Peer Support Specialist

COWLITZ INDIAN TRIBE•Longview, WA

1d•$30 - $34•Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Support Specialist provides support to peers participating in outpatient behavioral health treatment, serving as an advocate and drawing on lived experience to inspire hope and support recovery. The specialist is part of a fully integrated behavioral health team and serves as a role model in recovery and self-management. The role requires adherence to HIPAA and confidentiality requirements and honoring the mission, vision, and values of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and its Health and Human Services department. The position is full-time and hourly in Longview, Washington. The schedule is Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The hourly wage range is $29.90–$34.35. The position reports to the Clinical Supervisor.

Requirements

Active Washington State Health Care Authority Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) certification; trainees are not being hired.
Self-identify as a person with lived experience with mental health or substance use services.
One year of recovery coaching experience.
Be at least 18 years of age.
Obtain and maintain an Agency Affiliated Counselor credential through the Washington State Department of Health.
Have a valid driver’s license when driving vehicles for work-related purposes.
Provide proof of car insurance and have access to a reliable vehicle.
Successfully pass the required background screening and investigation, including a pre-employment drug screen, reference checks, education and employment verification, and federal, state, and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks with fingerprint verification.
Meet the stated criminal-history eligibility requirements concerning specified offenses.
Adhere to the Cowlitz Indian Tribe’s established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment.
Demonstrate knowledge of traditional forms of government and tribal customs and traditions; patient needs assessment and care planning; patient outreach; and general clinical counseling principles, behavioral health programs, and methodology.
Demonstrate skill in documentation specific to Peer Support Specialists.
Use ethical decision-making and maintain awareness of personal and others’ safety in all work settings.
Develop and provide presentations related to peer support, behavioral health, or recovery services.
Evaluate client progress and modify service plans when needed.
Communicate effectively verbally and in writing; interact with courtesy and respect; and build rapport with clients and their families.
Use training and experience to identify potentially unsafe situations and support de-escalation.
Establish and maintain professional relationships and contribute to an inclusive environment.
Track and contribute data for program and grant reporting.
Handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines, while adapting and remaining flexible in a dynamic environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience working within American Indian and/or Alaska Native communities is preferred.

Responsibilities

Help clients identify and articulate recovery goals through individual consultations and group treatment sessions.
Work with clients to develop individualized wellness and recovery plans using their skills, strengths, supports, and available resources.
Connect clients with internal and external resources and advocate for access to services that support treatment goals.
Help clients locate, join, and sustain participation in mutual support groups.
Teach problem-solving techniques, coping strategies, and skills for overcoming fears and negative self-talk.
Facilitate recovery sessions and, when appropriate, share personal experiences demonstrating recovery, overcoming obstacles, and navigating barriers.
Support clients’ vocational choices and help them identify and prepare for jobs that match their strengths.
Help clients build social skills and community connections.
Provide transportation to appointments, resources, and meetings as needed to support access to services and recovery resources.
Help clients obtain affordable housing, advocate for useful recovery-based services, and navigate state and government support systems.
Monitor client engagement and caseloads, and complete required documentation for client contacts and treatment and recovery plans promptly.
Prepare current patient progress reports and completion notices for courts, probation departments, DCFS, and referral sources as appropriate.
Maintain professional and technical knowledge through training required for certification or directed by program leadership.
Adapt to changes in safety protocols and procedures.
Collaborate with team members to achieve shared goals.
Assist with data collection and reporting as requested.
Perform other duties as assigned, with training provided.