Peer Counselor

Our Vision - As the premier provider of substance use and mental health services in the Pacific Northwest, we are respected and the most trusted resource for behavioral health treatment and whole-person care. We provide a comprehensive continuum of coordinated quality services, foster enduring relationships, and empower our communities to truly thrive.

Our Mission - Through superior customer service, high quality programs, and well-trained and dedicated staff, we inspire hope and support lifesaving changes for people affected by substance use and mental health conditions.

POSITON TITLE: Peer Counselor                    Non-Exempt Position

RESPONSIBLE TO: Peer Supervisor and Program Director 

MAJOR DUTIES: The Peer Counselor works under the supervision of the Team lead with clinical oversight provided by program MHP or SUDP. This position provides community based substance use and co-occurring clinical services to patients. In fulfilling these duties, the incumbent performs the following duties independently:

2. Provide peer counseling and support, drawing on common experiences as a peer, to validate patients’ experiences and to provide guidance and encouragement to patients’ to take responsibility and actively participate in their own recovery.

3. Serve as a mentor to patients to promote hope and empowerment.

4. Act as an interpreter to assist team members without lived experience to better understand and empathize with each patient’s unique and subjective experience and perceptions.

5. Provide expertise and consultation from a behavioral health participant perspective to the entire team concerning patient experiences on symptoms of substance use and/or co-occurring disorders, the effects and side-effects of medications patients, responses to and opinions of treatment, and patients experiences of recovery.

6. Collaborate with the team to promote a team culture in which each patient’s point of view, experiences, and preferences are recognized, understood, and respected, and in which patient self-determination and decision-making in treatment planning are maximized and supported.

7. Help patients identify, understand, and combat stigma and discrimination associated with substance use and/or co-occurring disorders and develop strategies to reduce self-stigma.

8. Help other team members identify and understand culture-wide stigma and discrimination against people with mental health and substance use disorders and develop strategies to eliminate stigma within the team.

9. Collaborate with the team to ensure the protection of patient’s rights in order to help patients to improve their knowledge of their rights and grievance procedures.

10. Collaborate with the team to help patients’ learn about pertinent grievance procedures and support patients’ with filing, mediating, and resolving grievances.

11. Increase awareness of and support patient participation in mutual-help programs and advocacy organizations that promote recovery.

12. Serve as the liaison between the team and peer-run programs such as mutual-help groups and drop-in centers.

13. Shared duties in the provision of treatment and substance use services.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

1. High school diploma or equivalent required; College degree in a social science preferred;

2. Possess certification as a Certified Peer Counselor consistent with WAC 246-341, or ability and willingness to obtain certification within 60 days of employment, and disclose self to be a person in recovery from substance use;

3. In successful recovery for 1 or more years and/or a family member of an individual with substance use disorder.

4. Current Washington State Department of Health agency affiliated credentials required prior to starting the position;

5. Familiarity with Washington State regulations related to the provision of mental health services (RCW 71.05) and substance use services (WAC 246-341);

6. Current unencumbered driver license and proof of current car insurance required;

7. Good verbal and written communication skills;

8. Great attendance; and

9. Ability to work well with others.

GUIDELINES

This position requires that the incumbent obtain and maintain Washington State credentials through the Department of Health.

COMPLEXITY

The incumbent provides community based peer support services to patients’ who differ widely in age and socioeconomic status and who may possess a variety of chronic and serious social, behavioral and psychological problems. Strong interpersonal, sound judgment and creativity are required to help implement and deliver treatment services that meet the complex needs of the patients’.

PERSONAL CONTACTS

Contacts are with the members of the treatment team, patients’, significant others and supports of the patients’, representatives of various community agencies specializing in the treatment of chemical abuse and mental illness, and related community representatives including hospital personnel, lawyers, probation officers, and other court officials. All personal contacts are carried out in accordance with federal and state laws dealing with the confidentiality of client records.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the essential functions of the job, the employee is regularly required to sit, speak clearly, hear and use hands and fingers to manipulate writing utensils and keys on a keyboard. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with hands or arms, stoop, kneel, crouch or lift and/or move maximum of 15 lbs. The employee is regularly required to effectively operate an automobile.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Working hours are spent in the community meeting with patients in homeless camps, their homes, health clinics and community agencies. Supervision of outdoor activities, visits to community agencies, and participation in staff retreats and staff development activities will be required.

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Clinical Supervisor/Program Director