Peer Support Specialist Summary A certified peer support specialist is a person with significant life-altering experience, also known as "lived experience." These specialists provide support to individuals facing mental health challenges, psychological trauma, or substance use issues. Due to their unique expertise derived from personal experience, peer support specialists offer invaluable assistance that professional training alone cannot replicate. At Conscious Connections Youth Counseling (CCYC), the Peer Support Specialist (PSS) is a past or present client of mental health and/or substance use disorder services who has achieved significant recovery and is dedicated to offering peer support services. In this role, the PSS serves as a positive role model, providing support to individuals who share similar life experiences, and actively participates in the development of personal recovery plans.

Peer Support Specialist Responsibilities and Qualifications:

This job description is not exhaustive and may be subject to change or augmentation with or without prior notice. 1.

Establishing and Maintaining Supportive Relationships:

• Engage with assigned peers in diverse settings, such as home visits, community locations, treatment facilities, office visits, and other relevant environments, to foster positive and trusting relationships.
• Provide emotional support and a caring presence to peers during medical clinic visits.

2.

Group Sessions and Personal Recovery Plan:

• Attend group sessions to support the growth and recovery of clients.
• Assist clients in identifying their personal recovery goals by collaborating on the development of a Personal Recovery Plan.

3.

Overcoming Barriers and Skill Building:

• Aid clients in overcoming obstacles to maintaining independence by offering assistance in areas such as budgeting, transportation arrangements, healthcare appointments, and connecting with benefits.

4. Connecting with

Resources:

• Offer follow-up support to connect individuals with various community resources, enabling them to maintain stability and control over their lives.

5.

Code of Ethics:

• Adhere to the Conscious Connections Youth Counseling (CCYC) Code of Ethics for Certified Peer Support Specialists, including conducting a minimum of two (2) clinical supervision sessions per month for at least 2 hours of documented clinical supervision.
• Accurately represent qualifications, expertise, and certifications to all individuals served and the public.
• Provide truthful and current information in all public statements or comments.
• Refrain from using substances that may impair the ability to perform duties effectively.
• Acknowledge and address personal issues, behaviors, or conditions that may affect performance as a PSS, seeking regular supervision and support to maintain personal well-being.
• Recognize and appreciate the contributions of others, giving credit where due and not claiming others' work as one's own.
• Maintain accurate and secure documentation of client records as required by CCYC and relevant legal regulations, adhering to proper records disposal policies.
• Safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of individuals served, adhering to applicable federal, state, and local laws, including electronic privacy standards.

Peer Support Specialist Education:

• Fulfill the

OHA Certified Peer Support Specialist Requirements:

• Complete an OHA application and submit it to the Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI).
• Successfully pass a criminal history background check conducted by the OHA background check unit (BCU).
• Complete an Oregon Health Authority approved, 40-hour PSST training to become eligible for certification as an Oregon State Certified Peer Support Specialist in Mental Health under the Traditional Health Worker (THW) program.

Peer Support Specialist Qualifications:

Peer Support Specialists and Peer Wellness Specialists, including family and youth support and wellness specialists, shall meet the requirements in

OAR 410-180-0300

to 0380 for certification and continuing education, and: (a) A Peer Support Specialist and Peer Wellness Specialist shall be: (A) Someone self-identified as currently or formerly receiving mental health, problem gambling or substance use services; (B) Someone self-identified as in recovery from a substance use disorder; (C) Someone self-identified as in recovery from problem gambling; or (D) Someone who has experience parenting a child who: (i) Is a current or former recipient of mental health or substance use treatment; or (ii) Is facing or has faced difficulties in accessing education and health and wellness services due to a behavioral health barrier. (b) A Peer Support Specialist and Peer Wellness Specialist shall demonstrate: (A) The ability to support others in their recovery or resiliency; (B) Personal life experience and tools of self-directed recovery and resiliency; and (C) Demonstrate cultural responsiveness and effective communication. (19) "Youth support specialist" means a person who meets qualification criteria adopted by the authority under ORS 414.665 and who, based on a similar life experience, provides supportive services to an individual who: (b) Is a current or former consumer of mental health or addiction treatment; or (c) Is facing or has faced difficulties in accessing education, health and wellness services due to a behavioral health barrier. (d) A "youth support specialist" may be a peer wellness specialist or a peer support specialist.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Hold a valid Oregon driver's license and provide proof of insurable driving record and insurance coverage to the HR department. The insurance coverage must remain current.
• Maintain current certification as an OHA Peer Support Specialist for the duration of employment at CCYC.

Other Considerations:

Conscious Connections Youth Counseling (CCYC) embraces diversity and remains committed to providing equal access and inclusivity to all individuals, irrespective of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, genetic information, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran's status, or any other basis protected by applicable law. Employment decisions at CCYC are based on qualifications, merit, and the agency's needs.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$25.00

• $55.

00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible schedule Health insurance Life insurance Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person