Peer Support Specialist

Peer Support Specialist

The position allocated to this class performs duties requiring the application of lived experience of recovery from behavioral health challenges, as well as skills learned in formal trainings, to deliver peer support services to adults and/or youth diagnosed with mental illness, substance use and/or co-occurring disorder to promote recovery and resilience. Incumbents draw upon their own life experiences, making them uniquely equipped to provide support, encouragement, and resources in assisting individuals with behavioral health challenges make progress toward recovery.

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 include:

• Serving as a recovery agent by providing and advocating for any effective recovery-based services that will aid the client in daily living.
• Articulating their own recovery and resilience stories in ways that are relevant to the obstacles faced by individuals enrolled in mental health services.
• Advocating for individual choice, self-determination, and decision making in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of treatment, rehabilitation, and support services.
• Assisting individuals in developing self-advocacy skills.
• Assisting 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.
• Assisting individuals in recognizing their strengths and successes; coaching individuals on working through depression, anxiety and isolation.
• Assisting individuals in connecting to community resources, navigating systems and overcoming barriers; advocating for housing, transportation, financial, employment and social challenges, in coordination with other team members.
• Using own experiences to mentor, foster resiliency, decrease stigmatization of mental illness, provide hope, encouragement and empowerment.
• Assisting individuals with finding meaningful activities that promote a sense of purpose, structure, and inclusion in the community.
• Assisting individuals in developing coping skills, social skills, and community living skills.
• Providing education and advocacy with regard to understanding and overcoming stigma and discrimination against people with mental health/substance use disorders.
• Assisting individuals in confronting stigmas associated with chronic homelessness, substance abuse issues and serious mental health issues.
• Supporting and assisting individuals with integration into the community; serving as a role model for recovery through education and coaching; focusing on self-sufficiently, development and maintenance of community living skills and stabilization of symptoms that present as barriers to success.
• Engaging individuals in healthy, professional relationships focusing on communication skills, boundaries, listening, empathy and respect in an understanding and compassion environment.
• Transporting clients on various outings (e.g. medical appointments, shopping, etc.) to connect with resources and decrease isolation.
• Submitting accurate progress reports and paperwork in a timely manner, reflecting the individual's functioning and progress towards his/her recovery goals
• Communicating regularly with supervisor and/or leadership to keep them abreast of activities, plans, and concerns.
• Working, functioning, and actively promoting the goals and mission of Community Services Department (CSD).
• Organizing or participating in community or CSD meetings and committees as appropriate or as assigned.
• Maintaining strict confidentiality and privacy standards.
• Performing 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.

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.

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.

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.

Education and experience requirements include:

• 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 include:

• 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 include:

• 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 include:

• The work environment is