Peer Support Specialist

LIFEWAYS INC•Ontario, OR

2d•$21 - $21

About The Position

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, and team meetings. Use Lived experience to build rapport, reduce stress, 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. Ability to respond appropriately to and deescalate a crisis. Document client progresses per department policies and procedure. Offer hope, validation, empowerment, modeling recovery through lived experience. 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. Maintain confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA, OHA Peer Code of Ethics, and agency privacy policies. Participate in mandatory training, including safety protocols and field readiness training.

Requirements

High School Diploma/GED
OHA-recognized Peer Certification
PSS (Peer Support Specialist – Mental Health)
PWS (Peer Wellness Specialist)
CRM (Certified Recovery Mentor)
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 work respectfully, collaboratively, and safely in community-based crisis environments.
Successful completion of background check (including LEDS NCIC)

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, and team meetings.
Use Lived experience to build rapport, reduce stress, 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.
Ability to respond appropriately to and deescalate a crisis.
Document client progresses per department policies and procedure.
Offer hope, validation, empowerment, modeling recovery through lived experience.
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.
Maintain confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA, OHA Peer Code of Ethics, and agency privacy policies.
Participate in mandatory training, including safety protocols and field readiness training.