Peer Counselor - PACT North - 32 hours

Compass Health; Mount Vernon (WA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid vacation and holidays

403(b) retirement plan with employer 


Professional development funds

Education leave opportunities

Mission-driven team environment

Job summary

Compass Health is the region’s largest private, non-profit organization providing mental health and chemical dependency services across multiple Western Washington counties. The Peer Counselor supports recovery, mentors clients, and helps access services in community and office settings.

The role emphasizes lived experience, collaboration with the treatment team, and documentation per regulatory standards. A WA Peer Counselor credential and a valid driver’s license are required.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Current WA State Peer Counselor Credentials required.
• Lived experience with a behavioral health diagnosis required.
• Experience as a Peer Counselor preferred.
• Agency Affiliated Counselor application required if not licensed (DOH).
• Valid WA State Driver’s License and insurance required.

Responsibilities

• Provide peer support to validate client experiences and encourage active participation in recovery.
• Serve as a mentor to promote hope, empowerment, and self-advocacy.
• Assist clients in accessing community resources, including mental health and substance use services.
• Support clients’ family members and natural supports.
• Engage in active listening and therapeutic communication.
• Collaborate with treatment team members to support client goals and care planning.
• Advocate for clients as appropriate.
• Document all services in accordance with agency and regulatory standards.
• Utilize teachable moments to support development of coping and life skills.
• Participate in supervision, team meetings, and required trainings.
• Maintain HIPAA compliance and professional/ethical standards.
• Provide both in-office and community-based outreach services to PACT clients.
• Facilitate recovery-oriented groups in office and community settings.

Skills

Recovery principles

Community resources

Professional boundaries

Communication

Multitasking

EHR systems

Background check

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

WA Peer Counselor credentials

Lived behavioral health experience

Peer Counselor experience preferred

DOH application (if not licensed)

WA driver’s license and insurance

Job description

Introduction

Compass Health is the region’s largest private, non-profit organization providing mental health and chemical dependency services in Island, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties of Western Washington. We provide quality creative services to children, families, and adults in a variety of outpatient, residential and inpatient settings.

Overview

ThePeer Counselorprovides recovery-oriented peer support services to individuals receiving care through the Program of Assertive Community Treatment (PACT). This role supports clients in achieving stability, independence, and meaningful community integration through lived experience, mentorship, and skill-building.

Services include support with stabilization, recovery, self-advocacy, and development of natural supports and daily living skills.

What We Offer

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match
• Professional development funds
• Education leave opportunities
• Supportive, mission-driven team environment

Responsibilities

• Provide peer support to validate client experiences and encourage active participation in recovery.
• Serve as a mentor to promote hope, empowerment, and self-advocacy.
• Assist clients in accessing community resources, including mental health and substance use services.
• Support clients’ family members and natural supports.
• Engage in active listening and therapeutic communication.
• Collaborate with treatment team members to support client goals and care planning.
• Advocate for clients as appropriate.
• Document all services in accordance with agency and regulatory standards.
• Utilize teachable moments to support development of coping and life skills.
• Participate in supervision, team meetings, and required trainings.
• Maintain HIPAA compliance and professional/ethical standards.

Program-Specific Responsibilities

• Provide both in-office and community-based outreach services to PACT clients.
• Facilitate recovery-oriented groups in office and community settings.

Requirements

Education / Experience / Certifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Current WA State Peer Counselor Credentials Required.
• Lived experience with a behavioral health diagnosis required.
• Experience as a Peer Counselor preferred.
• Agency Affiliated Counselor application required if not already licensed (DOH).
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License and insurance.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Knowledge of recovery principles and behavioral health conditions.
• Understanding of community resources and support systems.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and collaborate with clinical teams.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multitask and stay organized in a fast-paced environment.
• General computer proficiency (EHR systems).
• Ability to pass pre-employment background check (including DSHS if applicable).

About Compass Health

Compass Health is Northwest Washington’s behavioral healthcare leader. For over 110 years, we’ve provided compassionate and innovative care to individuals and families across Snohomish, Skagit, Island, San Juan, and Whatcom counties.

Learn more: www.compasshealth.org

Physical Demands / Work Environment

This position operates in both a clinical office environment and community-based settings, including client homes, hospitals, and other locations.

The role requires occasional lifting (up to 20 pounds) and regular sitting, standing, walking, and close vision tasks. The work environment is typically moderate in noise level.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.