Peer Support Specialist

KLAMATH YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CENTER

2d•$17 - $21

About The Position

A certified peer support specialist is a person with a significant life-altering experience. This is also referred to as "lived experience". These specialists support individuals with struggles pertaining to mental health, psychological trauma, or substance use. Because of their lived experience, such persons have expertise that professional training cannot replicate. The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) is a past or present client of mental health and/or substance use disorder services who has experienced significant recovery to provide peer support services. The PSS offers peer support to individuals who have similar life experiences and acts as a positive role model to aid in recovery. The PSS is a member of an interdisciplinary team and participates in the development of personal recovery plans.

Requirements

Must meet the following OHA Certified Peer Support Specialist Requirements:
Complete an OHA application and send it to the Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI)
Pass a criminal history background check administered by the OHA background check unit (BCU)
Complete an Oregon Health Authority approved, 40-hour PSST training to be eligible to become an Oregon State Certified Peer Support Specialist under the Traditional Health Worker (THW) program.
Experience to demonstrate the competencies to identify precipitating events:
Be at least 18 years of age.
Must not be listed on the Medicaid provider exclusion list.
Must identify as a peer under one or more of the following:
A self-identified person currently or formerly receiving mental health services; or
A self-identified person in recovery from an addiction disorder, who meets the abstinence requirements for recovering staff in alcohol and other drug treatment programs (2 years); and
Successfully complete the required training offered by an OHA-approved training program for Peer Support Specialist
Valid Oregon driver’s license, clean driving record. Driving is a requirement for this position. Proof of insurance must be provided to the HR department. Coverage must remain current.

Responsibilities

Meets with assigned peers in a variety of settings which may include home visits, community settings, treatment facilities, office visits, and other related settings to establish and maintain a positive, trusting relationship.
Meets with peers in a medical clinic setting to provide emotional support, and a supportive presence.
Attends group sessions for clients to support patient growth and recovery.
Assists clients in identifying their personal recovery goals through the development of a Personal Recovery Plan.
Assist clients in working on overcoming barriers to maintaining independence and may help with skill building in budgeting, setting up transportation, making health care appointments, and connecting with benefits.
The PSS offers follow-up support to connect individuals with a full range of resources in the community to assist individuals in maintaining stability and control over their own lives.
Agree to maintain a minimum of two (2) clinical supervision sessions per month totaling at least 2 hours of documented clinical supervision.
Accurately identify my qualifications, expertise, and certifications to all whom I serve and to the public.
Make public statements or comments that are true and reflect current and accurate information.
Remain free from any substances that affect my ability and capacity to perform my duties as a Peer Recovery Support Specialist.
Recognize personal issues, behaviors, or conditions that may impact my performance as a PSS.
Maintain regular supervision and ongoing support so I have a person with whom I can address challenging personal issues, behaviors, or conditions that may negatively affect my own recovery. I understand that misconduct may result in the suspension of my credentials.
Respect and acknowledge the professional efforts and contributions of others and not declare or imply credit as my own. If involved in research, I shall give credit to those who contribute to the research.
Maintain required documentation for and in all clients, records as required by KBBH or the Federal requirements making certain that records are documented honestly and stored securely. Agency disposal of records policies shall be adhered to.
Protect the privacy and confidentiality of persons served in adherence with Federal Confidentiality, HIPAA laws, local jurisdiction, and state laws and regulations. This includes electronic privacy standards (social media, Texting, Video Conferencing, etc.).
Use client contact information in accordance with agency policy.
Not to create my own private practice