Peer Support Specialist - Behavioral Health

Lincoln County; Newport (OR); On-site; USD 29,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Lincoln County Behavioral Health is seeking a Peer Support Specialist to join the Adult Outpatient team. You will work with peers and clinicians to assess needs, connect individuals to services, and help reduce barriers to care.

The role includes education on peer-delivered services, advocacy, and participation in program activities. Salary is $20.79–$27.95 per hour with benefit options and requirements including Oregon driver’s license and state-certified training within six months.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Certification as Peer Support Specialist or state-certified training within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Participate in peer-delivered services and assist clients with access to services.
• Support primary therapist and care coordination with the treatment team.
• Provide education about peer-led services to community members and help reduce stigma.

Skills

Recovery knowledge

Confidentiality

Communication skills

Education

High School Diploma / GED

Job description

Lincoln County Behavioral Health is looking for a Peer Support Specialist to join their Adult Outpatient team and assist in providing direct services to assist individuals in creating and maintaining recovery, health and wellness. They will work with peers and clinical staff (QMHPs & QMHAs) to assess mental health service and support needs, assist individuals with access to available services and resources, and help remove barriers to service. The person in this role will also provide education and information to community members about Peer Delivered Services and mental health issues in order to reduce stigma and discrimination.

$20.79 - $27.95 per hour*

*Lincoln County follows Oregon Pay Equity laws in reviewing education and experience for wage offer.

Lincoln County offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental, & Vision Coverage
• 11% County contribution to 401(k)
• County funded Health Savings Account (HSA)
• $40,000 County Paid Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

Peer Delivered Services

• Participate in recreational, social, and/or occupational activity programs.
• Serve as a link between clients and other needed services.
• Provide supportive services to clients and/or families on a selective basis.
• Assist primary therapist in selected group and individual activities.
• Support human services associate and/or specialists in carrying out agency programs.
• Assist the individual and treatment team in developing a care coordination plan.

Peer Advocacy

• Act as primary community support person, e.g., skill training and taking people to medical appointments.
• Assist with promotion and development of new programs and resources in the community.
• Participate in regular supervision with Supervisor as scheduled.
• May provide education and information to promote public interest and advocacy for services for people who are chemically dependent, and who have psychiatric, emotional and developmental disabilities.
• Provide linkage with local peer organizations.

Program Development

• Maintain current records of treatment as required, including individual support and service plans, updates of plans, summaries and reports of progress according to agency standards for timelines.
• Prepare necessary reports; perform other administrative tasks required by the program supervisor.
• Participate in team/program staff meetings and business meetings as scheduled.
• May assist in program evaluation and research activities.

EDUCATION

High School Diploma / GED

CERTIFICATIONS

Certification by Lincoln County as a Peer Support Specialist or completion of a state-certified training in Peer Support within six months of hire is required. The employee is required to maintain current and active licensures and certifications, as applicable, and to provide the appropriate verifications at the time of renewals.

LICENSES

Oregon Driver's License required within 30 days of hire.

Desirable Qualifications

Bilingual and/or bicultural competencies for the Latino Population are preferred.

Knowledge of/Ability to

• Personal experience with the symptoms, impact, and treatment of mental health challenges.
• Concept of recovery and resiliency for individuals with mental health challenges.
• General mental health, co-occurring disorders and other issues related to people with mental health challenges.
• Skill training interventions that support clients in achieving recovery goals.
• Mandatory reporting requirements and the appropriate levels of information to be shared.
• Confidentiality rules, especially those specific to program area.
• Policy, rules and regulations for program.
• Community and partner agencies and resources relevant to program.
• Impact of income on a client’s benefits (e.g., SSDI, SSI, food stamps, housing subsidies).
• Treat others with dignity and respect; work with integrity and ethically.
• Ability and character to maintain confidential communications and protect confidentiality of records.
• Write concisely and prepare meaningful reports.
• Operate a motor vehicle in a safe manner.
• Interpret and apply laws and policies to specific problems related to program delivery.
• Implement appropriate interventions prescribed on an Individualized Support and Services Plan.
• Increase level of understanding of mental health service terminology to advanced beginning level (minimum).

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

Lincoln County is committed to providing reasonable accommodations as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This job description indicates, in general, the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities, and essential functions expected of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.