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Oregon Health Authority

Peer Wellness Specialist (PWS)

A Peer Wellness Specialist (PWS) 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. A PWS is an individual who meets qualification criteria adopted by the authority under ORS 414.665 and who, through community outreach, is responsible for (a) assessing mental health and substance use disorder service and support needs of a member of a coordinated care organization, (b) assisting members with access to available services and resources, (c) addressing barriers to services and providing education and information about available resources for individuals with mental health or substance use disorders in order to reduce stigma and discrimination toward consumers of mental health and substance use disorder services, (d)and assisting members in creating and maintaining recovery, health and wellness.
  • Adult Addictions: A person in addiction recovery who provides support services to people seeking recovery from addiction.
  • Adult Mental Health: A person with lived experience of mental health who provides support services to other people with similar experiences

PWS Certification Requirements

There are three ways that individuals can become an OHA-certified Peer Wellness Specialist:

LEGACY CLAUSE

The Legacy Clause is an exemption that allows people who have been active in the field and who have lived experience, to apply to be state-certified as a THW (each worker-type has its own specific requirements). Individuals seeking THW certification and registry enrollment as a Legacy Clause for a Peer Wellness Specialist must provide:

A minimum of one letter of recommendation from any previous employer for whom PWS services were provided within that last five years. The letter must be on professional letterhead, must have author's signature and contact information and must also state that the applicant has "lived experience." 
  • Verifiable evidence of working or volunteering in the capacity of a peer wellness specialist for at least 3000 hours between January 1, 2008, and June 30, 2025. "Verifiable evidence" means a pay statement, services contract, student practicum, volunteer time log, or other documentation reflecting hours worked or volunteered.

RECIPROCITY 

Individuals who hold an active PWS certification from the state of Washington or Idaho, and are in good standing with their certifying body, may be granted reciprocity or receive equivalent credit for previously completed training. Complete and submit reciprocity form to: THW.Program@oha.oregon.gov.

PWS Recertification Requirements 

Every three years, all PWS's must complete the required CEUs to renew their PWS certificate. 

  • At least 20 hours of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) during every three-year renewal period 
    • At least three of the 20 hours must be from suicide risk assessment, treatment, and management appropriate to the PWS scope of work. 

A list of Suicide Prevention Trainings (PDF) 

Additional Suicide Prevention Trainings/CEU's 

Raices de Bienestar Suicide Prevention for the Latinx Community Training CEU's 

Competency Test 

If your PWS certification has lapsed more than 6 months, you have the option of taking a Competency Test. You must submit proof of successful completion of the competency test along with the required CEUs. Sign up form for PWS Competency Exam. *Please note this exam is only currently offered for Adult Addictions and Adult Mental Health at this time.

Application

  • Apply for the 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.

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