Peer Support Specialist - Residential Programs

Primary Responsibilities

• Cookbook discharge planning for clients with complex and individualized service needs.
• Provide encouragement, validation, and support throughout the recovery process.
• Promote hope, empowerment, and self-determination while supporting clients in achieving recovery goals.
• Provide individualized peer support in alignment with each client’s treatment and recovery plan.
• Auxiliary clients in understanding recovery, resiliency, and wellness strategies that support long-term success.
• Facilitate approved support groups and participate in other clinical activities as directed.
• Observe and report changes in client presentation and follow behavioral support plans as assigned.
• Complete documentation and paperwork related to direct client care.
• Support the treatment team with insight from the client perspective regarding recovery, treatment experiences, symptoms, and medications.
• Assist clients in understanding and exercising their rights, including grievance and complaint processes.
• Help connect clients with peer support, self-help, and consumer advocacy resources in the community.
• Support clients in planning and participating in social, recreational, and community activities.
• Provide timely verbal and written updates regarding client progress.
• Maintain professional boundaries and seek supervision when needed.
• Attend required trainings, staff meetings, and orientations.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• No prior related work experience required.
• Must be at least 21 years old, have been licensed for a minimum of three years, successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in the state of Washington, and have reliable, insured transportation.
• Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration and completed Peer Counselor Training 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.

Performance Requirements

• Maintain a working knowledge of current trends in community mental health, including health care reform and automation of job tasks using computer technology.
• Maintain a working knowledge of mental health rehabilitation standards.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, clients, organizations, and the public.
• Communicate clearly and concisely.
• Operate standard office equipment including computers, fax machines, printers, telephones, etc.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries while balancing the sometimes conflicting demands of being both a peer to clients and an employee of the agency.
• Seek appropriate clinical supervision where necessary, particularly around boundary issues.
• Meet or exceed productivity standards.
• Provide oral and written feedback on consumer progress to the treatment team, including the timely completion of e-cet based clinical notes.
• Work cooperatively and collaboratively as a team member.

Equipment Operated

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

Work Environment

• Frequent mobility and/or sitting required for extended periods.
• Mental/Physical Requirements: Walk, sit, use hands and fingers, reach with arms, talk, or listen.
• Peripheral vision is also required for this position.