Certified Peer Specialist - FT

About the Role

If you are looking for employment with a purpose where you can help improve the daily lives of the members of your community, then consider a career with Pioneer Human Services! We are currently looking for a Certified Peer Specialist with a passion for human services. This is an exciting opportunity to be involved with an organization focused on a transformative path towards social change, creating pathways for rehabilitation, reintegration, and redemption.

Who We Are

Our Mission: We empower justice-involved individuals to overcome adversity and reach their full potential. For over 60 years, we have proudly serviced our clients with professionalism and empathy. We are a nationally recognized non-profit with 35+ locations across Washington state that provided a chance for change to over 9,500 individuals in 2024.

What We Offer

At Pioneer, our employees are our most valuable asset. That’s why we’re proud to offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to support your health, security, and work-life balance.

Compensation

New hires for this position typically start between $21.79 and $27.24 hourly, depending on factors such as work location, experience, qualifications, skills, competencies, internal equity, and market conditions. While the full pay range is provided to support pay transparency, individual compensation will vary within the range based on these factors.

Benefits

Eligible after 30 days of full-time employment (minimum of 30 hours/week):

• Medical
• Flexible spending
• Dental
• Vision

Additional Coverage After 60 Days:

• Life
• AD&D
• Disability

Other Benefits:

• Dependent Daycare Flexible Spending
• Tuition assistance (100% for bachelor's, 50% for graduate programs)
• Retirement plan (3.5% annual compensation contribution, plus 3.5% match for 6% individual contribution)
• Employee recognition programs
• Public transportation discount
• Employee assistance program (EAP)

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of a mental health professional and/or a SUDP, the Certified Peer Specialist role is responsible for providing client advocacy. The individual utilizes their personal life experiences and training to provide hope and encouragement while promoting personal responsibility for recovery to individuals receiving behavioral health services. The role supports the provision of behavioral health services by clinical and/or residential staff in accordance with WAC 246-341-0200.

Primary/Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Client Advocacy and Support of Clinical and/or Residential Staff:
  • Assist clients to obtain community services including healthcare, social services, housing, employment training, and employment.
  • Support clients' pursuit of recovery activities.
  • Utilize life experiences and training to provide hope and encouragement for recovery to individuals receiving behavioral health services.
  • Support clinical and/or residential staff in the provision of clinical services.
  • Advocate for client needs.
  • Act as a role model for clients.
  • Practice strong boundaries appropriate in the peer role.
  • Report incidents that impact clients to the supervisor on duty. May be asked to complete an online incident report.
• Client Services:
  • Assist with intakes and discharges of clients (Program applicable)
  • Responsible for food prep and food service for clients (Program applicable)
  • Responsible for cleaning food service equipment and dining area (Program applicable)
  • Responsible for retrieving, removing, and storing client’s linens and clothing (Program applicable)
  • Assist clients in meeting health and hygiene needs by retrieving hygiene products when requested.
  • Responsible for cleaning duties: sweeping, wiping down tables, taking out garbage, making and tearing down bedding for new and discharging clients. (Program applicable)
  • Responsible for overseeing clients’ smoke breaks (Program applicable)
• Quality Assurance:
  • Maintain quality of care consistent with or exceeding standards set by State of Washington regulations and any other accrediting and/or contracting bodies with whom Pioneer Human Services does business.
  • Adhere to professional and ethical standards of the program and DOH.
  • Provide professionally written documentation and correspondence.
  • Integrate knowledge by thinking through and planning the most professional, therapeutic response or intervention in any given client care situation.
• Teamwork, Supervision, and Training:
  • Engage in clear, consistent, and professional communication with all clients, program staff, service providers, and community members.
  • Promote and model teamwork and collaboration with co-workers.
  • Participate in supervision in accordance with WAC/RCW requirements.
  • Participate in agency supervision.
  • Obtain other training required by WAC and in accordance with an annual training plan.
  • Participate in staff meetings.
  • Attend other meetings as directed.

Qualifications

• Required:
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Provide proof of Certified Peer Counselor Certification from the Health Care Authority
  • Self-identify as a person with lived experience with mental health or substance use services or be a parent or legal guardian of a child with lived experience with mental health or substance use services.
  • Be 18 or older.
  • Be in mental health or substance use disorder recovery for at least one year.
  • Demonstrate qualities of leadership.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in reading comprehension and writing skills.
  • Be willing to share your personal story of recovery.
  • Must be able to obtain Agency Affiliated Counselor certification (WAC 246-810-015, and RCW 18.19.210) within 60 days from the date of hire.
  • Valid food handlers card within one week of hire.
• Preferred/Desirable:
  • A.A./B.A./B.S. degree in a health or human services field.