Peer Support Specialist - Co-Responder at Lane County

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

About the Position

Lane County Behavioral Health (LCBH) is looking for a highly trained Peer Support Specialist (PSS) to join the “Co-Responder” program, which is a new collaboration between the Eugene Police Department and Lane County. This position involves working on a co-response team of behavioral health professionals and Police Officers responding to calls for service in the Downtown Eugene district. The Peer Support will provide street-based Peer Support to individuals referred by law enforcement and community members. 

The Peer Support is part of the Co-Responder Team, which includes a Clinician, Police Sergeant, Police Officers, Public Safety Program Manager, Incident Commander, and Clinical Supervisor. 

For this recruitment we are looking for individuals with a passion to serve people with complex behavioral health needs on the streets of Downtown Eugene. The right candidate will possess the ability to work collaboratively and effectively with Clients, Police Officers, Citizens, and Merchants to ensure individuals have access to high-quality and effective behavioral health Peer Support. The PSS will use the peer support model to offer support, encouragement and hope on the streets. 

The shifts involve a lot of walking, standing, crouching, and bicycle riding on cement. The work requires being outside in a variety of weather conditions year-round and navigating client care outside. This work involves helping people who are often physically ill and utilizing personal protective equipment whenever applicable. 

This position requires a current Traditional Health Worker Certification through the State of Oregon. If you are driven to serve, this is the job for you!

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. 

*Lane County employees may be eligible for student loan repayment: See links below.

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness-
  https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service
• National Health Service Corps-
  https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/

Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 5:00pm

*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:

• 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. 
• 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). 

All chosen candidates are required to complete a Eugene Police Department "Level 2" background check, which includes a background investigation, Oregon State Police fingerprinting, and other related background review processes due to the nature of this position. The candidate will also be required to complete a Lane County Health & Human Services background check.

Any candidate with a Felony conviction, at any time, will be automatically disqualified. Other items that will disqualify a candidate: current suspect or defendant in a criminal case, false information on application or background information form, indicators of poor judgment (e.g., multiple convictions of misdemeanor or city ordinance violations, habitual traffic offender, or significant association with anyone who would be disqualified).

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.
• 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.

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.