Per Diem Crisis Peer Support Specialist

Kitsap Mental Health Services; Bremerton (WA); On-site; USD 27,648 - 33,861; Part time

Job summary

A community mental health organization in Bremerton, WA, is seeking a Certified Peer Counselor for the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team. This role focuses on providing peer support and crisis intervention using lived experiences to assist individuals in need. Qualified candidates should have a high school diploma, relevant experience in behavioral health settings, and a valid driver's license. The position offers a pay range of $20.07 - $24.58 per hour based on experience.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience working with behavioral health/substance use populations.
• Experience in crisis or inpatient settings.
• Current valid driver's license in Washington state.

Responsibilities

• Provide support and guidance to peers.
• Assist peers in recovery and encourage independence.
• Coordinate with social services as needed.
• Document interventions clearly and concisely.

Skills

Excellent interpersonal skills

Verbal communication

Computer skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Standard office equipment

Job description

Per Diem Certified Peer Counselor
Mobile Crisis Outreach Team

Hiring Range: $20.07 - $24.58 per hour

General Summary of Duties

The Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT) Certified Peer Counselor (CPC) has lived experience as a recipient of behavioral health and/or substance use treatment and is willing to share their personal and practical experience, knowledge, and first‑hand insight to support a peer in crisis, as well as support the team, families, and other community partners, as needed. MCOT promotes prompt and focused expert response to those in crisis in a compassionate and efficient manner, while keeping within State and Salish BHA SO mandated crisis services. MCOT provides rapid mobile crisis resolutions with emphasis on the goal of stabilizing the crisis in the least restrictive appropriate manner, as well as facilitating access to behavioral health and substance use services. The CPC improves the operations of KMHS in support of its stated mission and provides the highest level of customer service to internal and external customers. As a Per Diem CPC, a commitment of two shifts a month is required to maintain employment.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Major Responsibilities/Tasks

• Draw on common experiences as a peer to validate identified peer's experiences and to provide guidance and encouragement for peers to take responsibility for, and participate in, their recovery.
• Promote hope and empowerment designed to help identified peers attain recovery goals and maintain the highest possible independence level, even during periods of instability.
• Share experiences related to behavioral health / substance use treatment and provide supportive hope inspired recovery‑oriented communications in support of the peer and family.
• Provide information and referral to housing options as needed to promote and encourage supportive housing options as an alternative to living unhoused.
• Provide referrals to job training and vocational rehabilitation when the circumstances allow.
• Provide information and referrals for reliable transportation to access primary care medical appointments, dental care, and other medical specialists as required.
• Provide coaching and encouragement to help identified peers socialize and assist identified peers to plan and carry out leisure time activities.
• Coordinate with social services personnel to provide services as indicated by treatment team.
• Support other members of the MCOT in arranging for appropriate less restrictive alternative placements.
• Provide consultation to MCOT from the identified peers’ perspective in areas such as symptoms, desired outcome/side effects of medications, identified peers’ perspective of treatment, and recovery experiences.
• Help peers and staff to identify, understand, and combat stigma and discrimination when discussing behavioral health and substance use disorders/treatment.
• Assist identified peers in locating self‑help and consumer advocacy groups that promote recovery while acting as the liaison between the team and such groups.
• Collaborate with staff and persons aware of the peer’s rights, including grievance and complaint procedures; support peers with filing, mediating, and resolving complaints.
• Assist in providing ongoing support and direct services to peers, responding to challenges that may impact their ability to manage their behavioral health or substance use symptoms.
• Provide practical help and supports to help peers gain access to health care services and other necessary services such as legal services, housing subsidies, and funding alternatives.
• Responsible for arriving to the office in a timely manner to ensure effective pass down of crisis and follow‑up calls, as well as, provide pass down at the end of shift to oncoming shift.
• Documentation is to be legible, concise and organized with clear description of the facts of the intervention and the rationale for decisions/dispositions.
• Participate as a contributing member of the MCOT by attending monthly clinical and administrative meetings and following the agency’s policies and procedures.
• Participate as a contributing member of KMHS, identifying areas of operation that could enhance our efficiency and effectiveness within and beyond the MCOT.
• In addition to the above, any other responsibilities appropriate to the position and not specifically listed in the job description.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION: High School Diploma or GED

EXPERIENCE: Two years of experience working with behavioral health / substance use populations and experience working in crisis or inpatient settings

DRIVER’S LICENSE: This position requires driving in a personal and/or agency vehicle on behalf of the agency; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in the state of Washington, and have reliable, insured transportation.

LICENSURE: Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration. Completion of the Washington State Mental Health Division’s Peer Counselor Training and the subsequent certification as a Certified Peer Counselor within six months of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

Certified Peer Counselor that has previous experience working with behavioral health / substance use populations within crisis settings.

Performance Requirements

Knowledge

• Maintain a working knowledge of current trends in community behavioral health, including health care reform and automation of job tasks using computer technology.
• Maintain a working knowledge of behavioral health rehabilitation standards.
• Have an understanding of ITA Law and HIPAA/CFR42, with the ability to maintain confidentiality while working as part of MCOT.

Skills

• Excellent interpersonal and verbal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, peers, organizations, and the community.
• Communication – Communicates clearly and concisely.
• Computer skills – the ability to operate a personal computer, fax machine, printer, and copier proficiently.
• Ability to maintain accurate documentation and electronic health records.

Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries while balancing conflicting demands of being both a peer to individuals in crisis and an employee of the agency. Seek appropriate supervision where necessary.
• Demonstrated ability to meet or exceed productivity standards.
• Able to assist in building positive working relationships with staff of all agency departments.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively as a team member.

Equipment Operated

Standard office equipment including computers, fax machines, copiers, printers, telephones, etc.

Work Environment

Frequent mobility and/or sitting required for extended periods. This position is performed in office and out in the community. It is highly mobile.

Mental/Physical Requirements

This position is performed in office and out in the community. While performing the job duties, the employee is required to walk, sit, use hands and fingers, reach with arms, talk and listen. This position is highly mobile and requires the ability to react quickly and perceive environmental stimuli accurately.

Our recruitment processes are designed to prevent discrimination against our people regardless of gender identity or orientation, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, disability status, citizenship, or any aspect which makes someone unique.