Peer Support Specialist - Assertive Community Treatment

$40,664 - $54,350/Yr

Marion County - Salem, OR

Full-time - Entry Level

Salem, OR

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

Marion County Adult Behavioral Health is seeking a dedicated Peer Support Specialist for their Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team. This role is crucial in providing intensive, community-based treatment services to individuals diagnosed with serious mental illnesses, many of whom may also be dealing with co-occurring substance use disorders. The ACT model emphasizes maximizing individual independence, encouraging community integration, and promoting recovery in mental health and addictions. The Peer Support Specialist will engage with individuals in various settings, including their homes, shelters, and other community locations, to deliver support and guidance tailored to their unique recovery journeys. The Peer Support Specialist is expected to leverage their own lived experience with mental health challenges to foster a supportive environment for clients. This role involves not only providing encouragement and assistance but also acting as an advocate to connect individuals with necessary services and resources. The specialist will work closely with clients to develop personal recovery and wellness goals, facilitate skills training, and promote self-help strategies. By sharing personal experiences and modeling wellness activities, the Peer Support Specialist will help clients navigate their recovery paths and build self-efficacy. In addition to direct support, the Peer Support Specialist will collaborate with the ACT team to ensure that individual preferences and viewpoints are respected and integrated into treatment plans. This position requires maintaining accurate documentation of clinical records and participating actively in team meetings and crisis interventions. The ideal candidate will be a reliable and positive team member, committed to the principles of recovery and empowerment.

Responsibilities

• Provide support, encouragement, and assistance to mental health consumers enrolled in Marion County Adult Behavioral Health (ABH)-Assertive Community Treatment Team.
• Engage with participants in their homes, hospitals, jails, and shelters to promote recovery and self-direction.
• Assist participants in developing personal recovery and wellness goals and overcoming barriers to service participation.
• Facilitate wellness management and recovery strategies, connecting individuals to community resources.
• Model self-help and wellness activities, sharing personal experiences when appropriate to foster empowerment.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of clinical records in accordance with relevant regulations and standards.
• Participate fully as a member of the Marion County ABH-ACT team, contributing to treatment planning and crisis intervention.

Requirements

• Must be a self-identified person currently or formerly engaged in mental health services, preferably in recovery from an addiction disorder.
• Must successfully complete a Mental Health approved peer support training program within six months of hire.
• Possess a current driver's license in the applicant's state of residence with an acceptable driving history.
• Must not be excluded from participation in federal health care programs and must pass a criminal history background check.
• Ability to understand and carry out directions and instructions, maintain confidentiality, and provide documentation consistent with department standards.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in community resources and connecting individuals to those resources.
• Knowledge of recovery principles and strategies.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with individuals, coworkers, and other agencies.

Benefits

• Eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Wage enhancement of $1.00 for hours worked between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM.
• Full-time position eligible for overtime.