8858 - Peer Support Specialist (Health & Human Services)

Job Description

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Jackson County Employment Opportunity. Peer Support Specialists at Jackson County Mental Health work as highly valued members of multi\-disciplinary teams consisting of skilled behavioral health professionals including uniquely qualified peer support specialists, case managers, nurses, therapists, and psychiatric providers. We create a culture of recovery principles and practices wherein we provide an array of services to some of the county’s most vulnerable, acute, and underrepresented residents. JCMH is searching for Peer Support Specialists to work in multiple programs within the County, including Forensics, Crisis, and Assertive Community Treatment Programs. Specifically, we are looking for people who have lived through their own recovery and have experience dealing with tough systems, whether legal, civil, or both. The people you’ll support often face charges they don’t fully understand, constant pressure from the courts, substance use or mental health challenges, and very real barriers like unstable housing or limited options. It can be a lot, and it rarely moves at a pace that feels fair. Peer Support Specialists are not expected to act as clinicians or legal experts. What matters is lived experience and the way it helps us how up for people who feel overwhelmed or stuck. Peer Support Specialists perspectives help them sort through what’s going on, stay connected even when things get frustrating, and take steps forward in systems that can feel cold or confusing. Peer Support Specialists who work at JCMH have an opportunity to help highly vulnerable and at\-risk populations with psychiatric and behavioral health challenges in specialized programs unique to JCMH’s position and role in this community. *Jackson County strives to recruit, hire and retain the best employees!*

Pre\-Employment Requirements and/or Preferences

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• Preferred candidate will be comfortable navigating multiple systems, stressful situations, and assisting people in distress.
• Knowledge of existing local community resources is also preferred, as is experience managing crises and working with people who struggle with substance use disorders, are unhoused, underserved, and historically disenfranchised community members.
• Speaking\-speaking pay differential is available to bilingually certified candidates.
• Pass a criminal background check prior to hire.
• Submit an acceptable DMV certified court print prior to hire. click on the following link to review Jackson County's requirements for an acceptable driving record (Download PDF reader).
• Pass a pre\-employment drug screen, which includes screening for Marijuana. Click on the link to review Jackson County's Drug\-Free Workplace Policy (Download PDF reader).
• This position is represented by union group SEIU.

Job Duties and Requirements

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I. Position Summary

Provides mentorship and support through strength\-based interventions, education, coaching and resource referrals. Performs work within a framework of established procedures and with only occasional instruction or assistance within a framework of standard policies and procedures, initially under immediate supervision, progressing to general supervision as the incumbent becomes able to independently perform the full range of duties associated with this level.

II. Examples of Essential Position Duties (The following duties represent some of the principal job duties; however, they are not all\-inclusive. Other duties may be required or assigned.)

• Provides support, such as coaching, education, information and resource referral, to individuals that are receiving services in various programs throughout the Mental Health Division.
• Determines, through discussions with individual clients and the treatment team, what supports each individual needs in regards to food, shelter, medications, emotional support, problem solving, etc., and works to address those needs with the individual and community partners.
• Provides support in times of crisis to the clients and/or the client’s family as appropriate and in coordination with the treatment team, which may include responding with the crisis team as part of the mobile response team in the community.
• Assists individuals in making decisions about their resource needs as appropriate and in coordination with the resources team and defers to clinicians and managers when it is beyond the scope of peers.
• Establishes and maintains complete and accurate records of client activities, supports offered and progress in coordination with the treatment team. Accurately enters the appropriate information that supports the clinical needs of the client into the client record.
• Coordinates special programs and/or works with specific illnesses and age groups as assigned.
• Determines the needs of the individuals and works with clinicians and managers to develop appropriate group content.
• Adheres to regulatory requirements, collective bargaining agreements, County and departmental policies and procedures, required trainings, as well as safe work practices.
• Develops and maintains effective internal and external working relationships at all levels.
• Has regular and reliable attendance. Overtime may be required.

III. Minimum Requirements(Performance of the essential duties of this position includes the following requirements, physical demands and/or working conditions)

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent AND one\-year work experience working with others AND be a) a self\-identified individual currently or formerly receiving addictions or mental health services OR b) 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 OR c) a self\-identified individual in recovery from problem gambling OR d) a family member of an individual with a mental health condition.

License, Certificate or Other

Requires possession of a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record. Requires certification by the Oregon Health Authority as a Peer Support Specialist within six months of hire.

IV. Other Requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Position requires knowledge of mental health systems; mental health terminology; available medical and community resources; record\-keeping practices; safety procedures and protocol in mental health treatment. Requires the ability to work independently and as a team member; exercise initiative, tact and good judgment in dealing with people from various backgrounds; respond professionally and responsibly in crisis, emergency or dangerous situations; maintain records with accuracy and confidentiality; understand and carry out detailed instructions of a technical and professional nature; develop and maintain trusting relationships with community partners and stake holders; speak professionally, assertively and appropriately within the scope of work in advocating for the needs of clients; comply with all statutes, policies and procedures; understand and carry out oral and written directions; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; and, establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Physical Demands (Performance of the essential duties of this position includes the following physical demands)

Tasks require visual perception and discrimination and oral communications ability. Typically requires climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, sitting, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing (including ability to clearly distinguish and identify colors), and repetitive motions. Requires exerting up to 20 pounds occasionally, 50 pounds infrequently, of force to move objects; sufficient hand/eye coordination to perform semi\-skilled repetitive movements, such as typing, filing, data entry, or other office equipment or supplies. Requires driving.

Working Conditions (Performance of the essential duties of this position includes the following working conditions)

Work is performed in an office environment and in the community and may include exposure to disruptive people and communicable diseases.

V. Additional Information

This classification description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, knowledge, skills, abilities, or requirements, as any one position in this classification may be assigned some or all of these duties, in addition to other duties not explicitly listed here. The various duties, responsibilities and/or assignments of this position may be unevenly balanced and change from time to time based upon matters such as, but not limited to, variations in the shift, work demands, seasons, service levels and management’s decisions on how to best allocate department resources. Any shift, emphasis or rebalancing of these assigned duties, responsibilities and/or assignments does not constitute a change in the job classification. The County shall schedule employees and determine FTE consistent with its determination as to efficiency of operations, financial advantages to the County, and/or effective service to the public.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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ADA and Equal Opportunity Employer

In accordance with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and its amendments, Jackson County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices. A person who requires an accommodation for any part of the recruitment process should contact the Human Resources Office, Attn. ADA Coordinator, at (541\) 774\-6036 or by TTY/TDD 711 or (800\) 735\-2900 as far in advance as possible but no later than 48 hours before the scheduled need.

Jackson County is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability. For a copy of Jackson County's Equal Employment Opportunity Plan, visit our web site at www.jacksoncountyor.gov or call 541\-774\-6036\.

Because of the Immigration Reform Act of 1986, persons hired by the County must be able to present acceptable documents verifying identity and authorization to work in the United States.

Jackson County Benefit Summary \- SEIU

Jackson County provides an excellent, generous and comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees and their dependents, as applicable.

This overview provides highlights of the comprehensive benefits package Jackson County SEIU employees receive. If any statement conflicts with the applicable plan documents, Codified Ordinance, Jackson County policies, and/or collective bargaining agreement, the applicable documents will govern.

Insurance

Health Insurance – As of July 1, 2025 Regular full\-time employees and their eligible dependents receive medical insurance, including prescription and chiropractic, dental, and vision coverage at a cost to the employee of $22\.82 per paycheck ($49\.45 per month) toward the monthly composite premium. Regular full\-time employees may not waive coverage. Regular part\-time employees may enroll in the full plan, with a prorated composite premium depending on their full\-time equivalent (FTE), or may elect to waive benefits. Coverage begins on the first of the month following an employee’s date of hire.

Hinge – Provided through Regence, Hinge is an online virtual Physical Therapy benefit for all employees and their dependents enrolled in the health insurance plan. This online virtual service will work around your schedule in the comfort of your own home, and there is no cost to the employee.

Wellness Center by CareATC – In addition to health insurance, certain primary care medical services, lab services, and prescription medications are offered at no out\-of\-pocket cost for the employee who is enrolled in the County’s health insurance plan, and their eligible dependents at the wellness center.

Group Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment – Fully funded for regular full\-time employees (prorated for regular part\-time employees), employees are eligible the first of the month coinciding with 30 days from date of hire. The benefit is equal to two times the employee’s annual salary rounded to the next higher $1,000, to a maximum of $500,000\. Insurance in excess of $50,000 is a taxable benefit.

Long\-Term Disability – Fully funded for regular full\-time employees (prorated for regular part\-time employees), employees are eligible the first of the month following date of hire. The benefits are payable after a waiting period of 60 days at a rate of 66 2/3 percent of base salary, up to a maximum monthly benefit of $12,000\.

Voluntary Accidental Death and Dismemberment – Regular employees may choose to participate in additional AD\&D coverage through payroll deduction, and have the choice of plan and coverage amounts.

Voluntary Life Insurance \- Regular employees may choose to participate in additional Life Insurance coverage through payroll deduction, and have the choice of coverage amounts.

Leaves

Vacation – Regular full\-time employees earn vacation leave at a rate of 15 to 27 days annually depending upon years of County service. Regular part\-time employees earn vacation leave on a prorated basis. Employees can carry forward up to two times the annual vacation accrual (prorated for part\-time employees). Vacation leave cannot be used during the first six full months of regular employment. Twice per fiscal year, employees may request to be paid for vacation accruals, provided specific requirements are met.

Years of Service Annual Vacation Accrual

0 to 5 years 15 days (4\.62 hours/pay period)

Over 5 \- 10 years 18 days (5\.54 hours/pay period)

Over 10 \- 15 years 21 days (6\.47 hours/pay period)

Over 15 \- 20 years 24 days (7\.39 hours/pay period)

Over 20 years 27 days (8\.31 hours/pay period)

Sick Leave – Regular full\-time employees earn sick leave at the rate of 3\.70 hours per pay period (12 days annually), which starts to accrue during the first pay period. Regular part\-time employees accrue sick leave on a prorated basis. Accrued sick leave may be used as soon as it is accrued.

Holidays – Regular full\-time employees receive ten paid holidays annually (prorated for regular part\-time employees), New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr’s Birthday, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Holidays that fall on a Saturday will be observed on the previous Friday and holidays that fall on a Sunday will be observed on the following Monday.

Personal Leave – Each fiscal year on July 1, full\-time regular employees receive one personal leave day (eight hours; prorated for regular part\-time employees based on the position’s FTE as of July 1\). Employees must be employed on July 1 to be eligible to receive the personal leave day. Personal leave is used in 15\-minute increments. If it is not used, it does not roll over to the following year.

Retirement

Oregon Public Employees’ Retirement System – Jackson County participates in the State of Oregon Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). PERS has Tier One, Tier Two, and the Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP) pension programs, as well as the Individual Account Program (IAP). Tier One covers members hired before January 1, 1996; Tier Two covers members hired between January 1, 1996 and August 28, 2003; and OPSRP covers members hired on or after August 29, 2003\.

IAP contains all member contributions (6% of covered salary, currently County\-paid) made on or after January 1, 2004\. The legislature created the IAP in 2003 to provide an individual account\-based retirement benefit for new workers hired on or after August 29, 2003, and for Tier One/Tier Two members active on or after January 1, 2004\. The IAP benefit is in addition to the member’s other retirement program benefit (i.e., Tier One, Tier Two, or OPSRP). Employees are automatically vested in their IAP account when their account is established.

IAP Redirect \- Per Senate Bill 1049 (2019\) contributions remain at the rate of 6% however, a portion of that 6% is redirected to the Employee Pension Stability Account (EPSA). 2\.5% is redirected for the Tier 1 and Tier 2 members and 0\.75% is redirected for OPSRP members. The rest of the county\-paid contribution is directed to the employee’s IAP. Employee’s may choose to make voluntary contributions for the amount of the redirect through the Oregon PERS Online Member Services (OMS) at *www.oregon.gov/PERS.*

Salary Limit \- Beginning January 1, 2020, SB 1049 changed the definition of “salary” for PERS purposes and created new limitations on annual and monthly “subject salaries.” Your salary is used to determined member Individual Account Program (IAP) contributions, employer contributions to fund the pension program, and the final average salary used in calculating retirement benefits under formula methods. The 2022 limit $210,582 per year. The limit is prorated when members work fewer than 12 months in a calendar year.

OPSRP is designed to provide approximately 45 percent of an employee’s final average salary at retirement (for a general service member with a 30\-year career or a police and firefighter member with a 25\-year career).

OPSRP General Service: Unless employees are in a police or firefighter position, they are considered a general service member. In addition to other retirement programs or any social security benefit, when employees retire, if vested, PERS will calculate monthly benefit using the following formula:

1\.5 percent x years of retirement credit x final average salary. Normal retirement age for general service members is age 65, or age 58 with 30 years of retirement credit.

General Service Benefit Calculation Example (employees can estimate benefits using any number of years and any final average salary):

Final average salary: $45,000

Retirement credit: 30 years as an OPSRP member

30 (years) x 1\.5 percent \= 45 percent

45 percent x $3,750 (final average monthly salary) \= $1,687\.50

Single Life Option monthly benefit \= $1,687\.50 ($20,250 annual benefit)

Other Benefits

Voluntary Deferred Compensation Program – Jackson County offers regular employees the option to enroll in IRS Section 457 Deferred Compensation Retirement Plans. The employee defers compensation through voluntary payroll deductions into this supplemental retirement plan. The 457 plan is a separate retirement plan from PERS.

Voluntary Direct Deposit – An employee may choose to have their payroll check automatically deposited into their bank account. Employees can choose up to four accounts to receive direct deposit funds. Most banks allow participation of this program.

Voluntary Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Section 125 Plan – The FSA is a tax\-free regular employee\-funded account. Regular employees may choose to participate in pre\-tax health insurance premiums, out\-of\-pocket unreimbursed eligible health care expenses, dependent care expenses, and qualified transportation expenses, in order to have “before\-tax” dollars deducted from their paychecks.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)*

• – The County has a fully\-funded Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to offer. The EAP is a FREE and CONFIDENTIAL benefit that can assist you and your eligible family members with personal problems, large or small. The EAP provides confidential services to help people privately resolve problems that may interfere with work, family, and life. The EAP is offered to regular employees, their dependents, and any household members. Services include up to four face\-to\-face counseling sessions per year, 24/7/365 access to crisis counselors, and convenient access to on\-line consultations with licensed counselors.