Peer Counselor

Lifeline Connections; Washington; On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Lifeline Connections is a community-based behavioral health organization serving individuals with substance use and mental health conditions in Washington. The OCRP Peer Support Specialist will provide peer support and clinical services under supervision, helping participants engage in recovery and navigate barriers to care.

The role emphasizes collaboration with the OCRP team, advocacy for participant rights, and connecting clients to self-help resources while maintaining confidentiality and a

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Certified Peer Support Specialist credential (WAC 246-341) required.
• Recovery experience 2+ years or a family member of someone with mental health/substance use conditions.
• Familiarity with WA regs for MH/SUD services (RCW 71.05 / WAC 246-341).
• Valid driver license and car insurance required.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work well with others.

Responsibilities

• Provide peer support and clinical services to participants in the OCRP program.
• Validate participant experiences and encourage active participation in recovery.
• Help identify strengths, set goals, and overcome barriers to engagement (transportation, time management, basic needs).
• Encourage self-advocacy to communicate needs.
• Provide peer support perspectives on treatment experiences and recovery.
• Collaborate with the treatment team to honor diverse participant perspectives.
• Help participants recognize and reduce stigma and discrimination.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Teamwork

Attendance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Certified Peer Support Specialist (WAC 246-341)

Job description

Job Description

Lifeline Connections is a community-based behavioral health organization that specializes in providing confidential and compassionate care to individuals who experience substance use and/or mental health conditions.

Our Vision - As the premier provider of substance use and mental health services in the Pacific Northwest, we are respected and the most trusted resource for behavioral health treatment and whole-person care. We provide a comprehensive continuum of coordinated quality services, foster enduring relationships, and empower our communities to truly thrive.

Our Mission - Through superior customer service, high quality programs, and well-trained and dedicated staff, we inspire hope and support lifesaving changes for people affected by substance use and mental health conditions.

POSITON TITLE: OCRP Peer Support Specialist Non-Exempt Position

RESPONSIBLE TO: OCRP Program Supervisor

MAJOR DUTIES: The OCRP Peer Support Specialist works under the supervision of the OCRP Program Supervisor. This position provides peer support and clinical services to participants in the OCRP program.

In fulfilling these duties, the incumbent performs the following duties independently:

1. 1.Provide peer support, drawing on common experiences as a peer, to validate participant’s experiences;
2. 2.Provide guidance and encouragement to participants to actively participate in their own recovery;
3. 3.Work with participants to identify strengths, set goals, and address barriers to engagement (transportation barriers, time management, meeting basic needs) through motivational interviewing;
4. 4.Work with participants to encourage self-advocacy to communicate needs;
5. 5.Provide consultation from a peer support perspective concerning participant’s experiences, responses to and opinions of treatment and experiences of recovery;
6. 6.Collaborate as an active team member to promote a team culture in which each participant’s point of view, experiences, and preferences are recognized, understood, and respected;
7. 7.Help participants identify, understand, and combat stigma and discrimination associated with mental health and co-occurring substance use disorders and develop strategies to reduce self-stigma;
8. 8.Advocate for the protection of participant’s rights in order to help improve their knowledge of their rights and the grievance procedures;
9. 9.Support participants in filing, mediating, and resolving grievances or complaints;
10. 10.Increase awareness of and support participation in self-help programs and consumer advocacy organizations that promote recovery;
11. 11.Serve as a liaison between the team and consumer-run programs such as self-help groups and drop-in centers.
12. 12.Other duties as assigned

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

1. High school diploma or equivalent required
2. Possess certification as a Certified Peer Support Specialist consistent with WAC 246-341, and disclose self to be a consumer of behavioral health services;
3. In successful recovery for 2 or more years and/or a family member of an individual with mental health and substance use conditions;
4. Familiarity with Washington State regulations related to the provision of mental health services (RCW 71.05) and substance use services (WAC 246-341);
5. Current unencumbered driver license and proof of current car insurance required;
6. Good verbal and written communication skills;
7. Great attendance; and
8. Ability to work well with others.

GUIDELINES

This position requires that the incumbent obtain and maintain Washington State credentials through the Department of Health.

COMPLEXITY

The incumbent provides community based peer support services to participants who differ widely in age and socioeconomic status and who may possess a variety of chronic and serious social, behavioral and psychological barriers. Strong interpersonal, sound judgment and creativity are required to help implement and deliver treatment services that meet the complex needs of the participants.

PERSONAL CONTACTS

Contacts are with the members of the treatment team, participants, significant others of the participants, representatives of various community agencies specializing in the treatment of substance use and mental health conditions, and related community representatives including hospital personnel, lawyers, probation officers, and other court officials. All personal contacts are carried out in accordance with federal and state laws dealing with the confidentiality of client records.