People's Place Peer Counselor - North (On-call)

Kalispel Tribe Careers•Cusick, WA

25d•Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Counselor monitors and supports transitional living residents at People’s Place in Usk, Washington, helping maintain a safe and secure environment across various operating hours. The role introduces new residents to the program and facility, encourages residents in recovery, and provides education, training, and support to help them develop skills and tools for a recovery-oriented lifestyle. The Peer Counselor works with People’s Place staff to support compliance with program policies and procedures and to identify resources that help residents move toward independent living. The position includes resident and facility oversight, safety and security rounds, crisis response, shift documentation and transitions, administrative tasks, and support for residents’ pro-social activities. The Peer Counselor must maintain active abstinence from substance abuse, meet certification and ongoing training requirements, maintain overdose-prevention training, and comply with applicable privacy laws and regulations. The role requires flexible hours and may include physical activity such as walking, standing, running to an emergency, searching areas, and lifting.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Peer Counselor certification through the Department of Behavioral Health and Recovery; certification must be completed within 90 days of hire.
At least one year free from alcohol and chemical abuse/addiction.
Maintain active Peer Counselor certification and meet Washington State governing agency guidelines and requirements for Peer Counselors.
Valid driver’s license with a good driving record and eligibility for the Kalispel Tribe’s vehicle insurance.
Ability to pass a Level 3 background check.
Ability to observe behaviors and document them objectively.
CPR certification.
Blood-borne pathogens training.
TB test.
Hepatitis A and B vaccinations.
Ability to train in blood-borne pathogens, CPR, first aid, and other job-related training.
Ability to support goal-setting and set appropriate limits with residents.
Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to deal effectively with conflict.
Ability to work flexible hours.
High degree of dependability.
Respect for confidentiality and adherence to privacy regulations.
Ability to meet the physical requirements of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, including walking, standing, or sitting for long periods; running to an emergency; searching areas that may be difficult to access; regularly lifting up to 50 pounds and occasionally lifting up to 75 pounds with assistance; and stooping, reaching, climbing, kneeling, moving about, and using hands and fingers to feel and grasp.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of experience working with individuals experiencing chemical dependency problems (desired).
Experience working in a similar residential setting (preferred).
Experience working with people and a basic understanding of mental health and chemical dependency issues.
Knowledge of Kalispel Tribe and Pend Oreille County social services and other community resources.

Responsibilities

Maintain coverage of residents at People’s Place during various shifts.
Ensure residents follow program policies and procedures, documenting and reporting infractions.
Assist with resident move-in and move-out processes using checklists and repair or inspection lists.
Inspect the property for cleanliness and participate in safety inspections.
Control and document transactions involving money, subsistence, medications, first aid supplies, mail, visitors, accountability checks, and telephone calls.
Conduct and document scheduled internal and external premises inspections to support resident health, safety, and accountability.
Complete security rounds and report suspicious activity.
Diffuse potential crisis situations and take appropriate action to resolve crises.
Complete a written transitional report for each shift and participate in shift transitions.
Identify resources to assist residents on their journey to independent living.
Address basic maintenance issues and learn the locations and operation of building systems and equipment.
Communicate honestly and respectfully with residents and staff, maintain healthy boundaries, and respond sensitively to cultural differences.
Develop working knowledge of homelessness, oppression, client advocacy, community resources, substance use issues, and human development, and assist clients in these areas.
Complete administrative tasks, maintain and follow up on paperwork, and manage sign-in sheets, phone calls, and emails.
Attend in-service training and communicate regularly with the People’s Place Program Coordinator.
Conduct random urinalysis and breathalyzer tests to help maintain a sober environment.
Maintain Peer Counselor certification and complete ongoing training requirements for certification and third-party billing.
Assist clients in developing pro-social behaviors and facilitate support classes and events according to provided guidelines.
Support residents in pro-social activities, including attending appointments.
Maintain overdose-prevention training and active abstinence from substance abuse.
Comply with applicable tribal, federal, and state privacy laws and regulations, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2.
Perform other duties as assigned.