PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST

1.0 FTE Non-exempt position (expectation to work 40 hours per week) located in Grant County, Eastern Oregon. Supervised by the Peer Support Supervisor.

About the role

This position is for individuals with a history of mental health or substance use issues who have received services. The Peer Support Specialist will share their life experiences to support CCS clients, respecting each client’s point of view, experiences, and preferences. They will work with CCS staff to maximize client choice, self-determination, and decision-making in treatment planning and delivery. Responsibilities include providing peer counseling, consultation, rehabilitation, and support to individuals, families, and staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide peer counseling and support, drawing on common experiences to validate clients’ experiences and guide them toward active participation in their recovery; serve as a mentor to promote hope and empowerment.
• Ensure accurate, timely, and complete documentation of all clinical documents and subsequent data entry when required.
• Help clients and family members identify, understand, and combat stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness; develop strategies to reduce self-stigma.
• Increase awareness of and support client and family participation in consumer self-help services and programs.
• Assist the supervisor in organizing and leading rehabilitative individual and group activities.
• Participate in clinical meetings to discuss client progress and goals when requested.
• Participate in clinical supervision as requested.
• Provide support to clients in crisis, spending time with them in their home, emergency room, or office setting. Work in tandem with clinicians until the crisis is resolved or alternative placement options are secure.
• Provide transportation to clients when clinically recommended to assist in accessing services.

Requirements

• No minimum education or experience required.
• Must have attended a peer support conference/training and work toward Peer Certification in Oregon.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• Ability to develop positive working relationships with team members, co-workers, community partners, and the public.
• Ability to represent CCS within the community and at state or regional meetings, including public speaking.
• Knowledge, understanding, and willingness to adhere to confidentiality laws and expectations.
• Ability to work independently without constant supervision.
• Possess conflict resolution skills.
• Ability and willingness to be at work on time and follow direction from a supervisor.
• Good typing skills and knowledge of basic office software programs.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral formats, including presenting and exchanging routine to complex and confidential information internally and externally.
• Must pass all criminal history check requirements as required by ORS 181.536-181.537 and OAR 410-007-0200 through 410-007-0380. Monthly checks against OIG, GSA exclusion lists, and other federal/state agency lists are required.
• Must pass a pre-hire drug screen.
• Must hold a valid driver’s license and personal auto insurance for vehicles used for CCS business (e.g., client services, travel between offices, meetings, and trainings). Proof of $300,000 or more liability coverage for bodily injury and $100,000 or more for property damage is required and must be maintained throughout employment.

Physical Demands

• Regular use of office automation, including computers and phone systems requiring fine manipulation, grasping, typing, and reaching.
• Sitting for extended periods while reviewing reports and other written materials or talking on the phone.
• Occasional lifting of up to ten (10) pounds.
• Occasional reaching, bending, kneeling, and squatting to adjust equipment or retrieve supplies.
• Participation in vehicle travel between business offices, client homes, community settings, and required meetings/trainings.

Work Environment

• Work is performed in an office environment and various community settings such as schools, client homes, hospitals, jails, public agencies, and community groups.
• Noise levels are usually moderate but may occasionally include loud noises such as raised voices or alarms.
• Exposure to everyday risks or discomforts requiring normal safety precautions typical of an office or community environment (e.g., moving mechanical parts, airborne particles, electrical shock).

Pay

$21.15 - $30.53 hourly, depending on experience. $5,500 hiring bonus (pro-rated by FTE) available until 10/31/26, with a 2-year commitment and staggered-taxed payout.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 6% initial 401K match.
• Potential for tuition reimbursement.
• Paid vacation tiers ranging from accrual of 1 day to 4 days per month (annual rollover cap of 220 hours; additional hours can be paid out at the end of the fiscal year).
• 9 paid holidays, plus a community service day.
• Floating holiday and 2 wellness days provided after 1 year of employment.
• Workplace flexibility schedule options (e.g., work-from-home hours) available after 1 year of employment.
• Employee Assistance Program, wellness benefits, dependent care, and long-term disability insurance.