Peer Bridger

Catholic Charities Serving Central Washington•Wenatchee, WA

9d•$22 - $28•Hybrid

About The Position

The Peer Bridger engages individuals in psychiatric hospitals to offer support with the discharge and community reintegration process. This position supports clients from their initial crisis contact, through hospital admission and discharge, and for up to 120 days after discharge to assist with establishing care for ongoing mental health services. This position serves all clients who reside in Chelan, Douglas, Okanogan, and Grant Counties, though they may be hospitalized or receiving inpatient treatment across the state.

Requirements

Standing, walking, bending, lifting or performing other work requiring low physical exertion, talking and hearing on a regular basis to perform the job requirements (up to 80% of the time)
Ability to drive with adequate vision and skill
Ability to drive six to eight hours in any given day to provide outreach services to clients detained to psychiatric hospitals throughout the State of WA
Ability to work extended hours to accommodate afternoon & evening appointments and travel
High School Diploma or GED required
At least two years’ experience providing peer services
Must be a self-identified consumer of mental health or substance use disorder treatment services in stable recovery for at least one year
Willing to share own experiences of mental health recovery
Possess and utilize effective verbal and written communication skills
Ability to be self-motivated, work independently and as a collaborative team member with Catholic Charities staff and community partners
Ability to represent the agency in a professional manner within the community including appropriate professional dress
Proficient with general office procedures and equipment, including computer usage and standard desktop applications such as Microsoft Office Suite and internet
Valid Washington State driver’s license and required minimum liability insurance for WA State
Must be deemed insurable as determined by Catholic Charities’ liability insurance provider
Certified Peer Support Specialist or Certified Peer Support Specialist Trainee credential from the Washington State Department of Health
Being cleared by criminal background check and fingerprinting when required

Nice To Haves

Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred, but not required
experience with the state hospital system
experience working with individuals from diverse cultures

Responsibilities

Engages with individuals in the hospital setting to provide support with community reintegration and connection to services
Provides services in community settings, inpatient psychiatric facilities, or community behavioral agencies, including crisis follow-up and support and helping clients to navigate the mental health system
Shares personal recovery history as appropriate to engage client, develop a trusting relationship, promote a sense of self-direction, develop self-advocacy skills, and motivate client toward recovery
Assists each client to develop a wellness plan that accounts for their goals, preferences, strengths, needs, and interests, and helps the client to successfully manage their life in the community
Supports clients with developing independent living skills, building a social support system, accessing resources, and exploring employment opportunities
Provides a warm handoff to the client as they transition into ongoing behavioral health treatment, which can include attending appointments, assisting with paperwork, and crisis planning
Establishes and maintains working relationships with Catholic Charities staff and community resources, coordinates client treatment with other providers, and initiates referrals to medical providers and other community resources when appropriate.
Reports and documents all services in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) as well as other contractually required systems within required timeframes
Attend all required individual supervision, group supervision, all-staff meetings, clinical training, community meetings, and other trainings as requested
Promote Catholic Charities programs while meeting with other resources while in the community
Perform other duties as assigned

Benefits

13 paid holidays
12 days of vacation
12 days of sick leave per year
Health insurance including medical & prescription coverage
optional dental and vision insurance plans
Majority of premiums paid by Catholic Charities
Retirement 403(b) Plan: employee contributions commence upon employment; Catholic Charities contributes 2% of monthly income and matches up to 4% of employee contributions following 6 months of employment
Basic Life Insurance paid 100% by Catholic Charities
Flexible Spending Account eligibility following 6 months of employment
Education Assistance Program reimbursing up to $5,250 per year for approved continuing education after 6 months of employment
Additional voluntary insurances including supplemental life, accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D), critical illness, long term disability, accident, and ID theft
Employee Assistance Program includes 3 counseling sessions per year, legal consultations, financial coaching, and other wellbeing tools
Annual longevity awards begin at 5 years of employment