Position Overview

Under the supervision of a Therapist, the Peer Counselor provides peer support services; serves as a consumer advocate; provides consumer information and peer support for consumers in a variety of settings. The Peer Counselor performs a wide range of tasks to support consumers in living their own lives and directing their own recovery and wellness process. The Peer Counselor will model competency in recovery and wellness.

Summary of the Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Peer Counselor will:

Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies to assist clients in crisis to use skills to self-regulate.
When clinically appropriate, share lived experience to normalize and validate clients' experience.
Link individuals to other professional community resources and natural support, including educational, vocational, social, spiritual, and recreational resources.
Support consumers in articulating personal goals for recovery and wellness.
Support consumers in articulating the objectives necessary to reach his or her recovery and wellness goals.
Lead recovery dialogues and utilize and teach problem solving techniques with individuals.
Assist consumers in identifying strengths, setting objectives, and in identifying barriers.
Recognize and report progress consumers make toward meeting objectives.
Understand and utilize specific interventions necessary to support consumers in meeting their recovery and wellness goals.
Teach consumers techniques for identifying and combatting negative self-talk, and
Teach consumers techniques for identifying and overcoming fears.
Support consumers in building social skills in the community that will provide a support network.
Support non-consumer staff in identifying program environments that are conducive to recovery; lend their unique insight into mental illness and what makes recovery possible, and
Attending treatment team meetings to promote consumer's use of self-directed recovery tools.
Teach and model the value of every individual's recovery experience,
Develop and share recovery-oriented material with other Peer Counselors, and
Attend relevant continuing education, such as seminars, meetings, and in-service training.
Provide and advocate for effective recovery-based services.
Support consumers in obtaining services that suit that individual's recovery needs.
Inform consumers about community and natural support and how to utilize these in the recovery process.
Support consumers in developing empowerment skills through self-advocacy and the use of shared personal experience to combat stigma.
Refer individuals with substance use disorders to SUD treatment.
Refer individuals with medical disorders to primary care.
Provide skills training, including illness management, socialization, time management, parenting skills, independent living, budgeting, and other skills necessary to enhance self-sufficiency as possible within the context of a short-term treatment program.
Complete all documentation, reporting, and other paperwork according to agency standards.
Effectively use technology and software including but not limited to computers, phones, email, EMR, etc.
Be helpful, respectful, approachable and team oriented.
Manage time effectively, including but not limited to: planning ahead where possible and being punctual in person and with work performed.
Work efficiently both independently and as part of a team.
Build strong working relationships and a positive work environment.
Be receptive to feedback, willing to learn, and willing to embrace continuous improvement.
Attending all appropriate staff, organizational, and external meetings as assigned.
Representation to the public as assigned by supervisor.
Assist in other programs when assigned by supervisor.
Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

HS Diploma or equivalent is required.
Received and must maintain Certification Peer Counselor.
Registration in Washington State is required (upon hire).
Must have a valid Oregon or Washington driver's license and must clear a multi-state criminal background check. Hiring shall be contingent on a clean driving record per driving abstract submitted by employee.
Agency Affiliated Registration in Washington State is required, licensure preferred.
State of Washington mental health specialty in child, disability (developmental disability/serious physical handicap or sensory impairment), and/or older adult populations preferred.

Salary: $20.65

We are proud to be able to not only offer competitive compensation but also a benefit package that our employees love.

We offer all permanent full-time employees:

Medical, Dental and Vision paid in full for employees and children beginning the 1st of the month following 30 days of full-time employment. Spousal/Significant other coverage at a nominal cost to employee of just $46.95 per month.
Long term disability and life insurance paid for by the employer.
5% of gross pay is put into a retirement plan by the employer. Immediately vested, no match requirement.
11 paid holidays
26 days of Paid Time Off per year
Revenue Share Opportunities

Columbia Wellness is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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