Peer Counselor - FHARPS Program

Thurston Mason BH-ASO/OHRS•Lacey, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Olympic Health and Recovery Services is seeking two Peer Specialists with a passion for supporting individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use disorders in obtaining and maintaining housing. The FHARPS Peer Support Specialist serves as part of the OHRS Forensic Housing and Recovery through Peer Services (FHARPS) team, providing peer counseling, advocacy, and housing case management to individuals involved in the forensic mental health system who are at risk of or currently experiencing houselessness. FHARPS offers voluntary, flexible, person-centered, recovery-focused housing support services for individuals whose competency to stand trial has been raised in court and for whom a need for housing-focused intervention has been identified. The role emphasizes housing stability through peer support, with a focus on improving access to and retention of housing.

Requirements

Washington State Certified Peer Counselor (CPC) or Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) is required.
Washington State Dept of Health (DOH) Registered Agency Affiliated Counselor or Peer Support Specialist license is required.
High School diploma or GED required.
Experience working with individuals with behavioral health, substance use, and criminal justice involvement.
Must have satisfactory background checks as required by state and federal contracts.
Must be able to obtain clearance at Thurston County Jail, Mason County Jail, and Nisqually Jail.
Must have satisfactory Motor Vehicle Report.
Valid Washington State driver's license and proof of insurance or have requested and obtained an appropriate accommodation.
Knowledge and ability to utilize computer systems to include electronic health records system and Microsoft office Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.

Nice To Haves

Two (2) years working as a peer counselor is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide voluntary, non-clinical, person-centered, Housing First, recovery-focused housing support to program participants.
Provide supportive navigation, advocacy, information, and coaching during enrollment or application processes.
Share lived experience regarding housing insecurity and/or criminal justice involvement, overcoming barriers, modeling self-help and wellness activities to empower participants on their recovery journey, when appropriate.
Conducts regular in-reach to local jails, hospitals, crisis facilities, court systems, and additional agencies to locate and/or (re)engage FHARPS participants.
Complete intake paperwork and services in jails, in-patient psychiatric facilities, SUD treatment facilities, and in the general community to determine housing and service needs.
Coordinates with other Trueblood projects to include Forensic Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (FPATH), Outpatient Competency Restoration Program (OCRP), the Forensic Navigators (FN), Crisis Housing Vouchers (CHV), and others to provide effective case management services and care coordination.
Provide education and/or training to assist participants in acquiring skills that will maintain community stability and independence.
Provides frequent contact with program participants from several times per day to once a week as needed.
Provides case management services to FHARPS enrolled participants to include completing assessment of needs, developing a person-centered goal/service plan, supporting participant with achieving their goal/service plan, and connecting enrolled participants to resources and services focused on access to and retention in Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH).

Benefits

Medical/dental/vision plan options (many with no employee paid monthly premium depending on plan choice, and dependent coverage options)
Life insurance options
Disability insurance options
WA State PERS retirement plans
Pre and post tax deferred compensation retirement options
PTO package earning a minimum of 140 hours annually
12 paid holidays
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
Approved Public Student Loan Forgiveness employer
Fees for required DOH licenses are paid
Annual professional development funds