Peer Support Specialist

Lutheran Community Services NW is a non‑profit organization dedicated to serving communities throughout Washington, Oregon, and Idaho with a wide range of services for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. All LCSNW team members will contribute to our mission of partnering with individuals, families and communities for health, justice and hope The Peer Support Specialist / Parent Education Instructor (Multilingual English/Spanish) combines the unique perspective of lived experience with professional skills in parent education and family support. This position supports families through parenting education groups, peer‑to‑peer, and individualized support in homes and community settings throughout Yamhill County. By drawing on both formal training and personal experience as a parent/caregiver navigating child‑serving systems, the specialist empowers families to strengthen protective factors, increase resilience, and access resources that promote safety, stability, and positive outcomes for children. This position is full‑time for 37.5 hours per week with evening and some weekend hours, with approximately 22.5 hours per week as a Peer Support Specialist and 15 hours per week as a Parent Education Instructor WHAT WE WILL DO FOR YOU: As an employer of choice, we’re deeply committed to supporting our employees—because when you’re empowered, our mission thrives. We provide resources, tools, and care that allow you to focus on what matters most: delivering Health, Justice, and Hope to the communities we serve. We’re proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well‑being, growth, and peace of mind A 37.5 per hour work week to ensure work/life balance Medical, dental, vision, and prescription benefits to keep you and your loved ones healthy Employer-paid short‑and long‑term disability insurance Life insurance coverage at no cost to you Up to 2 weeks of vacation in your first year (based on hours worked) Up to 2 weeks of sick leave (based on hours worked) 12 paid agency recognized holidays 2 floating holidays to use your way 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching (eligibility applies) Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your family Potential eligibility for Student Loan Forgiveness through our 501(c)(3) nonprofit status HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT: Assess for parental capacities as related to child safety and well‑being, and unmet basic needs child safety and well‑being Help family members overcome barriers and identify strengths Refer client to supportive services to supplement treatment and counseling as appropriate Provides in‑home peer‑based support, encouragement, and advocacy to families experiencing challenges, modeling trust and mutual respect. Offer supportive services and guidance to parents and caregivers in areas such as communication, home management, stress reduction, budgeting, and parenting strategies. Conduct outreach and build connections with families, ensuring services are culturally responsive and accessible. Collaborate with DHS, schools, behavioral health providers, and other community partners to coordinate services and support family goals. Must work a flexible schedule to meet families’ needs. Parent Education: Prepare and facilitate parenting education groups using approved curriculum and promote active family engagement. Coordinate logistics for parent education sessions, including registration, materials, food/snacks, and communication with families. Oversee and support childcare providers during group sessions, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for children. Again, needs to work a flexible schedule to meet families’ needs. HOW YOU WILL BE A GREAT FIT: The ability to read, write and speak fluently in both English and Spanish is required. Must be at least 18 years of age. Ability to travel throughout Yamhill County to meet families’ needs. Strong group facilitation, peer support, and communication skills. Open to reflective practice (i.e. has capacity for introspection, communicates awareness of self in relation to others, recognizes value of supervision, etc.) in relation to parents/caregivers and children who have a variety of stresses/challenges. Ability to work with parents and their children in a warm, calming, respectful, encouraging, and patient manner. Ability to work effectively with data and computers systems. A valid driver's license, car insurance, and reliable vehicle are required. EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: High School Diploma or GED and one year of experience working with youth and families and facilitating parenting education groups or adult education workshops is required. Must have lived experience as the primary caregiver to a child with mental health or behavioral health needs. Personal lived experience with mental health and/or addiction recovery preferred. Experience working with systems-involved families (i.e. ODHS, juvenile justice, courts, housing) preferred. LANGUAGE SKILLS: Bi‑lingual (English/Spanish) with the ability to read, write and speak fluently in both languages is required. :**Current certification as an Oregon Traditional Health Worker Peer Support Specialist, or completed within 60 days of hire, training is provided. Current adult and pediatric CPR & First Aid and Oregon Food Handler’s Card or completed within 60 days of hire, training is provided.** Thank you! We sincerely appreciate your interest in joining the Lutheran Community Services NW team and thank all applicants for taking the time to apply. While we’ve unable to respond to every candidate individually, please note that only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Lutheran Community Services NW is deeply committed to our mission of Health, Justice and Hope in all aspects of our work. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and experiences to help us build a stronger, more compassionate community. #J-18808-Ljbffr