Peer Counselor - Jail Services

Catholic Charities Serving Central Washington•Wenatchee, WA

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Peer Counselor provides peer support, outreach and coordination of services for individuals experiencing behavioral health and/or substance use challenges in our regional jail systems. The Peer Counselor provides outreach and engagement in the Chelan County and Douglas County jail systems. They utilize their own lived experience with recovery to engage individuals in services and assist them in navigating behavioral health, community systems and healthcare agencies from initial assessment up to 90 days after release.

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
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
Being cleared by criminal background check and fingerprinting when required

Nice To Haves

Two years experience providing peer services preferred
Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
Possess and utilize effective verbal and written communication skills
Ability to be self-motivated, work independently, and as a team member
Ability to represent the agency in a professional manner within the community
Certified Peer Support Specialist or Certified Peer Support Specialist Trainee credential

Responsibilities

Assess clients’ from the referral list to determine which services and resources are needed using a person-centered approach and then develop a plan for care
Provide peer support and work collaboratively with regional justice providers, outpatient mental health and substance use providers, and the local crisis system of care
Support may include: Crisis intervention services, Assisting with applying for benefits, Activities of daily living, psychological support, coordinating referrals, & transportation, Accessing community resources and connecting to eligible services including housing, medical, mental health, vocational, educational, financial, etc.
Provide support and assistance with: Intake and initial screening, Family treatment services, Medication management, Therapeutic psychoeducation including Illness Management and Recovery (IMR), and referrals to Involuntary Treatment (ITA) or Less Restrictive Alternative (LRA) services.
Share personal experiences with recovery and service navigation, as appropriate, to build trust with clients, using active listening and compassion to support clients in their recovery journey
Establish and maintain working relationships with community resources, coordinate consumer treatment with other providers, and initiate referrals to medical providers and other community resources when appropriate.
Provide outreach to individuals in the regional justice system, outpatient mental health or substance use disorder facilities, and all providers within the local crisis system of care; provide follow up support upon discharge to connect to longer term services
Assess client for safety and de-escalate clients who are experiencing a crisis
Facilitate communication between clients and service providers, and advocate on clients’ behalf as appropriate
Support the completion of Quarterly outcomes reports
Complete and maintain detailed and accurate documentation for services provided, within required timeframes.
Report and document all services in the Electronic Medical record as well as other contractually required systems.
Attend regular supervision meetings, team staffings, trainings, and other meetings as instructed
Attend any community meetings asked to attend by supervisor
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, with 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