Behavioral Health Support Services

Peer Specialist Services

The Peer Specialist Program is designed to assist enrolled clients and community members in addressing overall health improvement goals. The program offers office and community-based options.

Who are Peers

Peer Specialists self-identify as a current or former consumer of mental health and/or substance abuse services. Peers participate as a care team member to provide client centered services within the behavioral health program to improve engagement and participation in services. They provide a safe place to discuss concerns with a non-clinical person about their mental health and/or substance use.

In order to offer services to enrolled clients, Peers:

Function within a care team providing recovery oriented services
Model positive recovery skills
Offer social support
Act as a navigator to connect individuals with wellness resources, such medical and dental services,
Connect individuals with community resources
Teach advocacy skills
Provide LGBTQ+ peer support
Provide support in accessing LGBTQ+ community engagement opportunities/resources

Housing Support Services

The Housing Program provides case management services to behavioral health clients in order to help them obtain and maintain independent housing. Our team Consists of Behavioral Health Providers and Peer Support Specialists

Services Offered

Case Management
Skills training
Home visits
Advocacy
Systems navigation
Liaison support to section 8

Eligibility Requirements

Income
Homeless/At Risk or Transitioning from high levels of care
Severe and Persistently Mental Illness Diagnosis

Residential referrals

Treatment homes/facilities and adult foster homes

Supported Employment Services

Benton County offers Supported Employment through its Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) program. They use the evidence-based Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model. This approach helps people with serious mental health conditions find and keep competitive, meaningful employment of their choosing.

An Employment and Education Specialist provides person-centered services aligned with IPS principles. They support people who want to work or return to school, regardless of diagnosis or time away from the workforce.

Services Offered

Benefits Planning
Career Profile Assessment
Job Development
Vocational Rehabilitation Support
Community Education
Job Carves
Job Coaching
Education Supports

As part of ACT services, employment support begins when someone expresses interest in working. Services are available through every stage of work, from job search to long-term support.

Core Principles of Supported Employment

It aims to get people into competitive employment; volunteer work is not the objective. We are committed to competitive employment as an attainable goal.
It is open to all those who want to work with no exclusions based on diagnosis, health condition or benefits claim
It tries to find jobs consistent with people’s preferences. We pay attention to people’s choices, rather than providers’ judgments.
It works quickly. Job searches start as soon as possible, even if a client has been off work for years.
Employment specialists are part of clinical teams. That means employment becomes a core part of mental health treatment and recovery
Employment specialists build relationships with employers based on a person’s work preferences not based on who happens to have job openings
It provides ongoing, personalized support for people and their employers. This helps people to keep their jobs at difficult times
Benefits counseling is included. People can learn how working may impact the benefits they receive.