Become a Youth Support Specialist
Youth Support Specialists play a vital role in helping young people navigate challenges, build confidence, and connect with resources. Connected Lane County's Youth Support Specialist Training is a 40-hour program approved by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) that prepares participants to pursue certification as a Youth Support Specialist in Oregon.
Whether you're interested in behavioral health, peer support, youth development, or community services, this training helps you build skills for a career supporting others.
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Registration opens throughout the year as trainings become available.
Why Participate?
Youth Support Specialists help young people feel seen, heard, and supported during important moments in their lives. By drawing from their own experiences and specialized training, they help others identify strengths, overcome challenges, and move toward their goals.
This training can help you:
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Develop professional peer support skills.
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Learn effective communication and relationship-building strategies.
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Build confidence as a leader and advocate.
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Explore career opportunities in behavioral health and human services.
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Gain experience that supports your path toward Youth Support Specialist certification.
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Make a meaningful impact in your community.
A Hands-On Learning Experience
Our training is led by certified Youth Support Specialists with diverse professional and lived experience backgrounds. Participants engage in a variety of learning activities designed to build confidence and real-world skills, including:
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Interactive discussions
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Small-group activities
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Presentations and videos
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Practice scenarios and role-playing
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Reflection and skill-building exercises
The training emphasizes collaboration, engagement, and practical application, so participants leave prepared to support others in meaningful ways.
What You'll Learn
Participants gain practical knowledge and skills in areas such as:​​
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Youth Empowerment Model
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Motivational Interviewing
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Ethical Responsibilities​
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Mandatory Reporting
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Trauma-Informed Care
- Person-Centered Services
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Self-Care Practices
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Crisis Intervention and Prevention
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Professional Boundaries
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Peer Support Foundations
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And much more!
Eligibility Requirements
To participate in the training and pursue certification:
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Participants must be at least 18 years old to obtain certification.
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Full attendance is required for successful completion.
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No prior experience is necessary.
2026 Training Opportunity
November 16, 2026 - November 20, 2026
Monday-Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
This training costs $425 per participant; the fee covers the training, training materials, and daily lunch. A limited number of scholarships are available for young people ages 18 to 24.
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Registration will open October 5, 2026, and close November 9, 2026.
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Check back in October to register.
Eligibility Requirements
To participate in the training and pursue certification:
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Participants must be at least 18 years old to obtain certification.
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Full attendance is required for successful completion.
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No prior experience is necessary.
Training at a Glance
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40 hours of instruction and participation
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Approved by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA)
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Facilitated by certified Youth Support Specialists
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Designed for youth and young adult peer support providers and aspiring peer support professionals