Certified Peer Support Specialist

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Description

JOB TITLE: CERTIFIED PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST

DEPARTMENT: Willapa Commons

SUPERVISOR: Manager

EXEMPT/NON-EXEMPT: Exempt

SUPERVISES: None

Job Summary

The Peer Support Specialist uses lived experience to develop comprehensive care plans for identified needs and monitors the delivery of services for individuals with Mental Health or Substance Use Disorder receiving all forms of Treatment to improve both behavioral health and physical health outcomes. This position requires a thorough understanding of the process and possibility of robust recovery for people diagnosed with mental health or substance use disorders.

Position will be split between Raymond WA, and Long Beach WA.

General Responsibilities

Follow Willapa Behavioral Health & Wellness Service Excellence Standards / Code of Ethics and Policies and Procedures.

• Adhere to rules of confidentiality.
• Respect and accommodate a diverse population.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries with clients and staff.
• Work on-site as necessary or remotely using telehealth technology as determined by management.
  
  

Essential Functions

• Meet directly with clients, their families and providers in office, home, jail, or Emergency Department settings to review clients’ functional status, medical and social resource needs within the program.
• Assist client and family with support and education about availability of identified services, and assess decision making, coping skills, and barriers to managing their healthcare needs.
• Prepare individual care plans; coordinate and arrange for all services required by a client in accordance with the individual care plan.
• Collaborate with counselors and any other providers to reduce the opportunity of relapse by creating a continuum of care for individuals receiving all forms of SUD treatment.
• Document all interactions with clients in the electronic client management tool within 48 hours.
• Prepare periodic social gatherings for clients to feel the joys of social interaction while sober.
• Assist in community outreach events such as conventions, meetings, community treatment, etc.
• Willing and able to meet the continuing education requirements for credentialing.
  
  

Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum Qualifications

• A Washington State Certified Peer Support Specialist Certificate from the WA State Health Care Authority/Department of Health and provide verification demonstrating completion of all training requirements and 1,000 experiential hours required by WA Department of Health and Health Care Authority.
• Self-identify as a person with lived experience with mental health or substance use services or be a parent or legal guardian of a child with lived experience with mental health or substance use services.
• Travel to:
• appropriate training(s) and educational opportunities locally and region wide, where appropriate.
• jail(s) to meet people getting ready for release to establish relationships and invite them to treatment.
• hospital(s) to meet people who are using substances to help enroll in services.
• Transport clients to groups or appointments to help them achieve their treatment goals.
• Must have facilitation skills and be comfortable presenting to groups.
• Must uphold strong boundaries and understand when situations are being dramatized, blown out of proportion, or manipulated and take appropriate action to defuse, de-escalate, or mitigate toward a positive outcome.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, computer proficiency to document in the electronic medical record (EMR) and utilize telehealth and Microsoft office suite.
• Must be able to work well in a team environment and have a drive to work with those who may be suffering from but not limited to: homelessness, transience, substance abuse, mental health issues, as well as other issues that may jeopardize a client’s mental and physical health.
• Undergo and pass criminal background check upon initial employment and any subsequent checks required by the agency.
• Meet requirements of agency’s drug free workplace policy.
• Excellent customer service with a client focus.
• Able to sit, stand and move for long hours at a time and lift up to 25 pounds.
• A valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.
• Able to drive in daylight, darkness, and typical Northwest weather conditions.
• Flexible to fill-in shifts if needed.
• Meet the current Washington health care vaccination requirements for health care workers.