[Peer Employment This site is dedicated to all things related to employment, especially for those who experience mental health challenges. In the Resources and Tools for Peer Employment Specialists pages, you should find enough resources and information that will help you with your own employment goals or help you as you support other peers with their employment goals. Although some of the resources found in this site are based in Oregon, most are national, making the tools and information found here generally universal, regardless of the state in which you reside. In 2011, through a project funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Mental Health America of Oregon began to build a network of Peer Employment Specialists in Oregon. Since 2011 peers representing sites throughout Oregon continue to receive in-person and webinar based training to provide employment supports to other peers in their communities. The sites they represent include independent peer-run orgnanizations, peer programs within traditional mental health provider agencies, and other peer groups. The Peer Employment Specialists have proven to be valuable members of service and support teams and assets to their communities as they provide much needed employment supports to fellow peers. And involvement with the Oregon Peer Employment Network fosters exchange of information and expertise so the supports they provide continue to improve. PEER EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST TRAINING PROGRAM GOALS 1. To teach individuals who have lived experiences with mental health challenges the information and skills that will enable them to provide high quality supports to their peers with similar lived experiences in the area of job and career planning. 2. To build a networks of Peer Employment Specialists in Oregon and nationally. PRINCIPLES OF THE PEER EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST MODEL 1. Employment that is a good fit to a peer’s strengths and interests can promote his or her recovery. 2. Peers can offer eff]