Peer Support Specialist

City of Walla Walla•Fire Station 2, WA

12d•Hybrid

About The Position

As part of the Walla Walla Fire Department (WWFD) Community Assistance Referral Education Services (CARES) Mobile Integrated Health Program, this position will use their own lived experience with recovery, resilience, or navigating health and social challenges to support and empower individuals in our community. Working alongside healthcare providers, firefighters/EMTs, and community partners, the Peer Support Specialist will provide emotional support, mentorship, and resource navigation to improve outcomes for community members and reduce unnecessary emergency service utilization. This position works alongside emergency medical services (EMS) responders to address residents' needs for care coordination, social service resources, and/or crisis intervention. This position may be requested from community partners and/or accompany emergency medical responders to provide overall clinical assessments and referrals to appropriate community services, and/or connect clients to case management services. Individuals may be required to wear a uniform in this role.

Requirements

High School diploma or GED
Personal lived experience in recovery from behavioral health challenges, substance use, or other relevant life experiences.
Strong ability to engage empathetically and build trust with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Effective communication, listening, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries
Experience in the direct treatment of individuals who are acutely and severely mentally ill, those with substance use disorders, and those with comorbidities.
Possession of a valid driver's license.
Certification as a Peer Support Specialist in Washington State or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience working in healthcare, social service, or peer support role.
Familiarity with local community resources and support systems.
Bilingual in Spanish.

Responsibilities

Build trusting, supportive relationships with program participants based on shared lived experience and recovery principles.
Provide peer mentoring, encouragement, and advocacy to individuals navigating behavioral health, substance use, or other life challenges.
Collaborate with the MIH Program Team to identify participant needs and assist in developing individualized support plans.
Help connect individuals and families to community resources, healthcare providers, and social service agencies.
Support participants in developing self-advocacy, coping strategies, and wellness plans.
Participate in case reviews, team meetings, and community outreach efforts.
Document participant interactions, progress, and referrals in accordance with program guidelines and confidentiality requirements.
Model professional boundaries, ethical behavior, and recovery-oriented practices.
Assist with program development and evaluation to strengthen the MIH team’s overall impact.
Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, and establishing personal networks.
May assist in preparing documentation for insurance companies as needed.
Conduct and participate in outreach programs.
Initiate handoffs of patients to appropriate community resources and ensure follow-through on service connection.
Provide current documentation of all contacts and interactions with the appropriate electronic record system.
Serve as a liaison with other City departments, divisions, outside agencies, and the community to assist with a focus on addressing individual dependency on emergency services and innovations.
Consult with Case Managers, Supervisors, and other agency professionals regarding patients with complicated issues.
Facilitate the transport and/or transport person(s) in need of assistance to appropriate facilities.
Thoroughly prepare documentation to complete electronic Patient Care Reports (EPCR) that satisfy departmental requirements for medical accuracy, billing information, and legal aspects related to care delivered.
Demonstrate punctual, regular, and reliable attendance which is essential for successful job performance.
Present a positive, professional image; maintain cooperative and effective working relationships; assure excellent customer service with internal and external customers.
Execute assignments, projects, and job responsibilities efficiently and within defined timeframes; work independently and effectively with little direction.
Demonstrate good judgment and employ critical thinking to execute duties, identify issues, seek solutions, and recommend improvements in support of departmental goals.
Provide assistance to staff and higher-level management; participate in resolving operational or interpersonal concerns; participate in training, meetings, and on committees as assigned.
Respect the value of diversity in the workplace and the community.
Perform other duties as assigned.