking for a skilled Peer Support Specialist (PSS) to join our Aid and Assist Team serving adults with severe and persistent mental illness and who are engaged in the process to determine fitness to participate in their own defense. This is a position for someone who is interested in systems level engagement along with client care. The ideal candidate is interested in being a part of a multidisciplinary team which includes behavioral health staff who interface frequently with Oregon State Hospital staff, municipal and circuit court staff, psychiatrists and law enforcement personnel. The PSS will provide outreach and support primarily in the community, in adult correction facilities and at the state hospital for individuals whose fitness to participate in their own defense is in question. This person will utilize evidence-based treatments and supports while being responsible for supporting the participation of individuals in community based restoration. This position supports engagement between the client and the community, contracted housing organizations, the Oregon State Hospital and the criminal justice system. Lane County Behavioral Health is looking for dedicated individuals who are focused on solutions, with a passion to serve and who are driven to connect. This position does require Adult Mental Health Peer Support Specialist certification and registration with the OHA as a Traditional Healthcare Worker. Where as this position requires significant in-person work, telework may be available for permanent employees. 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. Lane County employees may be eligible for student loan repayment: See links below. Public Service Loan Forgiveness National Health Service Corps Find out from Lane County employees how it is to work for the Behavioral Health division.

Requirements

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.
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
Possession of a valid driver's license at time of application and a valid Oregon Driver's License by the time of appointment.
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.
Lane County will verify license and certification status.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

Provide outreach and support primarily in the community, in adult correction facilities and at the state hospital for individuals whose fitness to participate in their own defense is in question.
Utilize evidence-based treatments and supports.
Support the participation of individuals in community based restoration.
Support engagement between the client and the community, contracted housing organizations, the Oregon State Hospital and the criminal justice system.