Title:                        Peer Services Specialist — Care Connect Washington Care Coordination Services

Part/Full Time:        Full Time - Term Limited (to be discussed during interview)

                Sunday 8:30 – 5:00, Monday - Thursday 10:30 – 7:00

Hourly/Salary:         Hourly $20.39 - $22.34 per hour DOE

Reports to:              Program Manager

Supervisory role:     No

 

Candidates identifying with one or more of the following are STRONGLY encouraged to apply.

• Individuals with lived experience in mental health and/or substance abuse

• BIPOC-identified individuals.

• LGBTQIA+ identified individuals.

• Veterans

 

Purpose/Vision/Mission

Peer Washington's purpose is to provide peer emotional support and development services to:

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• Washington state residents impacted by temporary or chronic addiction, mental health, and/or HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases.

• Target disparately impacted communities through site expansion operated as a dba of Peer Washington named for location and guided by a charter identifying the target community served.

• Maintain safe space for members identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender non-conforming, or other sexual minorities at all our locations, regardless of the target community.

• Services shall be open to any person impacted by addiction, mental health, or HIV/AIDS; However, outreach for each site will be directed toward the community identified in the site charter.

• Our work is done in a spirit of safety, trust, inclusiveness, and celebration of individual differences.

 

Peer Washington envisions a community of peers connected by shared experience in compassionate
support of one another.

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General Summary

Peer emotional support is the foundation of the services provided by Peer Spokane.  The ability to discuss struggles and successes related to experiences shared by another individual promotes healing and compliments traditionally accepted professional services in the healthcare system.  The role of the Peer Services Specialist is to work with individuals who are struggling with issues related to mental health, addiction and/or chronic illness. The Peer Services Specialist will be an accountability partner to help members plan, evaluate, and maintain their recovery journey by engaging in a positive supportive relationship. The Peer Services Specialist is also responsible for demonstrating and inspiring hope, trust and a positive outlook and optimizing client connection with a broad range of community-based services and natural supports. 

 

Primary Responsibilities

• Work directly with the Program Manager to establish guidelines, best practices, client tracking, and expectations in the development and application of this position.

• Work with members early in recovery from or struggling with substance use disorder, mental health, chronic illness and/or behavioral health concerns to provide support and referral services.

• Provide intake services and case management for programming contracts.

• Maintain contact with assigned referrals from the BHT Hub Care Coordinator

• Submit data and other reporting in a timely fashion.

• Develop relationships with community partners

• Respond to all phone calls and emails within 1 business day.

• Act as a representative on behalf of Peer Spokane as needed with regards to community collaborations and events as assigned by the Program Manager.  This includes reporting back to the Program Manager with updates and for direction on how to proceed with our involvement.

• Maintain clear communication with staff and volunteers.  This includes keeping the Program Manager updated on weekly schedules and copied on all important communication.

• Attend on-going training programs offered to enhance effectiveness of role.

 

Required Qualifications

• Must identify as someone in recovery from substance use disorder and/or mental health and in remission for a period of at least one year.

• Must be trained and certified as a peer recovery coach through Peer Spokane, CCAR, or equivalent training model, or be willing to complete within 6 months of hire.

• Must be trained or willing to complete CHW training within 6 months of hire

• Must have CPC certification through HCA or obtain within 6 months of hire.

• Must have great organizational, documenting, communication, and program development skills.

• Ability to be an active listener by asking questions and reflecting on what is being said.

• Proficient level of ability with computer software: Microsoft Office Products.

• Ability to work both independently and under supervision.

• Must have a driver’s license and reliable transportation

• Ability to maintain healthy boundaries with peers.

• Ability to manage time effectively.

• Must be Covid-19 vaccinated 

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Established relationships with local community-based organizations.

• Previous experience working as a Certified Peer Counselor (CPC) or Peer Coach

 

Care Connect Washington Care Coordination​

• Provide the care coordination to individuals referred by the BHT Hub Care Coordination.

• Ensure that referred individuals receive that allowable supports and services to safely quarantine. 

• Attend training in the Care Connect Washington Care Model and the Care Coordination System using the Community Health Record and Health Bridge functions.  

• Maintains referral intake data collection and assures timely follow-up

• Track services to individuals using the provided CCS platform to document and track programs and outcomes in the DOH Community Health Record

• Follow up and ensure the loop is closed on referrals to support the individual’s essential needs and supplies by regularly documenting in the Community Health Record. 

• Secure individuals’ signature or verbal consent as permissible of the DOH’s Release of information /Consent form and document in the Community Health Record prior to the gathering of personal health information.

• Work collaboratively and respectfully with other local/regional partners to identify community needs, review regional initiatives, evaluate Care Connect Washington Care Model results, and support the local Care Connect Washington Care Model programs goals and objectives. 

• Ensure that individuals receive effective, understandable, and respectful care that is provided in a manner compatible with their cultural health beliefs and practices. 

• Must be able to do outreach throughout Spokane County, delivering care kits (PPE) and food kits (nonperishable food items for immediate food access)

• Coordination with contracted supermarkets for fresh food deliveries

• Prescription delivery and coordination

• Accessing benefits individuals may be eligible for such as unemployment, food, rental assistance, energy assistance etc. 

• Knowledge of methods and procedures of providing outreach-based community support services to support client ability to maintain quarantine

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Compensation

• Starting wage $20.39 - $22.34 per hour DOE 

• Bi-annual bonus potential 

• Paid Vacation Time – 3 weeks per year, accrued hourly based on hours worked at 0.0580 hours per hour worked, 120-hour maximum annual carryover. 

• Paid Sick Time accrued hourly based on hours worked at 0.0580 hours per hour worked equivalent to three weeks per year at 40 hours per week. 

• One personal day for the remainder of 2023, three personal days per calendar year thereafter.

• 13 paid holidays per calendar year. 

• Business cell phone and service will be provided. 

• Monthly parking pass or travel stipend

• Corporate credit card

• Medical/Dental/Vision Benefits for Employee paid at 100%, Dependents 0% 

• $100,000 Life and AD&D, Long Term Disability through Hartford, provided at no cost.

• Employee Assistance Program

• Employer Sponsored IRA with up to 3% employer match.

• WA Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability and Workers Compensation; employee premiums covered by employer at 100% for employee.
   

• To apply for this position, please submit your resume with a cover letter on Indeed HERE; or in person to Peer Spokane at 425 W 1st Ave, Spokane, WA. (Incomplete submissions will not be reviewed.)