Peer Support Specialist
About The Position
This is a graveyard position, and the scheduled hours will be 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. The Peer Support Specialist will respond to Mobile Crisis dispatches in the community alongside QMHP and or QMHA. They will collaborate closely with QMHPs, QMHAs, law enforcement partners, EMS, St. Alphonsus Emergency Department, and community providers. The role involves participating in shift debriefings, case consultations, team meetings, and mandatory training, including safety protocols and field readiness training. A key aspect of the role is using lived experience to build rapport, reduce stress, model recovery, validate, empower, and support individuals who are in emotional or behavioral health crisis. The specialist will provide grounding techniques, emotional support, coping skills, and non-clinical supportive presence, assisting clients in identifying strengths, self-determination, and recovery-oriented pathways. Documentation of client progress per department policies and procedures is required. The ability to respond appropriately to and deescalate a crisis is essential. The role encourages self-advocacy and supports individuals in understanding their rights, choices, and treatment options. Additionally, the specialist will assist clients in connecting with outpatient treatment, peer-run organizations, housing support, crisis respite, detox, and community resources. Completing concise documentation of peer services, interventions, and client interactions in alignment with OARs and agency documentation standards is necessary. The ability to multi-task, manage time, meet deadlines, and remain calm and professional under pressure is also required, along with maintaining confidentiality and adhering to HIPAA, OHA Peer Code of Ethics, and agency privacy policies. All work duties and activities must be performed in compliance with Lifeway’s policies/procedures, Oregon Administrative Rules, OSHA, and HIPAA regulations.
Requirements
- High School Diploma/GED
- OHA-recognized Peer Certification PSS (Peer Support Specialist – Mental Health); or PWS (Peer Wellness Specialist); or CRM (Certified Recovery Mentor); or Youth or Family Peer Credential
- Must identify as a person with lived experience of mental health challenges, trauma, or substance use recovery.
- Valid driver’s license
- Ability to respond appropriately to and deescalate a crisis.
- Ability to work respectfully, collaboratively, and safely in community-based crisis environments.
- Successful completion of background check (including LEDS NCIC)
- Tuberculosis screening
Nice To Haves
- Experience working on a Mobile Crisis Team, with 988 Crisis Services, housing outreach or emergency behavioral health settings.
- Bilingual/multilingual
Responsibilities
- Respond to Mobile Crisis dispatches in the community alongside QMHP and or QMHA.
- Collaborate closely with QMHPs, QMHAs, law enforcement partners, EMS, St. Alphonsus Emergency Department, and community providers.
- Participate in shift debriefings, case consultations, team meetings, and mandatory training, including safety protocols and field readiness training.
- Use lived experience to build rapport, reduce stress, model recovery, validate, empower, and support individuals who are in emotional or behavioral health crisis.
- Provide grounding techniques, emotional support, coping skills, and non-clinical supportive presence.
- Assist clients in identifying strengths, self-determination, and recovery-oriented pathways.
- Document client progresses per department policies and procedure.
- Ability to respond appropriately to and deescalate a crisis.
- Encourage self-advocacy and support individuals in understanding their rights, choices and treatment options.
- Assist clients in connecting with outpatient treatment, peer-run organizations, housing support, crisis respite, detox and community resources.
- Complete concise documentation of peer services, interventions, and client interactions in alignment with OARs and agency documentation standards.
- Ability to multi-task, manage time, meet deadlines, and remain calm and professional under pressure.
- Maintain confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA, OHA Peer Code of Ethics, and agency privacy policies.
- Perform all work duties and activities in compliance with Lifeway’s policies/procedures, Oregon Administrative Rules, OSHA, and HIPAA regulations.
Benefits
- Medical Benefits
- Preferred Provider Option
- Health Savings Account
- Dental Benefits
- Vision Benefits
- Flexible Spending Account
- Pet Insurance
- Group Life Insurance, AD&D - Company Paid
- Supplemental Life Insurance, AD&D
- Short Term Disability - Company Paid
- Long Term Disability
- 401K Retirement Plan (Traditional and ROTH) with Company Funded company match up to 6%
- Retirement and Financial Planning Services
- Shift differential incentives
- Loan Forgiveness options through federal programs (National Health Service Corps & Public Service Loan Forgiveness)
- Professional development to enhance various skills, certifications, and continuing education
- Opportunities for growth and movement
- Paid Time Off (amount depends on years of service)
- Sick Leave for part-time staff
- Paid Holidays
- Tuition reimbursement program
- Commuter Mileage Incentive
- Cell phone reimbursement
- Clinical Supervision
- Wellness Program reimbursement
- Employee Assistance Program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
