Peer Counselor - Whatcom County Triage - PT

SUMMARY

The Peer Counselor provides peer support services to clients under the supervision of the Program Manager. These services include assistance with stabilization, recovery, self-advocacy, development of natural supports, and the development and maintenance of community living skills.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following, other duties may be assigned.

• Provides peer support to validate clients' experience and to provide guidance and encouragement to clients to take responsibility and actively participate in their own recovery.
• Serves as a mentor to clients to promote hope and empowerment.
• Assists individuals in identifying and accessing community and natural supports, including Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Treatment, peer support groups, and avenues to meet basic needs.
• Provides reassurance and support to the family/friends/natural supports of the client.
• Engages in active listening with clients.
• Assists other program staff in monitoring clients' symptoms and behavior, and in formulating treatment goals within the team process in which each client's point of view and preferences are recognized and respected.
• Advocates for the participant as deemed appropriate.
• Fully documents encounters with participants and their family/friends/natural supports per state, local, and agency expectations.
• Optimizes teachable moments to support recovery and the development of coping skills and living skills.
• Participates in regularly scheduled supervision and team meetings.
• Remains compliant with required trainings and certifications.
• Behaves in an ethical and professional manner consistent with agency policy, state law, and licensing entities if applicable.
• Understands and practices safekeeping of client protected health information per Compass Health's HIPAA and other agency policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates respect for diversity and a commitment to developing multicultural competency and sensitivity.
• Demonstrates commitment to Compass Health's Strategic Intention, core Values and Core Competencies.

PROGRAM SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conducts follow-up phone calls to check on client progress after discharge.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE / CERTIFICATIONS / LICENSES

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Current Peer Counselor Certification preferred.
• Experience as a Peer Counselor preferred.
• Non-certified Peer applicants must have completed the on-line pre-requisite training and applied for peer counselor certification with the HCA.
• Is capable of becoming fully certified within 90 days of hire.
• Lived experience with a behavioral health diagnosis required.
• Individuals who do not already hold a license or associate license through the Washington State Department of Health must submit Agency Affiliated Counselor application upon hire and be approved by the DOH.
• Current First Aid & CPR certification, or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.
• Valid Washington State Driver's License including vehicle and appropriate insurance, if applicable.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES

• Thorough knowledge and understanding of rehabilitation and recovery.
• Knowledge of mental illnesses and chemical dependency, and effective strategies for dealing with its effects.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Ability to partner with consumers and mental health professionals. Must be able to maintain professional boundaries.
• Ability to maintain a positive, solution-focused demeanor when responding to conflicts or problems.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and the ability to multitask within a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal.
• General computer proficiency, including the ability to utilize electronic medical record systems.
• Ability to pass pre-employment criminal background check, which may or may not include an additional search by DSHS.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT

The employee will be working in a Triage facility and must be able to physically participate in managing aggressive behavior from patients. While performing the duties of this job, the employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, and use close vision. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job in the work environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Please note that this Job Description is subject to change at any time.

POSITION SUMMARY
Job Title: Peer Counselor
Program: 400-21350
Location: Bellingham
Hours: Part Time 10 hrs/week - Sat & Sun - DB Shift
Wage: $17.15-$30.01/hr DOE