Yes
No, the state's definition of peer support specialist includes both; "self-identified individual currently or formerly receiving addictions or mental health services".
18 years or older. Individual training agencies might have their own requirements.
OR Rule 410-180-0305 (13) Peer Support Specialist means an individual providing services to another individual who shares a similar life experience with the peer support specialist (addiction to addiction, mental health condition to mental health condition, family member of an individual with a mental health condition to family member of an individual with a mental health condition. A peer support specialist shall be:
(a) A self-identified individual currently or formerly receiving addictions or mental health services;
(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;
(c) A self-identified individual in recovery from problem gambling.
In lieu of 40hr approved training a certification can be gained by:
Provide documentation that you have worked or volunteered as a peer support specialist for at least 2000 hours in Oregon from January 1, 2004 to June 30, 2019.
OR
Provide documentation that you are certified by a group other than the Oregon Health Authority that requires completion of an approved training program and at least 20 hours of continuing education every three years
Complete all required training offered by an approved 40-hour training program for peer support specialists by specialization. (PSS)
Complete all required training offered by an approved 80-hour training program for that individuals traditional health worker (THW) type such as the Peer Wellness Specialist (PWS)
Complete an approved oral health training
Individuals
N/A
Yes
N/A
Yes, an individual's certifications are approved through Oregon Health Authority's Traditional Health Worker Certification program
The purpose of the Traditional Health Worker (THW) program is to help THWs in Oregon become trained and certified to meet current standards, diversify the health care workforce, provide high-quality and culturally competent care to our increasingly diverse populations and ultimately promote health equity.
THW Registry https://traditionalhealthworkerregistry.oregon.gov/
Office of Equity and Inclusion
421 SW Oak St., Suite 750
Portland, OR 97204
Phone: 971-673-1240
Fax: 971-673-1128
TTY: 711
All Contacts https://www.oregon.gov/oha/OEI/Pages/Contact-Us.aspx
Visit Oregon's Traditional Health Worker website. This website hosts all Traditional Health Worker training information however not all upcoming training will be relevant to peer support.
Visit Oregon's Traditional Health Worker website (https://www.oregon.gov/oha/OEI/Pages/THW-OHA-Approved-Training-CEU.aspx) and search for "peer" in table provided by the state
20 hours of continuing ed every 3 year renewal period. They cannot be carried over if more hours are done.
No certification requirement per se but supervision requirements are as below
per OAR 309-019-0105
“Peer Support and Peer Wellness Specialist Supervision"" means supervision by a certified PSS or PWS with at least one year of experience as a PSS or PWS in behavioral health services or supervision by a qualified PSS/PWS supervisor and a qualified clinical supervisor. The supports provided include guidance in the unique discipline of peer delivered services and the roles of peer support specialists and peer wellness specialists.
“Peer Delivered Services Supervisor"" means an individual qualified to evaluate and guide PSSs and PWSs in the delivery of peer delivered services and supports. This individual shall be a certified PSS or PWS with at least one year experience as a PSS or PWS.
PSS: A Peer Support Specialist is any [range of] individuals who provide supportive services to a current or former consumer of mental health or addiction treatment. (From ORS 414.025)
PWS: A Peer Wellness Specialist is an individual who has lived experience with a psychiatric condition(s) plus intensive training, who works as part of a person-driven, health home team, integrating behavioral health and primary care to assist and advocate for individuals in achieving well-being.
PSS: Peer Support Specialist
PWS: Peer Wellness Specialist
Yes, eligible to be reimbursed through Medicaid for your services if you work for an agency that can bill Medicaid, coordinate peer support within the context of a comprehensive, individualized plan of care, and are supervised by a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)
Yes
Mental Health & Addiction Association of Oregon is not specifically an organization of peer specialists, however they are an 'inclusive peer-run organization dedicated to self-direction honoring the voice of lived experience' and one of the services they offer is Peer Support for Peer Support Specialists.
P: 503-922-2377
F: 503-922-2360
Abdiasis "Mohamed" Mohamed, Traditional Health Worker Program Coordinator: ABDIASIS.MOHAMED@dhsoha.state.or.us
Yes, Mental Health & Addiction Association of Oregon holds an annual conference called "Peerpocalypse".
https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HSD/AMH-PD/Pages/Training-Certification.aspx
https://www.oregon.gov/oha/OEI/Pages/THW-Become-Certified.aspx
https://www.oregon.gov/oha/OEI/Documents/Traditional%20Health%20Worker%2...
https://www.oregon.gov/oha/OEI/Pages/THW-PSS.aspx
https://www.oregon.gov/oha/OEI/Pages/THW-OHA-Approved-Training-CEU.aspx
Oral Health Training: Free online option available through Mental Health & Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (https://daystared.com/oralhealth/)