DSHS BHHA Peer Support Specialist - Behavioral Health Specialist 2

This position is located at the Maple Lane Campus in Grand Mound, Centralia, WA.

About the role

As a Peer Support Specialist, you will have experience as a recipient of mental health services for severe or persistent mental illness and be willing to use and share your personal, practical experience, knowledge, and firsthand insight with residents. This role assists with navigation of resident recovery processes, shares experiences with residents, and coaches residents to advocate for themselves in areas such as hygiene, employment, social skills, household duties, public transport, or other tasks deemed necessary by the treatment team.

Responsibilities

• Provide clients with expertise about the recovery process, symptom management, and persistence required to lead a satisfying life.
• Set and maintain appropriate professional boundaries while balancing the demands of being both a peer to residents and an employee of the Maple Lane Forensic Recovery Program (MLFRP).
• Provide guidance in constructing and encouraging residents to take responsibility and participate in their own wellness or recovery plan.
• Promote hope and empowerment by sharing personal experiences as appropriate to help residents attain recovery goals and maintain independence, even during periods of instability.
• Maintain certification in Crisis Prevention Intervention facilitation (or other designated de-escalation training appointed by BHA).
• Provide coaching, guidance, and support from a strength-based perspective in areas including transition services from hospital to community, supported companionship, money management, and medical management.
• Collaborate with residents on awareness of resident rights, including grievance and complaint procedures; support residents with filing, mediating, and resolving complaints.
• Increase awareness of self-help and consumer advocacy groups that promote recovery, acting as a liaison between community resources and such groups.
• Provide consultation to residents and families in areas of community resources, treatment planning, crisis intervention, and substance abuse services.
• Educate residents to find and effectively use a primary care physician, dentist, and other medical specialists as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Ability to maintain professional boundaries.
• Ability to advocate for residents and support treatment team decisions.
• Ability to work flexible hours.
• Ability to form trusting and reciprocal relationships.
• Experience working with people from diverse cultures.

Qualifications

• Satisfactory completion of two years of college, preferably with emphasis in one of the social sciences, and two years of experience in a psychiatric or mental health, or health care setting.
• Or one year as a Behavioral Health Specialist 1.
• Or a Bachelor’s degree, preferably involving major study in sociology or other social sciences.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must have or be able to obtain a DOH Peer Certification.

Schedule

Part-time schedule: Tuesday 8am–4:30pm, Wednesday 8am–4:30pm, and Thursday 8am–12pm. Full-time positions are also available.

Job number: 02030. For questions, contact DSHS Recruiter at sharon.sterling@dshs.wa.gov or call (360) 725-5810.