Peer Support Specialist - PACT Services

The Cowlitz Indian Tribe; Vancouver; On-site; Full time

Job summary

The Cowlitz Indian Tribe is looking for a Peer Support Specialist to provide support in behavioral health services through advocacy and shared experiences. This full-time role is pivotal in facilitating recovery for clients in an outpatient setting, requiring a certified counselor with lived experience.

Qualifications

• Self-identify as a person with lived experience with mental health or substance use services.
• One year of recovery coaching experience.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.

Responsibilities

• Provides support services to peers participating in behavioral health services.
• Advocates for clients’ treatment goals and connects them to necessary resources.
• Monitors engagement and manages caseloads effectively.

Skills

Crisis de-escalation

Advocacy

Problem-solving

Education

Washington State Health Care Authority’s Certified Peer Counselor certification

Agency Affiliated Counselor credential

Job description

Career Opportunities with The Cowlitz Indian Tribe

A great place to work.

Careers at The Cowlitz Indian Tribe

Current job opportunities are posted here as they become available.

POSITION TITLE: Peer Support Specialist – PACT Services
DEPARTMENT: HHS – Behavioral Health
LOCATION: Vancouver, WA
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt; Full-Time
WAGE RANGE: $26.40 - $30.40 per hour

CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled (First Review 7.25.2025)

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered preference in hiring, please upload documentation with your resume and cover letter. Acceptable documentation includes Tribal Enrollment card, a letter from your Tribe stating your enrollment, or BIA 4432 and/or DD214.***

Position Summary:

Provides support services to peers participating in behavioral health services with the Program of Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) by serving as an advocate and drawing on lived experiences to inspire hope and support clients’ recovery in an outpatient setting. Participates as a team member in a fully integrated behavioral health program and serves as a role model in recovery and self-management while providing community-based care. Adheres to HIPAA and confidentiality requirements. Honors and represents the mission, vision, and values of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe (CIT) and the Health and Human Services (HHS) department.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

• Assists clients in identifying, articulating, and creating recovery goals through the use of 1-1 consultations and participation in group treatment sessions; works with clients in developing individualized wellness and recovery plans with the skills, strengths, supports and resources needed according to established policies, procedures and protocols.
• Collaborates with PACT teammates by participating in team meetings and providing input from a peer perspective.
• Connects the client with in-house and external resources that contribute to the realization of the client’s treatment plans and goals.
• Advocates for and assists clients with accessing resources necessary for the realization of their treatment goals.
• Offers crisis support, within scope, and helps clients use coping skills and safety plans.
• Assists clients in locating, joining, and sustaining participation in mutual support groups.
• Teaches problem-solving techniques, coping strategies, and skills for overcoming fears and combating negative self-talk with individuals and groups.
• Facilitates recovery sessions in a community-based setting and shares personal experiences, as appropriate, that demonstrate how they have directed their own recovery, overcome obstacles, and navigated barriers.
• Supports clients’ vocational choices and assists with identifying and preparing for jobs that match their strengths.
• Works with clients to build social skills and connections within the community.
• Accompanies clients to appointments, community resources, and meetings as needed, ensuring access to services, community support, and recovery resources when peer support is indicated.
• Helps clients to obtain affordable housing and advocate for any effective recovery-based services that will be useful in daily living; assists client in navigating state and government support systems.
• Effectively monitors engagement and manages caseloads; completes required documentation in a timely manner, for all client contacts and the treatment/recovery plans, according to established policies and procedures.
• Prepares current patient progress reports and completion notices and provides them to the courts, probation departments, DCFS, and referral sources as appropriate.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by participating in training as required for certification or directed by program leadership.
• Adapts to changes in safety protocols and procedures.
• Works collaboratively in a team environment to achieve shared goals. Assists with data collection and reporting as requested.
• Flexibility to respond to urgent care needs, including rotating on-call or weekend coverage.
• Performs other duties as assigned with training provided.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of traditional form of government and tribal customs and traditions.
• Knowledge of PACT model and its team-based wraparound service approach.
• Knowledge of recovery principles, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction strategies.
• Knowledge of patient needs assessment and plan of care procedures.
• Knowledge of patient outreach services and activities. Knowledge and general understanding of clinical counseling principles, behavioral health programs and methodology.
• Skill in completing documentation in the electronic healthcare system specific to the role of Peer Support Specialists.
• Skill in setting boundaries while maintaining supportive peer relationships.
• Skills in crisis de-escalation within the scope of peer support.
• Ability to utilize ethical decision-making and be conscious of safety of self and others in all work settings.
• Ability to develop and provide presentations related to peer support services and/or behavioral health and recovery services.
• Ability to evaluate client progress and modify plan for services when needed.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to approach all interactions with courtesy and respect.
• Ability to build rapport quickly and effectively with clients and their families.
• Ability to integrate training and experience to identify potentially unsafe situations and support de-escalation.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships and contribute to the creation of an inclusive environment.
• Ability to track and contribute data for program and grant reporting purposes.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to be adaptive and being flexible in a dynamic environment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Self-identify as a person with lived experience with mental health or substance use services.
• One year of recovery coaching experience.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Hold the Washington State Health Care Authority’s Certified Peer Counselor certification.
• Obtain and maintain an Agency Affiliated Counselor credential through the Washington State Department of Health.
• Experience working within American Indian and/or Alaska Native communities preferred.
• A valid driver’s license is required when driving vehicles for work-related purposes.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background screening/investigation according to the established requirements below.

Tribal preference in accordance with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions. All positions are required to adhere to CIT’s established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Reference checks, education, and employment verification.
• Federal, state, and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks, including fingerprint verification.
• Has not been found guilty of, charged with, received a deferred sentence, received a conditional discharge of, or entered a plea of not contest to, or entered a plea of guilty to any one felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence, sexual assault, molestation, exploitation or sexual contact; prostitution; or crimes committed against person(s) or children.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and communicate effectively. The employee occasionally is required to move throughout the facility; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to lift to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and clarity of vision at long distance.

Work is performed in a variety of settings including office/clinical, in community, and in-home with a moderate noise level. Employees may be exposed to bodily fluids, blood-borne pathogens, and infectious diseases. Situations occur where PPE (personal protective equipment) is needed. Evening and/or weekend work may be required in addition to a possible rotation of on-call duties. Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common.