Peer Support Specialist/Counselor

Lutheran Community Services Northwest • Seattle, WA

36d

About The Position

The WISe Peer Support Specialist will maintain the integrity of the WISe/wraparound process. Peer counselors have lived experience in systems that service children, youth and families. A Peer counselor ideally inspires hope and the vision that recovery and resiliency is possible. A peer counselor can be a peer of an individual with behavioral health challenges, or a peer of a parent or guardian who is raising or has raised a child with behavioral health challenges. The ideal candidate will display a compassionate nature, have the ability to demonstrate and implement creative thought processes, and provide exceptional service. Communication, confidentiality and professionalism are essential parts of this position. The ability to work flexible hours including evenings and managing your work time effectively within 37.5-hour work weeks is essential.

Requirements

• Be in mental health/behavioral health recovery for at least one year
• Ability to participate in effective team meetings and group discussions
• Ability to read, write and speak fluently in English are required.
• Proficient in the use of personal computer and corresponding programs; preferred experience with Microsoft Office, Gmail and Google Calendar or similar web-based and computer programs.
• Dependable, flexible, punctual, strong work ethic and service-oriented
• Respect and work cooperatively with a variety of persons, including coworkers, community partners (social service agencies), the public, volunteers and parents of the children
• Must have a current driver license, car insurance, and consistent access to a reliable vehicle
• Clearance through the Washington State Patrol (background check) and verification of ability to work around vulnerable populations is required
• Clearance of Motor Vehicle Report to meet LCSNW insurance requirements
• Must not be prohibited from entering school grounds or classrooms for any reason.
• High School Diploma or GED
• Identify as a consumer of mental health service. Consumer Means:
• Someone who has received mental health services.
• Parent/guardian of a child under the age of 13, or a child age 13 and older who are involved, or were involved, in the treatment plan in child's mental health services.
• Submit Washington State Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration Application (Within 30 days)
• CPR/First Aid (within 90 days of start date)
• Washington State CANS certification (within 90 days of start date)
• Obtain Certified Peer Counselor certification

Nice To Haves

• Ability to speak one of the following languages is beneficial, given the populations LCSNW serves: Spanish, Amharic, Somali, Arabic, Dari, Farsi, Pashto, Russian, Ukrainian. Candidates with demonstrated language competency are eligible for language-based pay increase.

Responsibilities

• Provide peer support on a one-to-one basis, in peer support groups, in the community such as the peer's home, meetings, court rooms, hospitals, schools, etc. for up to 25 youth.
• Help promote a culture that sees youth/family participation as valuable and integral to achieving youth-identified goals
• Maintain timely case notes and records set by the agency's documentation standards
• Collaborate with other members of the WISe team (clinician, care coordinator) to identify how each WISe team member is addressing ongoing youth/family needs identified on cross-system care plan
• Attend monthly child and family team (CFT) planning meetings that address youth and family goals with other professional supports, natural supports, and community partners
• Ensure youth/families are present when decisions about them are made and encourage them to take an active role in their care planning
• Provide parent, guardian, and/or youth with resources to community programs
• Provide assistance to the care coordinator in support of coordination for the youth and families
• Participate in required weekly individual supervision, case consultation, and staff meetings to explore approaches for engaging with youth and families, process themes of transference/countertransference as they occur, and identify support needed for professional growth in field
• Demonstrate respect for and build on the values, preferences, beliefs, culture, and identity, of the child/youth and family, and their community
• Travel throughout countywide service area with mileage reimbursement allocated monthly
• Other duties as assigned by the Program manager, supervisor or director.

Benefits

• We offer a full benefits package with options for medical, dental, prescription and vision coverage
• employer-paid short and long-term disability, as well as life insurance
• Vacation includes up to 2 weeks in the first year
• Up to 2 weeks of Sick leave for you or to take care of your immediate family (based on hours worked)
• 12 Paid Holidays plus 2 Floating Holidays each year
• A 403(b) Retirement plan, with employer matching after meeting eligibility requirements
• Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is designed to help and support you
• Staff potentially eligible for Student Loan Forgiveness program as a 501(c) 3 employer.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Social Assistance
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees