Certified Peer Support Specialist

POSITION TITLE: Certified Peer Support Specialist
DEPARTMENT: HHS – Behavioral Health
LOCATION: Tukwila, WA
REPORTS TO: Clinical Supervisor
FLSA STATUS: Nonexempt, fulltime
WAGE RANGE: $22.36 - $29.07

Review Date: December 8, 2023

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered for hiring, please note this on your cover letter and/or resume***

Position Summary:

Provides support services to peers participating in behavioral health treatment services by serving as an advocate and drawing on their experiences to inspire hope and support clients’ recovery in an outpatient setting. Participates as a team member in a fully integrating behavioral health program and serves as a role model in recovery and self-management. Adheres to HIPAA and confidentiality requirements. Honors and represents the mission, vision, and values of Cowlitz Indian Tribe (CIT) and of the Health and Human Services (HHS) department.

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered for hiring, please note this on your cover letter and/or resume***

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assists clients in identifying, articulating, and creating recovery goals through the use of 1-1 consultations and participation in group treatment sessions; works with clients in developing individualized wellness and recovery plans with the skills, strengths, supports and resources needed according to established policies, procedures and protocols.
• Connects client with inhouse and external resources that contribute to the realization of the client’s treatment plans and goals.
• Advocates for clients in accessing resources necessary for the realization of their treatment goals.
• Assists clients in locating, joining and sustaining participation in mutual support groups.
• Teaches problem solving techniques, how to identify and overcome fears, coping strategies, and combating negative self-talk with individuals and groups; providing a forum which allows group members to share their experiences.
• Facilitates recovery sessions and demonstrates how they have directed their own recovery; shares personal experiences and stories that are relevant and helpful in overcoming obstacles and removing barriers.
• Supports clients’ vocational choices and assists with identifying jobs that matches their strengths.
• Works with clients in building social skills and connections within the community that will enhance stability and recovery.
• Transports clients to appointments, resources, meetings as needed.
• Helps client to obtain affordable housing and advocate for any effective recovery-based services that will be useful in daily living; assists client in navigating state and government support systems.
• Manages case load; completes timely, required documentation for all client contacts and the treatment/recovery plan according to established policies and procedures.
• Prepares current patient progress reports and completion notices and provides them to the courts, probation departments, DCFS, and referral sources as appropriate.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by participating in trainings as required for certification or directed by supervisor.
• Adapts to changes in safety protocols and procedures.
• Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of traditional form of government and tribal customs and traditions.
• Knowledge of patient needs assessment and plan of care procedures.
• Knowledge of patient outreach services and activities.
• Knowledge and general understanding of clinical counseling principles, behavioral health programs and methodology.
• Skill in completing documentation specific to the role of Peer Support Specialists.
• Ability to evaluate the client progress and modify plan for services when needed.
• Ability to develop and present educational programs and workshops.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to approach all interactions with courtesy and respect.
• Ability to build rapport quickly and effectively with clients and their families.
• Ability to integrate training and experience to identify potentially unsafe situations and follow procedures as required by CIT.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships and contribute to the creation of an inclusive environment.
• Ability to track and contribute data for program and grant reporting purposes.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Self-identify as a person with lived experience with mental health or substance use services.
• One year recovery coaching experience.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Obtain and maintain Peer Counselor certification and associated credential from the Washington State Department of Health.
• Experience working within American Indian and/or Alaska Native communities preferred.
• Valid driver’s license is required when driving vehicles for work-related purposes. Employee must provide proof of car insurance and have access to a reliable vehicle.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background screening / investigation according to the established requirements below.

Tribal preference in accordance with Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions. All positions are required to adhere to CIT’s established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Background Investigation Requirements:

• Pre-employment drug screen.
• Reference checks, education and employment verification.
• Federal, state, and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks including fingerprint verification.
• Has not been found guilty of, charged with, received a deferred sentence, received a conditional discharge of, or entered a plea of not contest to, or entered a plea of guilty to any one felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence, sexual assault, molestation, exploitation or sexual contact; prostitution; or crimes committed against person(s) or children.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit, stand, use hands and fingers for a variety of tasks, talk, and hear. The employee occasionally is required to walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 20lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and clarity of vision at long distance.

Work Environment:

Work may be performed in office/clinical or community-based setting with a moderate noise level. Situations occur where PPE (personal protective equipment) is needed. Employee must demonstrate ethical decision-making and be conscious of safety of self and others in all work settings. Overnight travel and/or evening and/or weekend work may be required. Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common.

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered for hiring, please note this on your cover letter and/or resume***

The Cowlitz Indian Tribe is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and a Drug & Alcohol-Free workplace.

Tribal preference in accordance with Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions. All positions are required to adhere to CIT’s established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).