Peer Support Specialist

OneTogether Solutions, LLC · Tacoma, WA · 1 wk ago

On-siteOTHRFull-time

Cedar Wellness Center is a Tribally owned clinic that treats a diverse population of patients, including Native and Non-Native people. We provide whole person care, managing patient substance use disorders, primary care, infectious disease, and mental health needs. We are building a team of dedicated and compassionate individuals. Cedar Wellness Center brings an innovative model of highly individualized, compassionate care to patients with opioid use disorder. From the moment someone walks through the door of our state-of-the-art outpatient facility, they will encounter thoughtfulness and intention for a humanizing and respectful experience. The comforting and safe setting of our nature-inspired facility and the friendly, professional attitude of our staff help define our journey with each patient—and with each other—from day one. Each employee creates their own ripple effect in the larger circles of the families and communities we touch.

About the role

Cedar Wellness Center is seeking a versatile Peer Support Specialist who loves taking on a challenge and being part of an aligned, committed team. This role supports patients’ recovery within a tribal OTP setting by offering peer services using lived experience to provide empathy, encouragement, and access to essential resources. The Peer Support Specialist helps ensure patients navigate their treatment journey with dignity and hope by blending clinical support with lived experience or deep understanding of substance use recovery. This role supports the treatment team in providing whole person care and adheres to HIPAA and confidentiality requirements. Indian Preference applies; qualified Indian (American Indian or Alaskan Native) applicants will receive preference in accordance with 25 U.S.C. 5323 and 25 U.S.C 472a.

Responsibilities

Maintains availability to patients daily to assist with critical resources and referrals
Provides individual and group peer-support services
Facilitates the delivery of Internal and HCA supported Contingency Management programs and services
Develops relationships and coordinates with agencies and service providers to facilitate coordination and information sharing; provides support services as applicable
Provides transportation support, housing referrals, and PCP and specialty care coordination
Performs admission functions, including entering referral data
Serves as an advocate for patients and families
Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with current and potential referral sources
Maintains comprehensive working knowledge of community resources and assists patients in accessing them
Develops, creates, and maintains a resource file of available social service agencies and assistance providers in the target area for use in referring customers for needed services
Serves as the face of the clinic to all patients and visitors when serving as receptionist
Answers calls politely and professionally; refers calls to appropriate staff or takes messages; sets or clears call forwarding when necessary; checks for messages with "on call" person or answering machine each morning
Schedules new and returning patients with appropriate staff for medical and clinical counseling appointments; records patient attendance, "no shows," and cancellations
Contacts patients via phone to facilitate re-engagement to prevent discharge from services
Participates in staff meetings and works with other administrative staff as required
Maintains professional and congenial attitude toward coworkers, patients, agencies, and members in the community
Uses appropriate technology to accomplish job functions; understands and utilizes available technology as customer service, communications, and data-gathering tools
Coordinates with jail and probation officials
Participates in health fairs, community events, and other events where the target population gathers
Floats to the Front office position as needed
Completes all required competencies and maintains skill level
Recognizes the need for continuous learning by attending staff development programs and workshops
Upholds commitment to respectful patient- and family-centered care
Upholds patient confidentiality and safety
Communicates and collaborates effectively with physicians/team members, patients, and families
Works effectively with multidisciplinary team members
Promotes mutual respect and trust working within a team model
Follows ethical principles regarding patient confidentiality
Maintains and practices confidentiality as required by HIPAA regulations regarding client confidentiality and request/release of information
Adapts to changes in safety protocols and procedures
Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Current Peer Support Specialist Certification licensed in the State of Washington
One (1) year of office or professional experience, preferably in an OTP or SUD setting (a combination of relevant education and related work experience may be considered)
Must be able to provide health and TB clearance
Valid driver’s license is required when driving vehicles for work-related purposes
Must be able to successfully pass a background screening/investigation according to established requirements

Skills

Knowledge of basic medical terminology is preferred
Knowledge of SUD treatment and recovery principles
Knowledge of policies and procedures related to HIPAA, Medicare, Medicaid, and insurance programs
Knowledge of office functions, procedures, and policies
Skill in operating various word-processing, spreadsheet, and database software programs in a Windows environment, including electronic health care systems
Skill in data entry with a high level of accuracy
Ability to react to frequent changes in duties and volume of work
Ability to demonstrate a customer-first attitude and philosophy
Ability to listen empathetically
Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards
Ability to work both independently and in a team environment
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Ability to conduct activity in an ethical manner
Ability to analyze and evaluate situations and adopt effective courses of action
Ability to maintain passion for assisting patients under all circumstances
Ability to receive constructive feedback, to share opinions, and uphold beliefs
Ability to maintain calm, focused, professional, and kind demeanor in highly stressful situations
Ability to be reliable, flexible, and versatile
Ability to maintain humility

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, crouch, use hands to keyboard, type, handle materials and equipment, reach with hands and arms, and perform repetitive tasks, including typing and data entry
Must possess sufficient speech and hearing abilities to understand verbal instructions and communicate effectively in person and by telephone
Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
Work is performed in both office and clinical settings, with occasional work performed in community environments
May be exposed to unpleasant odors, bodily fluids, infectious diseases, dust, fumes, airborne particles, allergens, and other environmental conditions commonly associated with healthcare settings
The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required
May involve interactions with individuals who are distressed, hostile, or exhibiting challenging behaviors
Must be able to analyze and evaluate situations, exercise sound judgment, and respond appropriately in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities and competing demands
Occasional overnight travel and evening or weekend work may be required based on operational needs