HARPS Peer Support Specialist

About the role

The Peer Counselor has experience as a recipient of mental health services for severe and persistent mental illness and is willing to use and share his or her personal, practical experience, knowledge, and first-hand insight to benefit the team and its clients. The Peer Counselor provides the team with expertise about the recovery process, symptom management, and clients' persistence to lead a satisfying life.

Responsibilities

The Peer Counselor is responsible for advocating for client choice, self-determination, and decision-making in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of treatment, rehabilitation, and support services. The Peer Counselor provides consultation to clients, families, and team staff in community resources, treatment planning, crisis intervention, and substance abuse services.

• Draw on common experiences as a peer to validate clients' experience and to provide guidance and encouragement for clients to take responsibility and participate in their own recovery.
• Promote hope and empowerment designed to help clients attain recovery goals and maintain the highest possible independence level, even during periods of instability.
• Assists clients find and maintain a safe and affordable place to live, apartment hunting, finding a roommate, landlord negotiations, cleaning, furnishing and decorating, and procuring necessities.
• Provides practical help and supports, mentoring, advocacy, coordination, side-by-side individualized support, problem-solving, direct assistance, and supervision to help clients obtain the necessities of daily living.
• Assists with referrals to job training, Supported Employment, and DVR.
• Provides ongoing assessment, problem-solving, side-by-side services, skill teaching, support, and environmental adaptations to assist clients with daily living activities.
• Provides side-by-side support, coaching, and encouragement to help clients socialize, going with a client to community activities, including activities offered by consumer-run peer support organizations.
• Organizes and leads individual and group social and recreational activities to help clients structure their time, increase social experiences, and provide opportunities to practice social skills.
• Provides transition services from hospital to community, including medication management.
• Assist in providing ongoing assessment and direct services to clients, responding to such challenges as an increase in suicidality, the need for substance abuse education and treatment, and the clients' readiness for meaningful daily activity, including employment.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• Entry level (no prior related work experience)
• Must meet all agency driving requirements, including being at least 21 years old, having been licensed for a minimum of three years, successfully completing a motor vehicle history check, possessing and maintaining a current, valid driver’s license in the state of Washington, and having reliable, insured transportation.
• Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration
• Completed the Washington State Mental Health Division's Peer Counselor Training and the subsequent certification as a Peer Counselor within six months of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Skills

• Maintain a working knowledge of mental health rehabilitation standards.
• Must have a strong commitment to the right and the ability of each person with a severe mental illness to live in normal community residences; work in market jobs; and have access to helpful, adequate, competent, and continuous supports and services.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other employees, clients, organizations, and the public.
• Communicates clearly and concisely.
• Computer skills - The ability to operate a personal computer, fax machine, printer, and copier proficiently.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Coverage: Health, Dental & Vision
• Generous PTO: Up to 19 days + 2 mental health days + 10 holidays (pro-rated for part-time)
• Fully Paid YMCA Membership for you and eligible family members
• Company-Paid Life & Disability Insurance
• Student Loan Assistance & Professional Development
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Company Contributions
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Pet Insurance
• Free Wellness App (2MorrowHealth)
• Collaborative, Supportive Team Environment

Pay

Hiring Range: $22.90 – $28.06 per hour