GROWING ACCESS TO PEER Support CERTIFICATION

Project PEER II is an HRSA-funded project that aims to make peer support more accessible in under-served communities throughout Oregon by growing the number of trained peer-delivered service providers. The project provides tuition coverage for peer certification training, a Chromebook, and a $6,000 stipend for living expenses to approved participants. The Project PEER II program includes a 6-month experiential internship commitment (4 hours per week) after PWS training is completed.

THE PROJECT PEER II PROGRAM (TRAINING PLUS 6-MONTH INTERNSHIP) IS CURRENTLY CLOSED TO NEW PARTICIPANTS. APPLICATIONS WILL OPEN AGAIN ON AUGUST 1, 2026. APPLICATIONS WILL CLOSE ON AUGUST 16, 2026 OR WHEN 45 APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED.

*GOOD NEWS: IF YOU ARE JUST WANTING A PEER WELLNESS SPECIALIST (PWS) TRAINING SOONER THROUGH THE PEER COMPANY, INSTEAD OF WAITING FOR PROJECT PEER II TO RE-OPEN IN AUGUST, YOU CAN APPLY NOW TO THE PWS TRAININGS THAT ARE CURRENTLY OPEN, CLINK THE LINK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Please note that individuals who have already taken a PWS training will not be eligible to participate in the future Project PEER II Program.

Eligibility and Program Requirements

Basic Eligibility

In order for individuals to begin the application process they must meet the following criteria:

1. 18 years or older.

2. Have lived experience with mental health or mental health and addiction challenges.

3. Plan to work within the peer support or behavioral health fields.

4. Willing and able to complete both training and internship hours.

5. Not listed on the federal debarment list (and thus ineligible to receive federal funds).

6. If you have already taken a PWS (Peer Wellness Specialist) training, you are not eligible for Project PEER II.

Internship Requirement

Participants are required to complete 100 hours of peer-support service learning with a qualified organization, agency, institution, or program.

Requirements to complete the program:

• Commitment / Requirement:

  • Complete the 80-hour Peer Wellness Specialist (PWS) certification training plus 15 hours independent learning activities

  • Course training offered either virtually over approximately 3 weeks, or in-person over 2 weeks.

  • Complete 100 hours of experiential training in an internship of your choice

• We will help find an internship location if you do not already have one in mind (e.g. through current employment or volunteering)

• At least 4 hours per week for 6 months following the peer certification training completion

• Complete 6-month /12-month follow-up interview

Applications are especially encouraged from people who have lived experience of any of the following: recovery from OUD/SUD, mental health, Youth, disabilities, diverse/underserved communities, ability to speak more than one language, and/or residence in a rural or frontier part of Oregon. We also encourage individuals who are interested in working with Youth and Young Adults to apply.

Please contact us with any questions you may have about the project. We can be reached through the form below or by phone at (971) 533 - 3764.