Peer Support Counselor - Field Response
About The Position
As part of the First Responder & Field Response team, Peer Support Counselors work closely with other trained mental health professionals to support individuals who are experiencing a mental health crisis. Peer Support Counselors travel into the community to provide backup to first responders in the field and to respond to calls that have come through 911 or 988, with the responsibility to provide immediate support to the individual or family experiencing the crisis. Once the crisis is stabilized, Peer Support Counselors follow up with clients to assist with navigating systems of care and make referrals for additional services and support. By sharing their own experiences with behavioral health issues, treatment, and recovery, Peer Support Counselors encourage and support clients in engaging with treatment and taking an active role in their recovery. Peer Support Counselors promote socialization and self-advocacy, assist with developing a natural support system, and work with clients to develop & maintain community living skills. This position requires strong interpersonal skills to quickly build rapport with clients, along with comfort working outside of an office setting. The ability to collaborate with other community members and first responders is essential. We have one full-time position available. All positions will serve all of Yakima County, however, there is an assigned primary service area for each: The schedule for this position will be Wednesday - Saturday 8am-6:30pm; Yakima County Sheriff’s Office/ Lower Valley
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Must be a self-identified consumer of mental health services in stable recovery for at least one year
- Eligible for Peer Counselor certification provided by the Washington State Healthcare Authority: https://www.hca.wa.gov/billers-providers-partners/behavioral-health-recovery/peer-support
- Must be eligible for registration as Agency Affiliated Counselor
- Must have valid driver's license, vehicle liability insurance, and a minimum of two years of driving experience
Responsibilities
- responding in the community with other crisis staff and first responders to de-escalate and stabilize individuals who are experiencing a crisis
- providing immediate support and resources to individuals who contact 911 or 988 requesting crisis services
- sharing personal experiences of recovery, as appropriate, to build motivation and encourage clients in their treatment
- modeling ways to engage with others to increase social supports, develop meaningful relationships, and access & navigate community resources
- assessing clients for safety and risk to self or others, and taking appropriate crisis intervention measures when indicated
- collaborating with each client to develop and implement individualized treatment plans and self-directed recovery action plans, always advocating for the clients' needs and desires throughout treatment
- assisting clients with attending appointments, applying for social services benefits, finding and maintaining housing, and other activities of daily living
Benefits
- Healthcare coverage for employee and qualified family members
- Generous vacation, paid holiday and sick leave policies
- Access to Employee Assistance Program services
- Agency-funded retirement plan with contributions equal to 5% of compensation
- Additional retirement investment opportunities with a 50% investment match of up to 4% of compensation
- Agency-funded life and disability insurance program
- Tuition reimbursement program to support employees pursuing additional education
- Employer-funded student loan repayment assistance
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
Number of Employees
501-1,000 employees
