Crisis Triage Center Peer Support Specialist

Primary Responsibilities

• Cookbook discharge planning for clients with complex, multi-system needs.
• Validate client perspectives, promote hope, and encourage active participation in recovery and self-advocacy.
• Provide individualized peer support aligned with each client’s recovery plan, offering coaching, guidance, and encouragement.
• Aid clients in understanding recovery and resiliency concepts and applying skills toward personal life goals.
• Participate in clinical activities as directed, including facilitating approved groups, observing client mental status, and following behavioral protocols.
• Complete required paperwork and documentation related to client care and recovery activities.
• Participate in shift pass-downs to ensure continuity of client support across shifts.
• Serve as a bridge between clients and the treatment team, offering insight on symptoms, medications, and recovery experiences.
• Aid clients in recognizing and addressing stigma and discrimination.
• Collaborate with staff to support client rights, including grievance and complaint processes.
• Promote awareness of self-help, peer, and consumer advocacy groups and serve as liaison when appropriate.
• Support clients during periods of increased risk, including suicidality or substance use concerns, and assist with readiness for meaningful daily activities.
• Aid clients in planning and participating in social and leisure activities, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Provide timely oral and written feedback to the treatment team regarding client progress.
• Maintain professional boundaries while balancing peer relationships and agency responsibilities; seek clinical supervision as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• No prior related work experience required.

Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration

• Completion of the Washington State Mental Health Division’s Peer Counselor Training and certification as a Peer Counselor within six months of employment.
• Valid WA State Food Worker Card.

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant experience working with clients with severe and persistent mental illness.
• Capacity to work well with children and families.

Performance Requirements

• Knowledge of current trends in community mental health, including health care reform and automation of job tasks using computer technology.
• Knowledge of mental health rehabilitation standards.
• Effective communication skills - communicates clearly and concisely.
• Computer skills - operates a personal computer, fax machine, printer, and copier proficiently.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, clients, organizations, and the public.
• Ability to meet or exceed productivity standards.
• Ability to provide oral and written feedback on consumer progress to the treatment team, including the timely completion of e-cet based clinical notes.
• Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively as a team member.

Equipment Operated

• Standard office equipment including computers, fax machines, copiers, printers, telephones, etc.

Work Environment

• Residential treatment facility, outreach.
• Frequent mobility and/or sitting required for extended periods.