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Peer Support Specialist (PSS) – Community-Based Mental Health

Stronger Oregon
place Portland, 97296
local_atm $30 - $33 an hour
work_outline
Full Time
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Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian
Experience:
Avoidant Personality Disorder
LGBTQ+ Issues
Trauma
ECT
Individuals
Peer Support

About Job

Peer Support Specialist (PSS) – Community-Based Mental Health

Stronger Oregon (Roseburg Therapy LLC DBA Stronger Oregon)

Location: Field-Based (schools, shelters, community, street outreach) – Oregon

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: FTE 40hrs a week: $62,400 - $69,300 (based on experience and credentials)

Hourly equivalent is $30-$33

* Only considering applicants with OHA PSS certification in hand & 2 years of experience.

Benefits

Full Time Employee:

  • No monthly premiums: Health insurance; Dental insurance; Vision insurance
  • 401(k) matching
  • Beginning tier: Paid time off (80hrs); Sick Leave (40hrs); Holiday Pay (80hrs)
  • Flexible schedule & field-based autonomy
  • Ongoing training & CEU support
  • Supportive team and clinical collaboration

About Stronger Oregon: Stronger Oregon is a growing behavioral health organization serving diverse communities across Oregon. We provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive mental health services in outpatient, school-based, and street outreach settings. Our team includes licensed therapists, case managers, and certified peer support specialists committed to reducing barriers and promoting wellness for all.

Position Overview: We are hiring Peer Support Specialists (PSS) to provide field-based support to individuals navigating mental health challenges. The PSS offers lived experience, skills training, case management, and crisis response in flexible, community settings. Ideal candidates are motivated, self-directed, and comfortable working in both structured and non-traditional environments.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Deliver peer support services in accordance with OHA guidelines
  • Support adults and youth with mental health challenges
  • Provide life skills coaching, recovery planning, and strengths-based case management
  • Assist in accessing resources such as housing, healthcare, benefits, and education
  • Respond to emotional or mental health crises in the field
  • Accurately, and timely, document services in an electronic health record (EHR) system
  • Collaborate with clinical providers, school staff, and community partners
  • Maintain professional boundaries while sharing lived experience appropriately
  • Work independently in various locations (schools, shelters, homes, street outreach)

Qualifications:

  • Must have Certified Peer Support Specialist in Oregon (OHA-approved training required)
  • Must have 2 or more years experience in crisis response, skills training and case management
  • Must have valid driver's license and reliable transportation
  • Experience working with both youth and adults preferred
  • Strong documentation skills and experience using EHR systems
  • Able to work autonomously, prioritize tasks, and maintain boundaries
  • Passionate about equity, recovery, and trauma-informed care
  • Knowledge of social work systems and resources available for mental health support.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively interact with patients and team members.
  • Ability to demonstrate empathy, patience, and understanding when working with individuals facing mental health challenges.
  • Certification or training in relevant areas such as motivational interviewing or crisis intervention techniques is advantageous.

Preferred Skills:

  • Bilingual or bicultural (especially Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, Somali)
  • Familiar with Medicaid systems, OHP, and local community resources
  • Experience working in schools, houseless outreach, or high-needs populations

Apply Today! Submit your resume and a brief cover letter. Tell us how your lived experience and background prepare you to make an impact as a Peer Support Specialist.

We encourage people with disabilities, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those with lived experience in recovery to apply. Stronger Oregon is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $30.00 - $33.00 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 30 per week

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Bereavement leave
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Mileage reimbursement
  • Paid time off
  • Parental leave
  • Professional development assistance
  • Vision insurance

Schedule:

  • Day shift
  • Monday to Friday
  • No weekends

Experience:

  • Peer Support Specialist: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

  • Peer Support Specialist Certification from OHA (Required)

Ability to Commute:

  • Portland, OR 97222 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

  • Portland, OR 97222: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Willingness to travel:

  • 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Professional Field

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Patient Focus

Diagnoses

Avoidant Personality Disorder

Issues

LGBTQ+ Issues
Trauma

Age Groups

Adolescents/Teenagers (14-19)
Adults

Therapeutic Approach

Methodologies

ECT

Modalities

Individuals

Practice Specifics

Populations

Peer Support
Homeless/Indigent
LGBTQ+
Aviation/Transportation
Racial Justice Allied

Settings

Intense Out-patient (IOP)
Milieu
Partial Hospitalization (PHP)
Private Practice
Research Facilities/Labs/Clinical Trials
Residential Treatment Facilities (RTC)
Schools
Home Health/In-home