Peer Support Specialist

POSITION TITLE: Peer Support Specialist
DEPARTMENT: HHS – Behavioral Health
LOCATION: Longview, WA
REPORTS TO: Clinical Supervisor
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt; Full-Time
WAGE RANGE: $26.40 - $30.40 per hour

CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered preference in hiring, please upload documentation with your resume and cover letter. Acceptable documentation includes Tribal Enrollment card, a letter from your Tribe stating your enrollment, or BIA 4432 and/or DD214.***

Position Summary:

Provides support services to peers participating in behavioral health treatment services by serving as an advocate and drawing on lived experiences to inspire hope and support clients’ recovery in an outpatient setting. Participates as a team member in a fully integrating behavioral health program and serves as a role model in recovery and self-management. Adheres to HIPAA and confidentiality requirements. Honors and represents the mission, vision, and values of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe (CIT) and the Health and Human Services (HHS) department.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered preference in hiring, please upload documentation with your resume and cover letter. Acceptable documentation includes Tribal Enrollment card, a letter from your Tribe stating your enrollment, or BIA 4432 and/or DD214.***

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assists clients in identifying, articulating, and creating recovery goals through the use of 1-1 consultations and participation in group treatment sessions; works with clients in developing individualized wellness and recovery plans with the skills, strengths, supports and resources needed according to established policies, procedures and protocols.
• Connects client with inhouse and external resources that contribute to the realization of the client’s treatment plans and goals.
• Advocates for clients in accessing resources necessary for the realization of their treatment goals.
• Assists clients in locating, joining and sustaining participation in mutual support groups.
• Teaches problem solving techniques, coping strategies, and skills for overcoming fears and combating negative self-talk with individuals and groups.
• Facilitates recovery sessions and shares personal experiences, as appropriate, that demonstrate how they have directed their own recovery, overcame obstacles, and navigated barriers.
• Supports clients’ vocational choices and assists with identifying and preparing for jobs that match their strengths.
• Works with clients in building social skills and connections within the community.
• Provides transportation for clients to appointments, resources, and meetings as needed, ensuring access to services, community support, and recovery resources when peer support is indicated.
• Helps client to obtain affordable housing and advocate for any effective recovery-based services that will be useful in daily living; assists client in navigating state and government support systems.
• Effectively monitors engagement and manages caseloads; completes required documentation in a timely manner, for all client contacts and the treatment/recovery plans, according to established policies and procedures.
• Prepares current patient progress reports and completion notices and provides them to the courts, probation departments, DCFS, and referral sources as appropriate.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by participating in trainings as required for certification or directed by program leadership.
• Adapts to changes in safety protocols and procedures.
• Works collaboratively in a team environment to achieve shared goals. Assists with data collection and reporting as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned with training provided.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of traditional form of government and tribal customs and traditions.
• Knowledge of patient needs assessment and plan of care procedures.
• Knowledge of patient outreach services and activities. Knowledge and general understanding of clinical counseling principles, behavioral health programs and methodology.
• Skill in completing documentation specific to the role of Peer Support Specialists.
• Ability to utilize ethical decision-making and be conscious of safety of self and others in all work settings.
• Ability to develop and provide presentations related to peer support services and/or behavioral health and recovery services.
• Ability to evaluate the client progress and modify plan for services when needed.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to approach all interactions with courtesy and respect.
• Ability to build rapport quickly and effectively with clients and their families.
• Ability to integrate training and experience to identify potentially unsafe situations and support de-escalation.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships and contribute to the creation of an inclusive environment.
• Ability to track and contribute data for program and grant reporting purposes.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to be adaptive and being flexible in a dynamic environment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Self-identify as a person with lived experience with mental health or substance use services.
• One year recovery coaching experience.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Hold the Washington State Health Care Authority’s Certified Peer Counselor certification.
• Obtain and maintain an Agency Affiliated Counselor credential through the Washington State Department of Health.
• Experience working within American Indian and/or Alaska Native communities preferred.
• Valid driver’s license is required when driving vehicles for work-related purposes. Employee must provide proof of car insurance and have access to a reliable vehicle.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background screening / investigation according to the established requirements below.

Tribal preference in accordance with Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions. All positions are required to adhere to CIT’s established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Background Investigation Requirements:

• Pre-employment drug screen.
• Reference checks, education and employment verification.
• Federal, state, and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks including fingerprint verification.
• Has not been found guilty of, charged with, received a deferred sentence, received a conditional discharge of, or entered a plea of not contest to, or entered a plea of guilty to any one felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence, sexual assault, molestation, exploitation or sexual contact; prostitution; or crimes committed against person(s) or children.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear, and use hands, fingers, and arms for a variety of tasks. The position requires occasional lifting of up to 20 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and clarity of vision at a long distance.

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed in an office/clinical setting with a moderate noise level. Employee may be exposed to bodily fluids, blood borne pathogens and infectious disease. Situations occur where PPE (personal protective equipment) is needed. Overnight travel and/or evening and/or weekend work may be required. Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common.

Salary : $26 - $30