About Job

About the Position

The Community Health Centers of Lane County are looking for a highly trained individual to fill the role of Peer Support Specialist (PSS) on our Transitions in Care for Justice Involved Populations team. The Peer Support Specialist will meet with adults in custody as well as the jail medical staff to identify health and social determinants of health needs and evaluate the readiness of clients to access services upon release. This person will also help their clients understand the benefits of accessing services and building motivation to follow through on treatment plans. Additionally, the Peer Support Specialist will make referrals to local social service agencies and follow up with clients after release as they are able to encourage them to follow through on care plans. Using the peer support model, this person will offer support, encouragement and hope.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide peer-based support and mentoring to clients through one-on-one meetings, group facilitation, and outreach.
Share personal experiences in a way that is supportive and aligns with recovery principles.
Assist individuals in navigating systems such as behavioral health services, housing, healthcare, employment, and legal support.
Help clients develop self-advocacy skills and identify personal goals for recovery and stability.
Support reentry and transition efforts for individuals recently released from incarceration.
Promote and model wellness, recovery, and healthy coping strategies.
Work collaboratively with case managers, clinicians, and other team members to support coordinated care.
Maintain appropriate documentation of client interactions in accordance with organizational and regulatory standards.
Participate in team meetings, supervision, and ongoing training related to peer support and trauma-informed care.
Maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical and professional standards.

The work is done collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team that includes a registered nurse case manager as well as partnering with other social service providers in the community. This position will be embedded in the Lane County Adult Correctional Facility.

For this recruitment we are looking for individuals with a passion to serve adults who are involved in the criminal justice system. This role is ideal for someone with lived experience in one or more of the following areas: incarceration, substance use disorder, mental health challenges, and/or homelessness. The Peer Support Specialist will use their personal experience and recovery journey to provide support, advocacy, and mentorship to individuals currently navigating similar challenges. This position plays a critical role in building trust and connection, promoting hope, and supporting recovery and reintegration efforts. By joining our team, you will be part of a supportive, mission-driven organization committed to equity, inclusion, and improving the lives of individuals with complex needs. Your lived experience is not just valued—it’s essential.

Important: How to Become a Peer Support Specialist

Before you can be hired, you must complete a 40-hour training for Peer Support Specialist Adult Mental Health through the Oregon Health Authority AND become a registered Traditional Health Worker.

Visit the Oregon Health Authority website here to find a training:

Oregon Health Authority: Peer Support Specialist (PSS) : Equity and Inclusion Division : State of Oregon

Click on “Training Requirements”

Become an OHA-certified Peer Support Specialist:

Complete an approved training program
Peer Support Specialists are also required to complete THW Oral Health training

Have Questions?

Join us for a conversation and hear how to become a Peer Support Specialist!

August 21st, 2025, 11:00am – 11:30am

WorkSource Oregon

2510 Oakmont Way

Eugene, OR 97401

About the Division:

At Lane County Health & Human Services, we believe healthy people are the foundation of healthy communities. The Community Health Centers of Lane County provide affordable primary care for the whole family – infants, children, adolescents, adults, and seniors – as well as integrated behavioral health, alternative services such as acupuncture, and preventative dental services. At Community Health Centers, we focus on integrated care that values the whole person. Our services encompass not only treatment and prevention of illness, but also health education and behavioral health services.

At Lane County Community Health Centers, we have adopted a model of primary care called Patient Centered Medical Home. Our services are organized around care teams who work collaboratively to support our patients. Our integrated care teams include primary care providers, nurses, medical assistants, patient care coordinators and behavioral health specialists. This model of primary care prioritizes the patient, who has increased access to other services beyond general medical care at our clinics. Our care teams also help patients reach their optimal health status by addressing social determinants of health barriers to care such as transportation, food insecurity, or housing.

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

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
National Health Service Corps

** Please note - travel between all our clinic locations will be required during on-boarding and training period **

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

*This is an AFSCME represented position

QUALIFICATIONS:

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.
Or an equivalent combination of experience and training that will demonstrate the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Special Requirements:

Possession of a valid driver's license at the time of application and a valid Oregon Driver's License by the time of appointment.
State of Oregon Peer Support Specialist certification and Approval Letter from State of Oregon.
Registered as an 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.
NPI
Diploma or Transcripts
Resume

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience working or volunteering in peer support or human services.
Knowledge of local community resources and social services.
Bilingual or bicultural candidates strongly encouraged to apply.

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 the 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.
One of the essential functions of this position is to travel within Lane County (occasionally outside of Lane County) to completed scheduled meetings.

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.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $21.92 - $29.24 per hour

Benefits: