Peer Support Specialist - Family Support

Linn County Department of Health Services; Albany (OR); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Linn County Department of Health Services seeks a Peer Support Specialist - Family Support. The role provides one-to-one, strengths-based support to families in the Child and Family Program, including Wraparound and MRSS contexts. On-site work only.

You will leverage personal recovery experience to inspire families, collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, and help families access housing, employment, education, and health resources. Requires Oregon certification and valid driver's license.

Qualifications

• This position requires a High School Diploma or GED with strong reading and writing skills.
• Lived experience in mental health and/or substance use recovery is essential.
• Two years of sobriety is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized, strengths-based, one-to-one support to families in the Child and Family Program.
• Collaborate with clinicians, care coordinators, and service providers to ensure family voice is heard.
• Advise on community resources and assist families with navigating services.
• Document services provided to families in the electronic health record (EHR).

Skills

Reading & writing proficiency

Lived experience in mental health &amp

2 years sobriety

Knowledge of community resources for Y

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Family Support Specialist Certificate (OHA)

Job description

Peer Support Specialist - Family Support

Mental Health Department (Classification 773)

SEIU Represented Full-Time (37.5 hours/week) position

This position is open until filled. First review of applications will be on November 6, 2026. Any applications received after November 6 will be reviewed and considered as needed, and this posting may close at any time after that date.

Linn County requires on-site work. Remote work is not available.

The Family Support Specialist (FSS) provides individualized, strengths-based, one-on-one support to families that are receiving services through the Child and Family Program, primarily with a focus on those involved in Wraparound and Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS). The FSS works directly with families in a variety of settings to meet the families where they are at to create a consistent meaningful support.

Drawing on their own lived experience navigating behavioral health, child-serving systems, and/or crisis services, the FSS provides guidance, models recovery, and supports families in identifying and achieving personal goals.

The FSS is an integral member of a multidisciplinary care team and collaborates closely with clinicians, care coordinators, families, and other service providers to ensure family voice and choice are heard, and respected throughout the planning and service delivery process.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Shares personal recovery stories and describes personal experiences to inspire and support individuals throughout the recovery process, as appropriate. Acts as an advocate for individuals to facilitate positive changes and hope in their recovery.
• Supports individuals with problem solving related to their reintegration into the community.
• Advises and informs individuals on community resources, including housing, employment, education, transportation, recreation, health, religious/spiritual, and other resources to meet their individual recovery goals.
• Provide support and navigation, as appropriate.
• Provides coaching in areas to support wellbeing.
• Provides individuals with support and guidance recognizing the early signs of crisis and implementing identified coping strategies.
• Assists individuals with developing and maintaining positive personal and social support networks.
• Assists individuals with developing their self-help skills and cultivates their ability to make informed, independent choices.
• Plans and facilitates practical activities for individuals to increase their self-worth and improve their self-concepts.
• Assists in facilitating skills-based groups.
• Attends treatment/recovery team meetings.
• Documents services provided to individuals/groups and EHR.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships and collaboration with community partners, especially agencies and programs serving youth and families.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have a High School Diploma or GED with a demonstrated proficiency in reading and writing
• Must have a Family Support Specialist Certificate from Oregon Health Authority (OHA)
• Must be able to pass a criminal history/background check
• Must have a current Oregon driver's license and clean driving record
• Knowledge of community resources for Youth and Families
• Must have lived experience in mental health and/or substance use recovery
• Must be 2 years post sobriety

This is a non-supervisory position. Lead work and coordination of work of others is not a typical function assigned to this position. Incumbents in this position may provide training and orientation to newly assigned personnel.

VISA SPONSORSHIP

Linn County does not offer VISA sponsorship. Within three days of hire, applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. If your employment authorization and documentation is contingent on sponsorship now or in the future, you will not meet Agency employment eligibility standards.