To Apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/bentonor/jobs/4427196/peer-support-specialist-ps21
Are you interested in working in a non-traditional treatment setting? We have the job for you. This position will be an integral part of our Crisis/Jail and Forensics Team with the Benton County Health Department. This position will require the successful candidate to work in settings that include hospitals, jails, court, community, and other non-clinic based services to serve individuals with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness.
Job Summary
The Peer Support Specialist provides essential services and supports to individuals with similar lived experiences. This position functions as a community outreach worker within the Behavioral Health Program to assist community members address overall health improvement goals and participates as a care team member to provide client centered services within the behavioral health program to improve engagement and participation in services. This position provide services at multiple sites in Benton County.
If you like to be able to get out of the office, and have the flexibility to work with clients in a less traditional but effective ways, this may be a position for you. Strong communication skills and a desire to work with colleagues are highly valued and needed.
The first review of applications will be on March 26th, 2024
Applications that are submitted after this date may or may not be considered for interviews. The posting may close without notice after the first review date when a sufficient number of qualified candidates are received.
Your Total Compensation/Benefits
Spend more time with your family, friends and get back to doing what you love!
10 Paid Holidays + 2 Floating Holidays + 8 hours of vacation accrual every month + sick leave! Vacation accrual increases with years of service.
$0 Health Insurance Premium!
Medical, Dental and Vision - cover your whole family without paying a dime.
The county currently pays up to $10.28 per hour to cover your health benefits ($1,781 a month for a family plan, $21,372 a year).
In addition, the county contributes up to $1,400 per year to your Health Savings or Retirement account!
Apart from your deductible you can use this money for things that aren’t traditionally paid by insurance – i.e. Ibuprofen, Tylenol and other preventative type medications
You never lose your Health Savings Account funds as it rolls over from year to year
Dependents up to age 26 are covered!
Get ready for retirement. Save money without putting in money!
After 6 months of employment:
The county makes a retirement contribution of 6% of your salary towards Oregon PERS!
The county makes a deferred compensation 457b plan contribution of 1.5% of your salary! You can add more if you wish.
A free and award-winning wellness program
Interactive and personalized approach focused on your whole health
Onsite and virtual seminars, wellness challenges and fun activities
Monetary incentives and cool prizes to engage everyone and meet your individual needs
100% employer-paid coverage for AD&D ($100,000), Life ($50,000), and Long Term Disability coverage.
Supplemental plans are available at reasonable rates!
Annual salary range of:
$41,346 - $54,252
This position guarantees two salary raises within your first year. Increases are given at the end of the 6 month probationary period and at the 1 year anniversary, as long as your performance is in good standing! Increases are given until the maximum of the salary range is reached.
For most employees who take advantage of health benefits the salary only makes up 60% of their total compensation. The County invests in you and your family!
We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and LGBTQIA+ community members. The strength of our organization lies in the diversity of our workforce and the perspectives our employees bring to their work at Benton County.
Minimum Qualifications
The following minimum qualifications are required for this position:
One year of technical training beyond high school in substance abuse, social work, or closely related field; AND
One year of social work, psychology, counseling, recovery orientated peer services, mental health outreach or closely related experience in the field of assignment.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted. Please note candidates must have at least 6 months of actual work experience to be considered as equivalent.
Special Requirements:
The following are required for this position:
To be eligible for this position, one or more of the following must apply to you:
A self-identified person with lived experience in the justice/forensic systems. (highly preferred)
A self-identified individual currently or formerly receiving addictions or mental health services
A self-identified individual in recovery from an addiction disorder who meets the abstinence requirements for recovering staff in alcohol or other drug treatment programs
A self-identified individual in recovery from problem gambling
Must possess an approved Peer Specialist training: State of Oregon Traditional Healthcare Worker (THW) Certification or be able to obtain certification within one year of employment as a condition of hire.
Hiring is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.
Valid Oregon driver's license. This position requires driving and may require use of a personal vehicle.