Peer Support Specialist-Oregon State Hospital (SR19)

Initial Posting Date

07/22/2026

Application Deadline

07/30/2026

Agency

Oregon Health Authority

Salary Range

$4,519 - $5,714

Position Type

Employee

Position Title

Peer Support Specialist-Oregon State Hospital (SR19)

Job Description

Attention current State of Oregon employees: To apply for posted positions, please close this window, log into your Workday account, apply through the

Career worklet.

The Oregon State Hospital (Salem Campus) is searching for a Peer Support Specialist to provide 1:1 peer support to individually requested or intra-departmentally referred patients. Share lived experiences as appropriate to build rapport, validate experiences, and promote social learning through relational exchange.

The Oregon State Hospital has two campuses, one in Salem and one in Junction City. We encourage you to take the time to visit our website to learn more about the important work we do and our Treatment Services department. https://www.oregon.gov/oha/OSH/Pages/index.aspx

What you will do!

This position is to provide direct program support to patients in the implementation of advocacy, patient and OSH staff education, group and individual support, peer-operated services, individual wellness planning, and recovery maintenance in Salem, Oregon. This position provides support to the patient individually by the patient’s request and in a variety of Treatment Mall, Unit-Based, or Community-Based activities. Incumbents can practice independently, using supervision from the Director of Peer Recovery Services.

What's in it for you?

We offer a workplace that balances productivity with enjoyment; promote an atmosphere of mutual respect, dedication, and enthusiasm. You will collaborate in an open office with a team of bright individuals to work with and learn from. We offer full medical, vision and dental with paid sick leave, vacation, personal leave and ten paid holidays per year plus pension and retirement plans. If you're driven by the passion to do something meaningful that changes lives, the Oregon Health Authority is the place for you.

• This is a full-time, permanent, SEIU represented position.
  
  

The Oregon Health Authority is committed to developing and promoting culturally and linguistically appropriate programs and a diverse and inclusive workforce representing the diversity, culture, strengths and values of the people of Oregon. Click here, to learn more about OHA’s mission, vision and core values. OHA is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, genetic information or any other protected class under state or federal law.

What will you do!

• Develop and facilitate peer-centered, peer-led groups that provide relationship skill-building and support on Treatment Malls, hospital units, and within the community
• Support patients in exploring coping and recovery skills to respond to challenges in their treatment and care and navigate institutional and personal recovery journeys in alignment with self-determined values and abilities
• Provide education and resources to patients on communication skills, community resources/natural supports, peer support and other related self-advocacy and recovery skills
• Encourage patients' development of actions centered in hope and choice.
• Coordinate with other treatment providers to ensure group delivery and outings are time, space, policy and individually appropriate.
• Complete appropriate paperwork to verify patient privilege level prior to conducting groups on-grounds and in the community.
• Assist in development of materials and/or resources that explain peer services and recovery (for both internal and external audiences.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

Three years of experience working with mentally, emotionally, behaviorally, or physically impaired clients.

• Bachelor’s degree in behavioral or social science (e.g. social work, human services, psychology, child development, gerontology, health, or health education) may be substituted for one year of the required experience.
  
  

Special Qualifications

The incumbent must have completed a recognized Peer Support training and be certified as a Traditional Health Care Worker. Additionally, Intentional Peer Support training will be required for those that do not currently have this certification within 6 months of employment.

Incumbents with experience of legal system involvement or incarceration are encouraged to apply.

How To Apply

• Complete the online application
• Attach a Resume (required)
  
  

Please ensure you’ve provided a thorough and updated application as it pertains to the position for which you are applying. Your application materials will be used to determine salary based on a pay equity assessment. For further information, please visit the Pay Equity Project homepage.

Need Help?

If you need assistance to participate in the application process including an accommodation request under the American with Disabilities Act, please call Melissa M. Perez Voice: 503-949-3078 (TTY 711) Email: melissa.m.perez@state.or.us

Additional Information

• Please monitor your Workday account, as all communication will be sent to your Workday account. You must have a valid e-mail address to apply.
• If you are a veteran, you may receive preference. Click here for more information about veterans’ preference. If you checked that you are a veteran, we will ask you for your documents later in the process.
• We do not offer VISA sponsorships or transfers at this time – unless specifically noted. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States.
• If you are offered employment, the offer will be contingent upon the outcome of an abuse check, criminal records check and driving records check, and the information shall be shared with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Office of Human Resources (OHR). Any criminal or founded abuse history will be reviewed and could result in the withdrawal of the offer or termination of employment.
• Candidates who are offered employment at the Oregon State Hospital must satisfactorily pass a pre-employment drug test.
• Please only attach documents that are related to the position. Additional documents that are attached will not be reviewed.
• Applicant Help and Support webpage
  
  

The Oregon Health Authority is committed to fair employment practices and non-discrimination, including pay equity for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of protected class (race, sex, veteran status, disability, age, color, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation) in the payment of wages or screen applicants on the basis of their current or past compensation. We determine salary by completing a review of your application materials to evaluate your related education, experience, and training for this position. (critical elements of process).

The Oregon Health Authority is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer committed to work force diversity.