Peer Support Specialist, Crisis #114

Lifeworks-Nw-1; Hillsboro (OR); On-site; USD 36,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

LifeWorks NW in Hillsboro, OR is seeking a Crisis Peer Support Specialist who has firsthand recovery experience. You will provide recovery‑oriented support to individuals in crisis, promote safety and connect them to ongoing mental health services.

This on‑site role at Hawthorn offers an hourly wage of 26.29–28.98 with pro‑rated benefits, plus an extra 7.50 per hour on Sundays. Responsibilities include developing short term wellness plans, collaborating with crisis teams, modeling recovery, and

Qualifications

• Self-identifies as a current or former recipient of mental health services.
• Holds a Peer Support Specialist certification from a State-approved training program.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills and ability to provide culturally-competent treatment services to diverse client populations.
• Familiar with developmental needs of adults and children.
• Transporting clients in an agency vehicle may be required. If required, valid driver’s license, proof of current automobile insurance coverage and ability to meet driving requirements are necessary.
• Ability to perform essential functions of job without creating a direct threat to the safety of self or others.

Responsibilities

• Uses a Person-Centered approach to create and work on a short term Peer-Assisted Wellness Recovery Plan tailored to the specific needs of the individual receiving services.
• Collaborates with Crisis Team and Intensive Transition Team staff to assist individuals with safety planning and connecting to ongoing mental health services.
• Models the principles of recovery and emphasizes self-care, gaining independence, wellness and self-determination.
• Informs people served of available service options while promoting the use of natural supports and resources within the community.
• Assists individuals in navigating the mental health services system and in achieving wellness, resiliency and recovery as defined by the person.
• Presents a model of someone in recovery and shares their own experiences as their training provided guidance.
• Works with clients on specific and obtainable goals included in the person’s short term crisis treatment plan.
• Provides support to clients who are experiencing symptoms that could require hospitalization (e.g., shopping, meals, companionship).
• Assists clients in accessing community resources such as food boxes, healthcare appointments and other services as appropriate.
• Assists clients in maintaining medication compliance; may deliver medications, make reminder calls and conduct home visits.
• Maintains confidentiality of records relating to clients’ treatment.
• Educates and advocates for Peer Delivered Services and the Recovery Model.
• Completes documentation in a timely manner.

Skills

Peer support

Communication skills

Cultural competency

Driving license

Safety awareness

Education

Peer Support Specialist certification

Job description

At LifeWorks NW, our work strengthens the health and wellbeing of individuals and families at every stage of life. Our mission is to promote a healthy community through high-quality, culturally responsive mental health, addiction, and prevention services that create real, lasting change. Guided by our values of recovery and resilience, relationships, and results, we partner closely with clients and communities to reduce stigma and build pathways to stability and hope. If you want your work to make a meaningful difference beyond the walls of an office, we invite you to join us.

The Crisis Peer Support Specialist provides a variety of recovery-oriented services to individuals who are experiencing a mental health or emotional crisis who have self-identified as desiring peer supports. The Peer Support Specialist works, to promote immediate safety and stability, greater independence, community integration and recovery. Services provided by peers (people who have had the experience of mental health treatment and have certification in Peer Support) include a wide variety of supports, services and advocacy that contribute to a client's ability to engage in ongoing treatment and work towards less dependence on traditional mental health treatment. These activities acknowledge the importance of involving significant others and other natural supports in the persons treatment that could positively impact their recovery.

Location: This position is based out of LifeWorks NW's Hawthorn site.

Pay/Benefits: $26.29-$28.98 hourly wage range, plus pro-rated benefits . Additional $7.50 per hour for shift on Sunday.
Wage Placement Notice:
The posted wage range reflects the compensation potential for this role. Most candidates will be placed between the entry level and midpoint of the range, depending on their experience and qualifications. However, more seasoned professionals with extensive exact or similar experience may be considered for placement toward the higher end of the range. Final wage offers are made in alignment with internal compensation processes in accordance with Oregon Pay Equity laws.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Uses a Person-Centered approach to create and work on a short term Peer-Assisted Wellness Recovery Plan tailored to the specific needs of the individual receiving services.
• Works in collaboration with Crisis Team and Intensive Transition Team staff to assist individuals with safety planning and connecting to on-going mental health services.
• Uses his/her own experiences as guided by training and also models the principles of recovery for those they work with, including self care, gaining greater independence, emphasize wellness and self-determination.
• Informs people served of available service options while promoting the use of natural supports and resources within the community.
• Assists individuals in navigating the mental health services system and in achieving wellness, resiliency and recovery as defined by the person.
• Present a model of someone in recovery and share their own experiences as their training provided guidance.
• Work with clients on specific and obtainable goals included in the person's short term crisis treatment plan
• Provides support to clients who are having symptoms that could result in hospitalization. Duties could include grocery shopping, meal preparation or just spending time with clients until they feel secure enough to be on their own
• Assists clients in accessing community resources such as food boxes, healthcare appointments and other services as appropriate.
• Assists clients in maintaining medication compliance. May deliver medications, makes reminder calls and home visits to ensure compliance.
• Maintain confidentiality of records relating to clients' treatment.
• Educate and advocate for the values and principles of Peer Delivered Services and the Recovery Model.
• Completes documentation on a timely basis.

Qualifications:

• Self-identifies as a current or former recipient of mental health services
• Holds a Peer Support Specialist certification from a State-approved training program.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills and ability to provide culturally-competent treatment services to diverse client populations.
• Familiar with developmental needs of adults and children.
• Transporting clients in an agency vehicle may be required. If required, valid driver's license, proof of current automobile insurance coverage and ability to meet driving requirements are necessary.
• Ability to perform essential functions of job without creating a direct threat to the safety of self or others.