PSST Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must identify as a mental health or addictions peer in recovery defined by OHA
• Participants must complete 40 training hours and pass end of course assessment to be eligible for the Peer Support Specialist Certification through OHA.

 Project ABLE supports all training participants with the certification process.

Specific Oregon Health Authority (OHA) certification requirements for Traditional Health Workers (THW’s) may be found here:

• OHA Certified Peer Support Specialist Requirements
  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • You must Not be listed on the Medicaid provider exclusion list
  • You must identify as a peer under one or more of the following:
    • A self-identified person currently or formerly receiving mental health services; or
    • A self-identified person in recovery from an addiction disorder, who meets the abstinence requirements for recovering staff in alcohol and other drug treatment programs (2 years); and
    • Successfully complete the required training offered by an OHA approved training program for Peer Support Specialist
  • Complete an OHA application and send it to the Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI)
  • The application form is on the OHA OEI website: http://www.oregon.gov/oha/oei/Pages/Traditional-Health-Worker-Program.aspx
  • Pass a criminal history background check administered by the OHA background check unit (BCU)
  • If you have questions about the background check process, contact the Background Check Unit at 503.378.5470 or 888.272.5545 or http://www.oregon.gov/dhs/chc/Pages/tools.aspx