Certified Peer Counselor/Community Health Worker

University of Washington; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Washington in Seattle seeks a Certified Peer Counselor/Community Health Worker to join the Street Medicine Team within the Pioneer Square Downtown Programs. The position is 80% FTE (32 hours per week) with Friday–Sunday shifts and a Monday shift, focusing on direct care for unhoused individuals and multidisciplinary collaboration.

The role emphasizes outreach, engagement, and care coordination to reduce health disparities among Seattle's unhoused population, leveraging lived

Qualifications

• Two years’ experience in a behavioral health organization or consumer/peer run organization, or equivalent education/experience.
• Peer Counselor Certification or Community Health Worker Certification required.
• Credential must be applied for within 7 days and obtained within 60 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Conduct outreach, engagement, and direct care for unhoused individuals in various environments.
• Serve as a role model by sharing lived experience and demonstrating recovery and resiliency.
• Assist clients in identifying goals and linking to community-based services and supports.
• Provide case management assistance including help with benefits and transportation needs.
• Maintain clinic records and document client contact in the electronic medical record.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Peer Counselor Certification (DHB)

Community Health Worker Certification (DOH)

Job description

Job Description

Street Medicine Team within the Pioneer Square Downtown Programs

• 80%FTE, 32 hours per week
• Friday – Sunday 9 hours, Monday 5 hours

Job Description

Harborview Medical Center has an outstanding opportunity for a Certified Peer Counselor/Community Health Worker to join our new Street Medicine Team within the Pioneer Square Downtown Programs

WORK SCHEDULE

• 80%FTE, 32 hours per week
• Friday – Sunday 9 hours, Monday 5 hours

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS

• Opportunity to work with an underserved, disenfranchised homeless population, reduce health disparities, and improve health outcomes
• Join a multi-disciplinary team (MD, ARNP, RN, Mental Health Practitioner, Program Coordinator) to deliver integrated, patient-centered care to our most vulnerable and underserved neighbors

Department Description

The Pioneer Square Downtown Programs focus on providing care for Harborview’s mission population to address health equity issues by increasing access to care in our unique primary care settings, homeless shelters, housing programs or community setting for people experiencing homelessness or are vulnerably housed. This is a unique opportunity to be a part of a collaborative approach in client-centered care provision. This multi-disciplinary team will provide outreach, engagement, and direct care aimed towards our unhoused population within the Seattle area including but not limited to encampments, tent cities, streets, under bridges, shelters, etc. We will also receive and respond to referrals from Harborview Medical Center’s Emergency Department, inpatient units, and Medical Respite program to support transitions of care for our unhoused population.

Primary Job Responsibilities

• Conduct outreach, engagement, and direct care for unhoused individuals in various environments, such as those living in their cars, encampments, tent cities, streets, under bridges, and in the woods
• Serve as a role model demonstrating resiliency in overcoming obstacles common to those who are living unhoused and with mental illness and/or substance use, and be willing to share personal lived experience as appropriate
• Serve as a role model and utilize lived experience of recovery from homelessness, mental illness and/or addiction, plus skills learned in formal training, to assist clients with identifying goals that promote recovery and resiliency
• Share personal recovery stories to help clients create their individual recovery plans
• Participate as a member of a multi-disciplinary team to serve people experiencing homelessness, including those with substance use disorders, mental illnesses, and complex physical health conditions
• Assist patients in identifying and linking to community-based services and supports
• Provide assistance with a variety of tasks such as applying for and securing financial benefits, support with transportation needs, and other case management tasks
• Maintain clinic records and charts client contact in the electronic medical record

Requirements

High school graduation or equivalent and two years’ experience in a behavioral health organization or consumer/peer run organization; or equivalent education/experience AND Peer Counselor Certification (Department of Behavioral Health and Recovery) OR Community Health Worker Certification (Department of Health) AND 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)

About Harborview Medical Center

As the region's only Level I Trauma and verified burn center, Harborview Medical Center is a comprehensive healthcare facility owned by King County and operated by UW Medicine. It is dedicated to providing specialized care for a broad spectrum of patients from throughout the Pacific Northwest, including the most vulnerable residents of King County. It provides exemplary patient care in leading-edge centers of emphasis, including emergency medicine, trauma and burn care, neurosciences, ophthalmology, vascular surgery, HIV/AIDS, rehabilitation, mental health and substance abuse care.

Harborview employees are committed to the vital role the institution plays in the immediate community, as well as the entire Northwest region.

Challenge. Collaboration. Compassion.

About Uw Medicine - Where Your Impact Goes Further

UW Medicine is Washington’s only health system that includes a top-rated medical school and an internationally recognized research center. UW Medicine’s mission is to improve the health of the publicby advancing medical knowledge, providing outstanding primary and specialty care to the people of the region, and preparing tomorrow’s physicians, scientists and other health professionals.

All across UW Medicine, our employees collaborate to perform the highest quality work with integrity and compassion and to create a respectful, welcoming environment where every patient, family, student and colleague is valued and honored. Nearly 29,000 healthcare professionals, researchers, and educators work in the UW Medicine family of organizations that includes: Harborview Medical Center, UW Medical Center - Montlake, UW Medical Center - Northwest, Valley Medical Center, UW Medicine Primary Care, UW Physicians, UW School of Medicine, and Airlift Northwest.

Become part of our team. Join our mission to make life healthier for everyone in our community.

Compensation, Benefits And Position Details

Pay Range Minimum

$23.41 hourly

Pay Range Maximum

$33.47 hourly

Benefits

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Other Compensation

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent)

80.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit

SEIU Local 925 Nonsupervisory

About The UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [e-mail].

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.