Substance Disorder Peer Counselor

About the role

The Substance Use Disorder Peer Counselor provides guidance and support to individuals and families dealing with substance use disorders through empathetic listening, resource navigation, and collaboration with healthcare professionals.

Responsibilities

• Offer empathetic and non-judgmental support to clients based on shared experiences of substance use and recovery.
• Facilitate one-on-one and group counseling sessions to discuss recovery goals, challenges, and coping strategies.
• Assist clients in identifying and accessing community and regional resources, treatment programs, and support services.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records in the department electronic medical record of client interactions, progress, and any referrals made in accordance with department policies and procedures.
• Advocate for clients' needs within the healthcare system and community services to ensure they receive appropriate care and support.
• Participate in ongoing training and development opportunities to stay informed about evidence-based practices in substance use disorder treatment and peer counseling.
• Attend local, regional, and state conferences when approved by department leadership.
• Maintain a high standard of professionalism by adhering to ethical guidelines as outlined at the Washington Department of Health; County and department policies.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with clients, families, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure understanding, convey important information, and build strong supportive relationships in the department, with clients, and with the community.
• Promote a recovery-oriented environment by sharing positive recovery stories and fostering hope.
• Support the crisis team to provide coordinated care, ensuring clients receive timely and appropriate crisis intervention services.
• Testify in court as needed.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Additional coursework or certification in peer counseling, addiction studies, or a related field preferred.
• Lived experience with substance use disorder and recovery, at least one year of sobriety preferred.
• Membership in or affiliation with consumer advocacy groups preferred.
• Prior experience in a peer support role, either formally or informally, preferred.
• Familiarity with local community and regional resources, treatment programs, and support services for individuals with substance use disorders.
• Understanding of various substance abuse disorder treatment strategies, including behavioral therapies, 12-step programs, harm reduction approaches, and other evidence-based practices such as SMART, Alcoholics Anonymous, and Narcotics Anonymous.
• Ability to manage crisis and conflict mitigation through de-escalation techniques, conflict resolution strategies, and the ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with clients, families, multidisciplinary teams, and the community.
• Ability to build trust and rapport with clients through empathy, active listening, and shared experiences.
• Commitment to maintaining client confidentiality and adhering to ethical guidelines, HIPAA/FERPA, and CFR 42 part 2 as it specifically pertains to Behavioral Health programs.
• Demonstrated reliability, punctuality, time management, and the ability to maintain professional boundaries.
• Sensitivity to and respect for diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team, supporting colleagues and contributing to a collaborative environment in the department, the County, and the Region.
• Willingness to work non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed to meet client needs.
• Basic proficiency in using computers, copiers, fax machines, phones, and electronic medical record systems for documentation and communication.
• Familiarity with current computer software including Google Sheets and Google Docs.
• Must be eligible for registration as a Registered Agency Affiliated Counselor with the Washington State Department of Health and obtain the Registered Agency Affiliated Counselor credential within 90 days of hire.
• Must be able to meet all Washington State Department of Health requirements for course work and supervised experience for certification as a Certified Peer Counselor and obtain the Certified Peer Counselor credential within 90 days of hire.

Benefits

Klickitat County offers a generous benefit package which includes:

• Vacation, sick and paid holiday leave
• Medical, dental, vision, and life and LTD insurance
• Substantial County contributions towards premiums
• A retirement package through the Washington State Department of Retirement System
• A flexible spending account
• Two Deferred Compensation programs
• Voluntary life and LTD insurance
• AFLAC coverage
• A variety of on-going training programs