MAJOR DUTIES: The HARPS/Pathfinder Peer Support Specialist works under the supervision of the HARPS/Pathfinder Program Supervisor. This position provides peer support and clinical services to participants in the HARPS/Pathfinder program.

In fulfilling these duties, the incumbent performs the following duties independently:

1. Provide peer counseling and support, drawing on common experiences as a peer, to validate participant’s experiences;
2. Provide guidance and encouragement to participants to actively participate in their own recovery;
3. Work with participants to identify strengths, set goals, and address barriers to engagement (transportation barriers, time management, meeting basic needs) through motivational interviewing;
4. Work with participants to encourage self-advocacy to communicate needs;
5. Provide consultation from a peer support perspective concerning participant’s experiences, responses to and opinions of treatment and experiences of recovery;
6. Collaborate as an active team member to promote a team culture in which each participant’s point of view, experiences, and preferences are recognized, understood, and respected;
7. Help participants identify, understand, and combat stigma and discrimination associated with mental health and/or a substance use disorders and develop strategies to reduce self-stigma;
8. Advocate for the protection of participant’s rights in order to help improve their knowledge of their rights and the grievance procedures;
9. Support participants in filing, mediating, and resolving grievances or complaints;
10. Increase awareness of and support participation in self-help programs and consumer advocacy organizations that promote recovery;
11. Serve as a liaison between the team and consumer-run programs such as self-help groups and drop-in centers.
12. Other duties as assigned

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

1. High school diploma or equivalent required; College degree in a social science preferred;
2. Possess certification as a Certified Peer Support Specialist consistent with WAC 246-341, or ability and willingness to obtain certification within 60 days of employment, and disclose self to be a consumer of behavioral health services;
3. In successful recovery for 2 or more years and/or a family member of an individual with mental health or substance use conditions;
4. Current Washington State Department of Health counselor credentials required;
5. Familiarity with Washington State regulations related to the provision of mental health services (RCW 71.05) and substance use services (WAC 246-341);
6. Current unencumbered driver license and proof of current car insurance required;
7. Good verbal and written communication skills;
8. Great attendance; and
9. Ability to work well with others.

GUIDELINES

This position requires that the incumbent obtain and maintain Washington State credentials through the Department of Health.

COMPLEXITY

The incumbent provides community based peer support services to participants who differ widely in age and socioeconomic status and who may possess a variety of chronic and serious social, behavioral and psychological barriers. Strong interpersonal, sound judgment and creativity are required to help implement and deliver treatment services that meet the complex needs of the participants.

PERSONAL CONTACTS

Contacts are with the members of the treatment team, participants, significant others of the participants, representatives of various community agencies specializing in the treatment of substance use and mental health conditions, and related community representatives including hospital personnel, lawyers, probation officers, and other court officials. All personal contacts are carried out in accordance with federal and state laws dealing with the confidentiality of client records.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the essential functions of the job, the employee is regularly required to sit, speak clearly, hear and use hands and fingers to manipulate writing utensils and keys on a keyboard. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with hands or arms, stoop, kneel, crouch or lift and/or move maximum of 15 lbs. The employee is regularly required to effectively operate an automobile.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Working hours are spent indoors in offices or other meeting rooms or in the community meeting with participants in their homes or at court. Supervision of outdoor activities, visits to community agencies, and participation in staff retreats and staff development activities will be required.

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: HARPS/Pathfinder Program Supervisor