Peer Support Specialist/Community Health Worker

University of Washington Medical Center•Seattle, WA

2d•$23 - $33

About The Position

Harborview Medical Center’s Mental Health and Addiction Services (HMHAS) has an outstanding opportunity for a Peer Support Specialist. This position models resiliency in overcoming obstacles common to those with mental illness and serves a wide diverse population of clients, all of whom have clear and persistent mental illness. The Peer Support Specialist will help clients reach goals and provide the support needed to accomplish them.

Requirements

High school graduation or equivalent and two years’ experience in a behavioral health organization or consumer/peer run organization; or equivalent education/experience
Peer Counselor Certification (Department of Behavioral Health and Recovery) OR Community Health Worker Certification (Department of Health)
Within 7 days of employment and depending on job requirements: must apply for Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration/License with the State of WA (Dept of Health) and have obtained this credential within 60 days of hire (RCW18.19.210)

Responsibilities

Serve as a recovery role model by demonstrating resilience and, as appropriate, sharing lived experience to support individuals with serious mental illness
Support consumers in identifying and achieving recovery-oriented goals; collaborate with practitioners to coordinate appropriate services and activities
Advocate for consumers by assisting them in expressing goals and interests through appropriate channels
Lead or co-lead peer support, self-help, and educational groups
Collaborate with agency programs as an active member of the consumer’s treatment team
Coordinate Drop-In Center operations, including welcoming consumers, organizing activities, serving refreshments, maintaining a safe and orderly environment, and supervising consumer volunteers/interns; facilitate shower and laundry services for homeless participants
Teach independent living skills, including budgeting, shopping, meal preparation, transportation use, and building natural community supports
Provide outreach services supporting case management, supported housing, and supported employment programs
Attend meetings, provide coverage for other Peer Support Specialists, and complete required documentation, billing, and electronic medical record entries
Maintain records and inventory for prevocational and one-to-one support programs; operate standard office equipment
Observe same-gender urine specimen collection for the Addictions Program and complete required documentation