(PSS) Peer Support Specialist- Part Time

The Recovery Village•Salem, OR

14h•Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Support Specialist supports a structured, recovery-oriented therapeutic environment in a residential substance use disorder treatment setting at The Recovery Village Salem Drug and Alcohol Rehab. The role combines peer support with milieu leadership to promote patient engagement, reinforce a recovery culture, and support the daily flow of programming. Drawing on lived experience and behavioral health knowledge, the specialist provides non-clinical peer mentorship and helps staff maintain a safe, structured environment. The role includes engaging patients during admission, detoxification, transitions in care, and throughout treatment. It does not include clinical assessments, therapy, treatment planning, or medical decision-making. The position is part-time, up to 20 hours per week, and requires some weekends. It also involves coordinating patient activities, documenting services, communicating with colleagues, and providing program information to prospective clients and families as needed.

Requirements

Hold an active Oregon Health Authority PSS certification, as stated in the opening summary; the detailed requirements also specify certification as a Traditional Health Worker (THW) Peer Support Specialist (PSS) or Peer Wellness Specialist (PWS), or the ability to obtain it within six months of hire.
Have an associate or bachelor's degree in behavioral health, social work, psychology, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Have a minimum of three years of experience in behavioral health or a related field.
Have a good driving record that meets safety and company insurance standards.
Maintain strict confidentiality.
Understand trauma-informed care, de-escalation techniques, co-occurring disorders, stages of change, and confidentiality laws including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of experience working in a treatment setting and/or a substance abuse or recovery agency.

Responsibilities

Provide peer-based recovery support.
Engage patients during admission and treatment.
Support patients in identifying recovery goals.
Facilitate peer recovery groups.
Support the therapeutic milieu structure.
Assist with de-escalation within the scope of the role.
Observe and report behavioral changes.
Support transitions and discharge planning.
Document services in accordance with program requirements.
Maintain professional boundaries and strict confidentiality.
Help develop and coordinate a monthly calendar of onsite and offsite patient activities.
Provide program information to prospective clients and families as needed.
Maintain clear communication with supervisors and coworkers.
Participate in staff meetings as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned by supervisors.