Peer Support Specialist- Youth

Peer Support Specialist – Youth  

$5,000 HIRING BONUS (Prorated by FTE)

• Benefits include: 
  • Family medical, dental, long term disability, 403(b) plan with 6% match, and more. 
  • Generous paid time off policy.  (Annual accrual up to 208 hours - based on FTE status and available to use upon accrual).  Plus 11 paid holidays annually. 
• Bilingual skills a plus; Options pays a premium for employees who can conduct business in Spanish and provide certification of a language proficiency test approved by the Oregon Health Authority that meets a proficiency level of “High Intermediate”.
• Position may be eligible for Oregon Behavioral Health Loan Repayment Program – visit https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HSD/AMH/Pages/Loan-Repayment.aspx

• Bonus Applicable to external applicants only, and limitations for re-hires will apply.

Schedule: Monday – Friday 8am-5pm (schedule may vary with possibility of 4-10’s) – may serve both Josephine Co. and Jackson Co.

Overview

The Peer Support Specialist advocates for youths and promotes a strengths-based framework from which services are provided. This position will work as an active member of the treatment team supporting the youth’s own recovery process through community engagement and other independent skill building activities. Utilizes Feedback Informed Treatment (FIT) in delivery of client services. Options provides on the job training and supervision for FIT. 

 Responsibilities

The Peer Support Specialist provides coaching, education, support, and encouragement to youth to use their own voice in expressing their views clearly, and in making informed choices regarding their service and support needs, and must be able to relate to the youth population they serve. They also work collaboratively to increase youth and family involvement and decrease unintentional bias/stigma about children and youth receiving services.

This position provides education on issues related to mental health and available services, and promotes access and engagement in needed services.

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent and a general understanding of the population served. Some post-secondary coursework preferred.

Have a history of receiving mental health services and be well-grounded in one’s own recovery, with at least a year since diagnosis preferred. Knowledge and skills sufficient for establishing effective relationships with clients who have a mental illness in order to support them in their own recovery. Competency in recognizing behavioral issues and symptoms of mental illnesses for the purpose of electronic documentation and communication with members of the treatment team. 

Must be eligible to become certified as a Peer Support Specialist on the State registry https://traditionalhealthworkerregistry.oregon.gov/, and attend required trainings for certification when available.

 Candidates must be able to use e-mail, compose documents, save and locate documents electronically, and learn to use our Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. Proficiency in Word and other MS Office applications preferred. 

Must pass state-required background and DMV checks; possess a valid OR driver's license and a satisfactory driving record to transport clients. Candidate must be able to work independently and flexibly, under general supervision.

Possess mature attitude and sensitivity to the needs of people who have a chronic mental illness; understanding of HIPAA laws regarding confidentiality of privileged information; ability to follow verbal and written instructions; ability to work independently and with staff as agency needs dictate.

Options for Southern Oregon recognizes that in order to best serve the healthcare needs of our communities and fulfill our mission, we must learn, grow, incorporate, and value the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our work and in our lives.  We are committed to the continued development of an aware, diverse, and culturally responsive workforce and an organizational culture that is supportive and affirming for all staff and clients.  Options acknowledges that incorporating EDI principles in our practices is an ongoing learning process and we are committed to using our voice to effect positive change.  We recognize that making an impact on health inequities in our community will take more than just a statement and, to this end, our goals, planning, and actions aim to promote and develop equitable and effective health care services to reflect the needs of our diverse communities.

Options for Southern Oregon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.