PACT - Peer Support Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Lives Change Here! We are GROWING… Columbia River Mental Health Services provides comprehensive behavioral health and recovery services that transform the lives of children, adults and families in the communities of SW Washington. We are the largest and oldest not-for-profit provider of mental/chemical dependency treatment in southwest Washington with 200 employees and a history dating back to 1942.

Our Mission:  Providing behavioral health and recovery services that transform the lives of children, adults, and families in the communities of SW Washington.

Why Work Here?

CRMHS offers amazing benefits aside from health and wellness (medical/dental/vision etc.) Work life balance benefits: 10 total paid holidays per year, including 3 paid floating holidays available upon hire, 20+ days of PTO days in the first year and only increases from there! Career development: $325 annual allowance for career development and education with an additional 40 hours of paid time off for career development/education! And so many More!

Starting Pay Range - $22.50 - $24.81 /hr

Summary :

The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) is a vital member of the multidisciplinary Program for Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) team, using their own lived experience with mental health recovery to inspire hope, model recovery, and support individuals with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) in achieving their personal goals. The PSS provides peer-based outreach, engagement, advocacy, and skill-building services to promote recovery, wellness, and community integration in alignment with PACT principles. 

Essential Job Responsibilities :

Role Specific Responsibilities

• Use personal lived experience to build trusting relationships and connect with individuals in non-judgmental, respectful, and empowering ways.
• Help people figure out what recovery means to them and support them in setting and working toward their own goals.
• Support individuals in articulating personal goals for recovery and identifying steps to achieve them.
• Reach out consistently and creatively to people who may be disconnected, unsure, or struggling to stay engaged. 
• Facilitate wellness and recovery-focused interventions including WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Planning), recovery storytelling, and mutual peer support.
• Provide individual and group coaching on skills for daily living, social connection, coping strategies, and self-advocacy.
• Assist with community integration by supporting clients in engaging with meaningful roles, such as employment, education, volunteer work, and recreation.
• Participate in daily PACT team meetings and share observations, insights, and recommendations from a peer perspective.
• Conduct outreach to engage individuals who may be ambivalent about services, including home visits, phone calls, and community-based contacts.
• Collaborate with the PACT team to support continuity of care, harm reduction, crisis intervention, and safety planning.
• Document services provided in accordance with agency and Medicaid standards.
• Serve as an advocate to promote recovery-oriented language, trauma-informed practices, and the meaningful inclusion of persons with lived experience in all aspects of care.

Team-based Responsibilities

• Actively participate in daily team meetings and treatment planning, sharing client and team relevant updates and goals.
• Contribute to the strengths-based team culture including multidisciplinary collaboration, cross-training, and integrated care. 
• Document services promptly in the electronic health record (EHR) and additional programs, following fidelity and compliance standards.
• Demonstrate competence in utilizing Microsoft Suite, cell phones, and other technology.
• Promote client self-determination and recovery through strength & harm-reduction based engagement.
• Participate in supervision and case consultation as indicated. 

Additional Job Functions :

• Supports agency mission, goals, and objectives while adhering to agency policies & procedures; HIPAA compliance; safety standards; infection control procedures; TMACT Fidelity standards; and applicable federal/state regulations.
• Maintain effective communication and cooperative working relationships both within the agency and community at large, while maintaining a high degree of confidentiality. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Education, Licensing and Experience :

• Personal lived experience with mental health recovery and willingness to share this experience appropriately to support others.
• Peer Support Specialist Certification in the state of Washington.
• High school diploma or GED.

Preferred:

• Experience working in behavioral health, peer support, or advocacy roles.
• Familiarity with PACT, ACT, or intensive community-based service models.
• Knowledge of recovery principles, harm reduction, and trauma-informed care.
• Comfortable using electronic health records, cell phones, and technology.
• Training and/or experience with cognitive behavioral therapy for psychosis.

Other Requirements

• Participation in on-call rotation, including evenings and weekends as needed.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team and independently.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable personal vehicle required with willingness to transport clients as appropriate.
• Must meet agency vehicle insurance requirements.

*****

This position requires regular driving and mobility in community settings. Staff must be able to safely walk, stand, sit, bend, and carry supplies as needed to provide services in varied environments. Exposure to outdoor weather, stairs, and unsheltered locations will occur.

• Walking or moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another. Staff may need to navigate various terrains and environments.
• Standing or remaining upright on the feet for sustained periods, which may be required during patient interactions, assessments, or while performing other duties.
• Sitting for extended periods while driving or performing administrative tasks. Staff may need to sit in different types of seating arrangements, including office chairs and vehicle seats.
• Bending, flexing, or squatting the body downward and forward by bending the spine at the waist. Staff may need to bend to access supplies, assist clients, or perform other tasks.
• Carrying Supplies and transporting items from one location to another, which may involve lifting and holding objects of varying weights. Staff may need to carry medical supplies, equipment, or personal items.
• Outdoor Weather Exposure which involves working in various weather conditions such as rain, heat, or cold. Staff may need to perform duties outdoors, regardless of weather conditions.
• Stairs Navigation including navigating staircases in different buildings or outdoor settings. Staff may need to climb stairs to reach clients or access different areas.
• Unsheltered Locations including performing tasks in areas without shelter, such as parks or open fields. Staff may need to work in environments that lack protection from the elements.