Peer Counselor

Lifeline Connections is a community-based behavioral health organization that specializes in providing confidential and compassionate care to individuals who experience substance use and/or mental health conditions.

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: PACT Peer Support Specialist Non-Exempt Position

RESPONSIBLE TO: PACT (COMET) Program Supervisor

MAJOR DUTIES: The PACT Peer Support Specialist works under the supervision of the PACT Program Supervisor. This position provides peer support and clinical services to participants in the PACT program.

In fulfilling these duties, the incumbent performs the following duties independently:

1.Provide peer support, drawing on common experiences as a peer, to validate participant’s experiences;

2.Provide guidance and encouragement to participants to actively participate in their own recovery;

3.Work with participants to identify strengths, set goals, and address barriers to engagement (transportation barriers, time management, meeting basic needs) through motivational interviewing;

4.Work with participants to encourage self-advocacy to communicate needs;

5.Provide consultation from a peer support perspective concerning participant’s experiences, responses to and opinions of treatment and experiences of recovery;

6.Collaborate as an active team member to promote a team culture in which each participant’s point of view, experiences, and preferences are recognized, understood, and respected;

7.Help participants identify, understand, and combat stigma and discrimination associated with mental health and co-occurring substance use disorders and develop strategies to reduce self-stigma;

8.Advocate for the protection of participant’s rights in order to help improve their knowledge of their rights and the grievance procedures;

9.Support participants in filing, mediating, and resolving grievances or complaints;

10.Increase awareness of and support participation in self-help programs and consumer advocacy organizations that promote recovery;

11.Serve as a liaison between the team and consumer-run programs such as self-help groups and drop-in centers.

12.Other duties as assigned

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

1.High school diploma or equivalent required

2.Possess certification as a Certified Peer Support Specialist consistent with WAC 246-341, and disclose self to be a consumer of behavioral health services;

3.In successful recovery for 2 or more years and/or a family member of an individual with mental health and substance use conditions;

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

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

6.Good verbal and written communication skills;

7.Great attendance; and

8.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 participants who differ widely in age and socioeconomic status and who may possess a variety of chronic and serious social, behavioral and psychological barriers. Strong interpersonal, sound judgment and creativity are required to help implement and deliver treatment services that meet the complex needs of the participants.

PERSONAL CONTACTS

Contacts are with the members of the treatment team, participants, significant others of the participants, representatives of various community agencies specializing in the treatment of substance use and mental health conditions, 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 indoors in offices or other meeting rooms or in the community meeting with participants in their homes or at court. Supervision of outdoor activities, visits to community agencies, and participation in staff retreats and staff development activities will be required.

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: PACT (COMET) Program Supervisor

Salary: $19.00 - 22.61/hr DOE

Application Process:
To apply electronically for this position, please click "Apply Now" or visit our ADP career center. For more information on this and other positions, please visit our website at www.lifelineconnections.org

The Benefits:

Lifeline Connections strives to be your employer of choice by offering our regular/full-time employees a generous benefits package. Our plans cover 85% of medical, dental, and vision costs at the employee level and 75% for all dependent plans. The majority of out-of-pocket costs (i.e. co-pays, prescriptions, and deductibles) under our medical plans are also covered. We also offer other benefits, such as: employer paid Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, and supplemental coverage.

Our full-time employees and some part-time employees also qualify for our 401(K) plan that matches dollar for dollar up to 5%. On top of all that, our full-time employees receive approximately 4 weeks of paid time off during their first year of employment (accrual rates increase with years of service), as well as 1 personal holiday and 12 paid holidays per year!

There are many other supplemental benefits we are glad to offer such as tuition reimbursement and discounted cellular service amongst others.

Send us your resume and let's talk about you joining our team!