Peer Counselor - Diversion

Catholic Charities Serving Central Washington•Wenatchee, WA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Peer Counselor provides outreach, support, and coordination of services for individuals experiencing behavioral health challenges who may be at risk of incarceration, hospitalization, or involvement in the criminal court system. The goal of this position is to help stabilize behavioral health needs and divert individuals from incarceration or hospitalization into the least restrictive setting possible. The Peer Counselor supports clients by utilizing their own lived experience with recovery to engage individuals in services and assist them in navigating behavioral health, criminal justice, and community systems. Services may be provided in the community, jail settings, other healthcare agencies, in a client's home, or at a Catholic Charities clinic location depending on need.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required
Must be a self-identified consumer of mental health or substance use disorder treatment services in stable recovery for at least one year
Possess and utilize effective verbal and written communication skills
Self-motivated with excellent time management skills
Ability to represent the agency in a professional manner within the community
Certified Peer Support Specialist or Certified Peer Support Specialist Trainee credential
Registered Agency Affiliated Counselor credential
Valid Washington State driver’s license and required minimum liability insurance by WA State
Must be deemed insurable as determined by Catholic Charities’ liability insurance provider
Being cleared by criminal background check and fingerprinting when required

Nice To Haves

Two years of experience providing peer services preferred
Bilingual/biliterate in English & Spanish preferred

Responsibilities

Evaluate clients’ needs and collaborate with clients to develop a plan for their own care & recovery
Assist clients with identifying and accessing medical, dental, and behavioral health treatment as appropriate to each client’s needs and goals
Assist clients with obtaining and maintaining housing
Support clients to develop independent living skills such as budgeting, creating and sticking to a routine, paying bills, accessing food banks or grocery shopping, utilizing a calendar to make and track appointments, etc.
Attend scheduled court appearances with clients
Provide transportation to clients for appointments with other service providers
Share personal experiences with recovery and service navigation as appropriate to build trust with clients, using active listening skills and compassion to support clients in their recovery journey
Respond in the community to law enforcement requests for diversion support and immediately engage the individual to offer resources and support
Assess the client for safety and de-escalate clients who are experiencing a crisis
Work with community partners to help coordinate services to meet clients’ needs
Facilitate communication between clients and service providers and advocate on clients’ behalf as appropriate
Review jail roster regularly for diversion referrals and active Trueblood Class Members
Maintain detailed, accurate records of services provided, client interactions, and diversion agreement compliance
Prepare and provide monthly progress reports for attorneys and prosecutors
Attend regular supervision meetings, team staffing’s, trainings, community events, and other meetings as instructed
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 health insurance 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