Peer Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

Lifeline Connections is a community-based behavioral health organization that specializes in providing confidential and compassionate care to individuals who experience substance use and/or mental health conditions.

Our Vision - As the premier provider of substance use and mental health services in the Pacific Northwest, we are respected and the most trusted resource for behavioral health treatment and whole-person care. We provide a comprehensive continuum of coordinated quality services, foster enduring relationships, and empower our communities to truly thrive.

Our Mission - Through superior customer service, high quality programs, and well-trained and dedicated staff, we inspire hope and support lifesaving changes for people affected by substance use and mental health conditions.

POSITON TITLE: OCRP Peer Support Specialist Non-Exempt Position

RESPONSIBLE TO: OCRP Program Supervisor

MAJOR DUTIES: The OCRP Peer Support Specialist works under the supervision of the OCRP Program Supervisor. This position provides peer support and clinical services to participants in the OCRP program.

In fulfilling these duties, the incumbent performs the following duties independently:

1.Provide peer support, drawing on common experiences as a peer, to validate participant’s experiences;

2.Provide guidance and encouragement to participants to actively participate in their own recovery;

3.Work with participants to identify strengths, set goals, and address barriers to engagement (transportation barriers, time management, meeting basic needs) through motivational interviewing;

4.Work with participants to encourage self-advocacy to communicate needs;

5.Provide consultation from a peer support perspective concerning participant’s experiences, responses to and opinions of treatment and experiences of recovery;

6.Collaborate as an active team member to promote a team culture in which each participant’s point of view, experiences, and preferences are recognized, understood, and respected;

7.Help participants identify, understand, and combat stigma and discrimination associated with mental health and co-occurring substance use disorders and develop strategies to reduce self-stigma;

8.Advocate for the protection of participant’s rights in order to help improve their knowledge of their rights and the grievance procedures;

9.Support participants in filing, mediating, and resolving grievances or complaints;

10.Increase awareness of and support participation in self-help programs and consumer advocacy organizations that promote recovery;

11.Serve as a liaison between the team and consumer-run programs such as self-help groups and drop-in centers.

12.Other duties as assigned

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

1.High school diploma or equivalent required

2.Possess certification as a Certified Peer Support Specialist consistent with WAC 246-341, and disclose self to be a consumer of behavioral health services;

3.In successful recovery for 2 or more years and/or a family member of an individual with mental health and substance use conditions;

4.Familiarity with Washington State regulations related to the provision of mental health services (RCW 71.05) and substance use services (WAC 246-341);

5.Current unencumbered driver license and proof of current car insurance required;

6.Good verbal and written communication skills;

7.Great attendance; and

8.Ability to work well with others.

GUIDELINES

This position requires that the incumbent obtain and maintain Washington State credentials through the Department of Health.

COMPLEXITY

The incumbent provides community based peer support services to participants who differ widely in age and socioeconomic status and who may possess a variety of chronic and serious social, behavioral and psychological barriers. Strong interpersonal, sound judgment and creativity are required to help implement and deliver treatment services that meet the complex needs of the participants.

PERSONAL CONTACTS

Contacts are with the members of the treatment team, participants, significant others of the participants, representatives of various community agencies specializing in the treatment of substance use and mental health conditions, and related community representatives including hospital personnel, lawyers, probation officers, and other court officials. All personal contacts are carried out in accordance with federal and state laws dealing with the confidentiality of client records.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the essential functions of the job, the employee is regularly required to sit, speak clearly, hear and use hands and fingers to manipulate writing utensils and keys on a keyboard. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with hands or arms, stoop, kneel, crouch or lift and/or move maximum of 15 lbs. The employee is regularly required to effectively operate an automobile.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Working hours are spent indoors in offices or other meeting rooms or in the community meeting with participants in their homes or at court. Supervision of outdoor activities, visits to community agencies, and participation in staff retreats and staff development activities will be required.

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: OCRP Program Supervisor

Salary: $19.00 - 22.61/hr DOE

Application Process:
To apply electronically for this position, please click "Apply Now" or visit our ADP career center . For more information on this and other positions, please visit our website at

The Benefits:

Lifeline Connections strives to be an employer of choice by offering regular and full-time employees a robust and highly competitive benefits package designed to support both personal and family well-being. Our comprehensive benefits include multiple options for medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.

In addition, Lifeline Connections provides employer-paid Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance , along with access to supplemental coverage options. Full-time employees and eligible part-time employees may also enroll in our 401(k) retirement plan , helping support long-term financial wellness.

Beyond benefits coverage, Lifeline Connections is proud to offer generous paid time off . Both full-time and part-time employees earn PTO at competitive accrual rates that increase with years of service , allowing for meaningful time away from work. Employees also receive paid holidays and personal holidays , reinforcing our commitment to work-life balance and employee well-being.

Send us your resume and let's talk about you joining our team!