Peer Support Specialist

You are eligible for a sign-on compensation of $4,500!

About the Position

Lane County Behavioral Health is looking for dynamic Peer Support Specialist to join our team as mobile crisis service responders for our new Mobile Crisis Service of Lane County program (MCS-LC) which was created to better serve individuals in behavioral health crisis across our county.

These positions will work on a team with a qualified mental health associate to respond to calls for service in rural and metro areas of Lane County. They will provide support to individuals in crisis through the MCS-LC Team. The team is a county wide service that supports individuals in acute crisis through de-escalation and support, resources, referral, transportation for additional care, and coordinating with partners in the crisis continuum of care in Lane County. The ideal candidate for this position must have experience providing peer support to individuals with serious mental illness and/or substance use disorders that have been referred for services to overcome barriers and improve their lives.  Using the peer support model, this person will offer support, encouragement, and hope.

Lane County Behavioral Health is looking for dedicated individuals who are focused on solutions, with a passion to serve and who are driven to connect. These positions do require registration as an Adult Mental Health Peer Support Specialist on the Oregon Health Authority Traditional Health Care Worker Registry.

• Lane County employees may be eligible for student loan repayment:

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness

• National Health Service Corps

About the Division

Lane County Behavioral Health provides services to more than 1,600 individuals with behavioral health conditions. We work with community partners to provide a continuum of care from prevention through treatment and aftercare in an environment that promotes a culture of resilience and recovery.

Find out from Lane County employees how it is to work for the Behavioral Health division.

Schedule: 2:00 p.m.- 11:00 p.m. on varied days

Schedules to begin will be Sunday-Thursday or Tuesday-Saturday, between 2p and 11p. As the program expands to 24-hr coverage, there will be the opportunity to take on variable shifts.

This program may include overtime, and/or non-traditional work hours including nights and weekends, and some holidays. These positions include community-based work and 

related travel for routine job tasks.

• This is an AFSCME represented position*

Training:

• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

Experience:

• Six (6) months of paid or unpaid experience as a peer advocate in a mental health system is preferred.

• Experience facilitating group and participating on committees is preferred.

Special Requirements:

• State of Oregon Peer Support Specialist certification.

• Registered as Adult Mental Health Peer Support Specialist THW (Traditional Health Care Worker) through OHA (Oregon Health Authority).

• 40 Hour Adult Mental Health Peer Support Specialist Training & Certification.

• Transcripts (for credentialing purposes).

• NPI (for credentialing purposes).

• Diploma (for credentialing purposes).

• Resume (for credentialing purposes).

Must be in possession of a valid driver's license at time of application, and a valid Oregon Driver's license by time of appointment.

A Peer Support Specialist must be:

• A self-identified person currently or formerly receiving mental health services; OR
• A self-identified person in recovery from a substance use disorder, who meets the abstinence requirements for recovering staff in alcohol and drug treatment programs; OR
• A family member of an individual who is a current or former recipient of addictions or mental health services.

You will be asked to discuss recovering experiences during interview process.

Notes:

• This position is subject to a full criminal offender information record check.

• Offers of employment are contingent upon consenting to and successfully passing a drug screening test.

• Please note that as part of the screening process Lane County will verify license and certification status.

• One of the essential functions of this position is to travel within Lane County (occasionally outside of Lane County) to completed scheduled meetings.

Studies have shown that women and BIPOC individuals are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. The county will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

Peer Support Specialist Classification Details

Selection Process

Equal Employment Opportunity

Lane County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace.  All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

Strategic Plan

In alignment with Lane County's Strategic Plan, incumbent(s) will be expected to demonstrate the following core behaviors: Passion to Serve, Driven to Connect, and Focused on Solutions.

The 2022 -2024 Strategic Plan focuses on the areas that Lane County will pursue as a way to deliver on our vision for the residents of Lane County. To meet these challenges, we know that the basis of our efforts lies in leveraging our people and partnerships to achieve our Strategic Priorities. We also recognize that the quality and commitment of our staff is essential to a shared future where Lane County is the best place in which to live, work, and play.

Trauma Informed Care Statement

Lane County Health & Human Services is committed to providing Trauma Informed Care.  As an organization, we recognize that many of the people we serve have experienced trauma, either currently, recently or in their past.  Our agency is dedicated to incorporating an understanding of trauma, both with our clients and with each other.  Our employees receive ongoing training to develop or deepen their understanding of trauma and its impacts.

Veteran Preference Information