Peer Counselor - Housing Support Services

Catholic Charities Serving Central Washington; Wenatchee (WA); On-site; USD 28,929 - 37,195; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

12 days of vacation per year

403(b) retirement plan

Education assistance program

Job summary

Catholic Charities Serving Central Washington in Wenatchee is seeking a full-time Housing Support Services Case Manager/Certified Peer Specialist. This role involves providing compassionate support to individuals facing homelessness and assisting them with case management, outreach services, and access to community resources.

The ideal candidate must have a high school diploma or GED and lived experience related to mental health or substance use treatment. The position offers benefits like health insurance, paid holidays, and a retirement plan with employer contributions.

Qualifications

• Self-identify as having lived experience as a recipient of mental health or substance use treatment.
• Ability to drive with adequate vision and skill.

Responsibilities

• Provide case management and peer support based on self‑identified goals.
• Assist participants with connection to shelters and permanent housing.
• Assist with applying for benefits like medical insurance and cash assistance.
• Provide follow‑up and care to self-referred participants.

Skills

Knowledge of community mental health systems

Excellent client communication skills

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Data entry and computer skills

Education

GED or high school diploma

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

Job Details

Location: Wenatchee, WA 98801

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: High School or GED

Salary Range: $21.00 - $27.00 hourly

Travel Percentage: Up to 50%

Shift: Day

The Housing Support Services Case Manager/Certified Peer Specialist provides compassionate, client‑centered support to individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless, many of whom are living with substance use disorders, serious mental health conditions, or co‑occurring disorders. This role delivers peer support, case management, and street outreach services, engaging clients through outreach efforts, walk‑ins, and referrals while building trust and assessing needs. The specialist connects individuals to housing, employment, education, healthcare, and behavioral health resources, while also supporting the development of daily living skills, understanding of tenant rights and responsibilities, and resolution of challenges in housing or workplace settings. This position collaborates with landlords, employers, and community partners, including local shelters, and is responsible for maintaining accurate and timely documentation of all client interactions in electronic systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide case management and peer support based on self‑identified goals.
• Assist participants with connection to shelters, transitional living arrangements, and/or permanent housing.
• Assist with applying for and attaining benefits such as cash assistance, medical insurance, SSI/SSDI, SNAP, and other entitlements.
• Assist participants with connection to employment and education opportunities.
• Assist with transportation to longer‑term support appointments (primary care, mental health treatment, SUD treatment, and other agency/program services).
• Coordinate with other providers, including SUD, mental health, and housing services.
• Establish and maintain working relationships with community agencies to coordinate care.
• Attend weekly individual supervision with Housing Support Services Program Manager and monthly group supervision with agency mental health professional.
• Attend team and community meetings focused on identifying participant needs and coordination.
• Provide outreach and engagement to homeless individuals, offering support with connections to substance use disorder support, mental health treatment, primary care, housing, shelter, employment, education, and other benefits.
• Provide follow‑up and care to participants who self‑refer or are referred to HSSP programs from internal or external community providers.
• Attend and complete trainings identified by agency and Housing Support Services programs.
• Document services in electronic medical record and data software.
• Conduct landlord outreach to build positive landlord/tenant relationships.
• Participate in peer audits every 90 days.
• Assist with processing rental subsidies when funding is available.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Physical Requirements: Standing, walking, bending, lifting, low physical exertion, talking and hearing on a regular basis up to 80% of the time. Ability to drive with adequate vision and skill.

Education: GED or high school diploma required; bachelor’s degree preferred.

Experience: Self-identify as having lived experience as a recipient of mental health or substance use treatment services.

Special Skills:

• Knowledge of community mental health systems and requirements.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Excellent client and consumer communication skills.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage high detail administrative tasks.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required.
• Data entry and computer skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Flexibility in scheduled work hours to accommodate evening hours as needed.
• Utilization of Google Calendar.
• Using a working cell phone.

Licensure, Registration, Certification:

• Valid Washington State driver’s license and required minimum liability insurance for WA State.
• Must be deemed insurable as determined by Catholic Charities’ liability insurance provider.
• Agency affiliated counselor registration.
• Peer certification training or certificate required within 6 months of hire.

Employment is conditional upon: Clearance by criminal background check and fingerprinting when required.

Benefits

• 13 paid holidays.
• 12 days of vacation per year.
• 12 days of sick leave per year.
• Health insurance including medical and prescription coverage; optional dental and vision insurance plans with majority premiums paid by Catholic Charities.
• 403(b) retirement plan: employee contributions commence upon employment; Catholic Charities contributes 2% of monthly income and matches up to 4% of employee contributions after 6 months.
• Basic life insurance paid 100% by Catholic Charities.
• Flexible Spending Account eligibility after 6 months.
• Education assistance program: up to $5,250 per year for approved continuing education after 6 months.
• Additional voluntary insurances (supplemental life, accidental death & dismemberment, critical illness, long‑term disability, accident, ID theft).
• Employee assistance program: 3 counseling sessions per year, legal consultations, financial coaching, and other wellness tools.
• Annual longevity awards begin at 5 years of employment.

EEO Statement

Catholic Charities practices equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, citizenship status, marital status, creed, genetic predisposition, gender expression, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Applicants from underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations are offered to individuals with disabilities to support participation in the hiring process and employment.