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Oregon Health Authority

Peer Support Specialist (PSS)

A Peer Support Specialist (PSS) 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).

Peer Support Specialist Training Requirements for Certification

  • Complete an approved training program; 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; or
  • Provide documentation that you have worked or volunteered as a peer support specialist for at least 2000 hours in Oregon in the past five years.
  • Peer Support Specialists are required to complete THW Oral Health for Peer Support and Peer Wellness Training Program, in addition to your approved training program curricula.
  • (Note: If you are a Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM) and are registered through Mental Health and Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO), you are now required to also submit a THW Peer Support Specialist Application along with all other required documents).

Application

  • Apply for Traditional Health Worker (THW) certification via the portal at https://healthworkforceregistry.oregon.gov/
  • *Regarding recertification, for renewal purposes, we require applicants to apply within 60-90 days prior to their expiration date.

Once you are certified with the Oregon Health Authority, we will add you to our state registry. The registry is a reliable, trusted source for finding a traditional health worker in Oregon.

FAQs

Do you have a Civil Rights Complaint or concern regarding THW-PSS services?

For additional Information about the THW program, please contact us at:

Telephone: 971-673-3353
Fax: 971-673-1128
Email: thw.program@odhsoha.oregon.gov