CSD - Peer Support Specialist (OPEN & PROMOTIONAL)

Spokane County · Community Services · $41,672–$58,052 (stated in the posting)

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The following documents are required to be submitted with your application. Applications that do not include all required documents may not be considered:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Serves as a recovery agent by providing and advocating for any effective recovery-based services that will aid the client in daily living.
• Articulates their own recovery and resilience stories in ways that are relevant to the obstacles faced by individuals enrolled in mental health services.
• Advocates for individual choice, self-determination, and decision making in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of treatment, rehabilitation, and support services.
• Assists individuals in developing self-advocacy skills.
• Assists in developing and implementing the recovery plan, including identifying life goals and the steps needed to achieve them and identifying services and activities that promote recovery and resilience.
• Assists individuals in recognizing their strengths and successes; coaches individuals on working through depression, anxiety and isolation.
• Assists individuals in connecting to community resources, navigating systems and overcoming barriers; advocates for housing, transportation, financial, employment and social challenges, in coordination with other team members.
• Uses own experiences to mentor, foster resiliency, decrease stigmatization of mental illness, provide hope, encouragement and empowerment. 
• Assists individuals with finding meaningful activities that promote a sense of purpose, structure, and inclusion in the community.
• Assists individuals in developing coping skills, social skills, and community living skills.
• Provides education and advocacy with regard to understanding and overcoming stigma and discrimination against people with mental health/substance use disorders. 
• Assists individuals in confronting stigmas associated with chronic homelessness, substance abuse issues and serious mental health issues.
• Supports and assists individuals with integration into the community; serves as a role model for recovery through education and coaching; focuses on self-sufficiently, development and maintenance of community living skills and stabilization of symptoms that present as barriers to success.
• Engages individuals in healthy, professional relationships focusing on communication skills, boundaries, listening, empathy and respect in an understanding and compassion environment.
• Transports clients on various outings (e.g. medical appointments, shopping, etc.) to connect with resources and decrease isolation. 
• Submits accurate progress reports and paperwork in a timely manner, reflecting the individual’s functioning and progress towards his/her recovery goals
• Communicates regularly with supervisor and/or leadership to keep them abreast of activities, plans, and concerns.
• Works, functions, and actively promotes the goals and mission of  Community Services Department (CSD).
• Organizes or participates in community or CSD meetings and committees as appropriate or as assigned.
• Maintains strict confidentiality and privacy standards.
• Performs other related duties as required/assigned.

There are four types of Peer Support Specialists within the CSD Department: The Housing And Recovery through Peer Supports (HARPS) Peer Support Specialist, the Diversion Program Peer Support Specialist, the Family and Youth Peer Navigator, and the Behavioral Health Agency Peer Support Specialist.

HOUSING AND RECOVERY THROUGH PEER SUPPORTS (HARPS):

Established under the Housing and Recovery through Peer Services (HARPS) Program and provides support services for adults diagnosed with mental illness, substance use and/or co-occurring disorder experiencing chronic homelessness.

• Assists individuals in locating and obtaining safe, affordable housing and other supports as needed to live independently in the community with improved quality of life. Services may include assistance with HUD subsidized housing resources, landlord negotiation, furnishings, and utility services.
• Provides peer counseling and support, with a focus on assisting individuals in maintaining a permanent supportive housing solution.
• Provides personal assistance to individuals in obtaining Medicaid eligibility, enrollment and program benefits, community integration/activities, accessing appropriate services and community resources including Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, advocating on behalf of the individual for services and benefits, accessing transportation.

DIVERSION PROGRAM:

The Diversion Program assists individuals in obtaining the support, skills, and services necessary to improve their level of functioning and stabilize their mental health within the community, decrease the need for psychiatric hospitalization and recidivism to correctional settings and criminal justice system involvement. The services are delivered in a variety of settings, predominately in the community, correctional setting, and court system depending on the needs of the individual. Diversion Team Members must demonstrate a commitment to the provision of compassionate, recovery and person-centered care supportive of the individual’s own goals and motivation toward positive health outcomes.

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AGENCY:

The Peer Support Specialist in the licensed Behavioral Health Agency works in collaboration with behavioral health professional staff to provide a living example that recovery is possible instilling hope for others living with mental illness.

• Provides flexible services customized to the needs of the individual and allowing the peer to act as a role model of recovery.
• Assists professionals in the delivery of mental health services and a complementary service model built on principles of mutuality, empowerment, and person-centered care.
• Provides a valuable asset to the clinical team with their first-person knowledge of the recovery process, symptom management, and the importance of self-determination.

FAMILY AND YOUTH PEER NAVIGATOR:

The Youth and Family Navigator Program assists youth and families in obtaining the support, skills, and services necessary to improve their level of functioning and stabilize their mental health within the community, decrease the need for psychiatric hospitalization, and reduce unnecessary crisis system involvement. The services are delivered in a variety of settings, predominately in the community, school, community based provider, or within the youth and families residence depending on the needs of the individual.  Youth with complex behavioral health needs currently in emergency departments or other non-treatment settings are prioritized.  Youth and Family Peer Navigators must demonstrate a commitment to the provision of compassionate, recovery and person-centered care supportive of the individual’s own goals and motivation toward positive health outcomes.

• Assists in the overall development and quality improvement of the Youth and Family Peer Navigator Program, including participation on steering committees, development of regional action items and ensuring youth and family voices are amplified throughout program implementation.
• Collaborates in the receiving, screening, and scheduling of Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) referrals and meetings.
• Possesses a basic knowledge of youth behavioral health services and cross-system resources.
• Participates in MDT meetings to provide support to youth and families through your own lived experience providing encouragement and hope through recovery and resiliency.
• Assists in pre-planning and coordination with families in preparation for MDT meetings.
• Provides family centered and culturally appropriate recommendations to services.
• Participates in statewide Navigator meetings, sharing experiences from our region with the goal of improving access to care and reducing barriers for youth and families.
• Performs duties consistent with the mission, vision and values of the Youth and Family Navigator Program.
• Provides advocacy for youth and families throughout enrollment in the program to assist in achieving their stated goals and needs.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• One (1) year of positive work history. 
• Self-identify as a current or past recipient of mental health and/or substance abuse services, and has been active in recovery for a minimum of two (2) years. 
• Possession of certification as a Peer Counselor, or DOH licenses/certificate successor, consistent with the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) OR obtain certification within six (6) months of hire.
• Possession of affiliated counselor’s certification from the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) within 60 days of hire.
• Requires successful completion of criminal background check.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license at time of hire and for the duration of employment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of case management approaches, service referral and available community resources, organizations and supports for the mentally ill.
• Knowledge of the Spokane RSA System of Care including mental health agencies and substance use disorder and recovery services.
• Knowledge of common mental health and substance use disorder diagnoses.
• Knowledge of relevant confidentiality requirements, policies and procedures.
• Skilled in communicating effectively both orally and in writing, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction.
• Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with clients, co-workers and community agencies/partners.
• Ability to deal with the public in a pleasant, courteous and calm manner, often under stressful situations.
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team.
• Ability to multi-task and work under pressure. 
• Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries while developing healthy, supportive relationships with people with mental illness/SUD.
• Ability to accept persons who may be different from yourself.
• Ability to exercise tact and discretion in obtaining cooperation of others.
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor during stressful and/or hostile situations.
• Ability to develop a therapeutic alliance with individuals in services, demonstrating empathy and unconditional positive regard.
• Ability to work on a long-term basis with individuals with serious mental illness and/or co-occurring disorders understanding the complexity of challenges and life stressors each individual experience(s).
• Ability to understand modest achievements demonstrate progress for individuals with serious mental illness or co-occurring disorders.
• Ability to accurately and professionally implement and document the services provided to clients.
• Ability to manage a caseload of approximately 30-40 individuals.
• Ability to collaborate and coordinate with Enrolled Responsible providers and allied systems in the community.
• Ability to demonstrate effective time management skills in coordinating daily activities, appointments and completing necessary paperwork.
• Ability to facilitate effective resolution of conflicts between clients and others.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a personal computer.

BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS

All County employees are responsible for contributing to a safe and positive work environment, actively demonstrating the County values in their daily work and interactions:

• Respect:   Appreciating and valuing customers, other County employees and County leadership by showing courtesy, friendliness and fairness.  Communicating in a productive and professional manner.   
• Accountability:   Honoring and delivering on commitments by taking responsibility for personal actions and results; being a responsible steward of public resources and the trust County residents have placed in each of us.
• Integrity:   Modelling transparent and ethical behavior and demonstrating it with honest and trustworthy behaviors and actions; leading by example and performing work to the highest standards.
• Innovation:   Striving for excellence by actively pursuing opportunities for new and improved methods, procedures or technologies; fostering an environment of engagement and empowerment and embracing continuous improvement.

WORKING CONDITIONS  

• The work environment is primarily inside, where the noise and temperature levels are moderate.
• Work is also performed outdoors and requires occasional travel within the County, exposing the employee to weather extremes, various forms of precipitation and the hazards associated with travel on public roads.

Total Compensation:

Total compensation is an estimate based upon base compensation, median retirement fund contributions, and current employer-paid health and related benefit contribution rates (including medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, and leave). The actual total will vary depending upon each employee's enrollment choices.

Please select the link below to view Spokane County Benefits:

• Benefits | Spokane County, WA

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