Peer Counselor

Peer Counselor:

Camas Health Recovery Center

Base Pay Rate: $24-$26/hour, depending on experience

Hiring Preference: The Kalispel Tribe of Indians is an Equal opportunity employer. Consistent with federal law, the Kalispel Tribe of Indians applies Indian preference in employment. It is the policy of the Kalispel Tribe of Indians to give preference in hiring, promotions, and transfers into vacant positions to qualified applicants in the following order: 1) Kalispel Tribal Members; 2) Spouse of an enrolled Kalispel Tribal Member; 3) enrolled members of other Indian Tribes; 4) all other applicants. At-Will Employment: Employment with the Kalispel Tribe of Indians is at-will and can be terminated with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time, either at the option of the employee or the Kalispel Tribe of Indians. Drug Testing: The Kalispel Tribe of Indians is a drug free work place. All applicants are subject to drug testing at the time of hire and at unannounced times during employment. Background Investigation: All candidates and employees may be subject to a background investigation.

Summary of Functions

The Peer Counselor serves as a member of a multidisciplinary team. Peers who work alongside professional staff provide living proof that recovery is possible. Peers provide a living example of hope for others. Peers' personal experiences can be a valuable asset to the clinical team. When they add their first-person knowledge and their stories of recovery top the service mix, services are enhanced and extended, as well as infused with hope and self-determination.

The Peer Counselor will help clients identify and work toward wellness goals while encouraging individuals to take personal responsibility for their recovery and wellness. As part of the recovery process, Peer Counselors encourage clients to develop natural supports by socializing and engaging with the community. This position is best suited to an individual who is ready to use their own experiences to relate to others.

The Peer Counselor should adhere to and value the philosophical priorities of the HARM Reduction Model, that Medication Assisted Treatment is the preferred method of addressing opioid addiction and that every person deserves to be treated with respect, compassion and dignity.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Peer Counselors are responsible for preserving the integrity of the Camas Health Recovery Center properties by performing the following duties:

• Ensures implementation of all clinic policies and procedures; recommend policy and procedure updates and changes as necessary.
• Ensures security of medications, patient records and any other documentation required by the MSO, the FDA, DEA and/or state agencies.
• Ensures that the clinic protects the rights and confidentiality of all patients to provide each patient with the required medical and clinical care.
• Participates as a member of the treatment team providing outreach, engagement and support of on-going services to enrolled clients.
• Utilizes personal experiences of recovery to provide clients and families guidance and support in their own recovery.
• Responsible for assisting counselor/case manager in assessment, development and implementing individual therapeutic and behavioral programs for clients, i.e.:
  • crisis intervention,
  • individual and/or group treatment with staff supervision,
  • co-supervision of clients in homes,
  • socialization and recreational experiences,
  • culturally relevant experiences,
  • assistance in implementing behavior modification programs,
  • advocacy in treatment and support,
  • assist in developing treatment plans,
  • complete required paperwork,
  • crisis stabilization (including suicide watch, monitoring risk).
• Advocate for clients, coordinate and refer for services with other community agencies.
• Maintain working relationships with community and government agencies, other professionals, family members of clients and significant others.
• Complete all documentation in a timely manner.
• Participate in staff meetings, individual supervision and assigned committees, as required.
• Provide consultation/education services to other organizations as appropriate.
• Maintain ethical and competent client and peer relationships in the delivery of service.
• Develop and manage Healthy Eating assistance program.
• Will monitor and assist in the Client Resource Room
• Will regularly perform Front Desk reception duties as scheduled.
• Perform other duties as needed and/or assigned.
• Understand recovery concepts in behavioral health.
• Familiar with standards required by Board of Health, OSHA, etc. and the application of such.
• Knowledge and compliance with HIPAA policies and procedures.
• Participate in Federal and State substance abuse training and continuing education as needed to safely and effectively perform in the position.
• Interacts with all staff in a positive and motivational fashion supporting the company's mission and Best Practice Patient Experience.

Education/Experience

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Must be a Certified Peer Counselor.
• Minimum 1 year experience as a Peer Counselor and/or Recovery Coach.
• Opioid Treatment Program experience will be given hiring preference.

Other Requirements

• Obtain and maintain a Level 3 Kalispel Tribe of Indians Work Permit
• Nights, weekends, and holidays may be required.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job:

• Will spend some time on feet while filing, making photocopies, or standing to greet a visitor.
• Should have the ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. as may be responsible for moving office supplies or carrying heavy files or boxes of paper.

Additional

• The nature of this position is fast-paced in high-stress situations and conditions.
• It is essential that the applicant has an ability and desire to learn and work with:
  • a wide range of emotional and behavioral problems in adults and seniors,
  • the presenting problems of the entire family unit,
  • effective communication with collateral agencies having contact with the consumer, and
  • ethnic minority and low-income families as well as knowledge and awareness of cultural relevancy and issues.

• Computer literate, with basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, and electronic medical records systems, as well as a high level of initiative in keeping current with technological change.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, clients, and outside contacts from a wide variety of ethnic, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds; good diplomatic skills, including strong conflict-resolution skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Conducts all business activities in a professional and ethical manner.
• Must possess current driver's license and have proof of insurance for transport of clients.
• Complies with and up to date with all other testing, screening and credentialing as required.

Travel Requirements

Ability to travel as needed (minimal).

CONFLICT OF INTEREST:

All employees shall refrain from any private business or activity, which might cause their personal interest to conflict with or affect the impartial discharge of their duties to the Camas Health Recovery Center. Each employee must demonstrate personal integrity and is charged with the responsibility to serve and represent the Camas Health Recovery Center in a professional manner. Employees must be free and appear free of any activity, agreement, business investment, or interest in situations, which may interfere with that.