POSITION TITLE: Certified Peer Support Specialist
DEPARTMENT: Substance Use Disorder (SUD)
LOCATION: Longview, WA
REPORTS TO: Clinical Supervisor
FLSA STATUS: Nonexempt, full time
WAGE RANGE: $20.57 - $26.74

Position Summary:

Provides support services to peers with substance use disorder services by serving as an advocate and drawing on their experiences to inspire hope and support their recovery in an outpatient or inpatient setting. Participates as a team member in a fully integrating behavioral health program and serves as a role model in recovery and self-management. Adheres to HIPAA and confidentiality requirements. Honors and represents the mission, vision, values of CIT and of the HHS department.

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered for hiring, please note this on your cover letter and/or resume***

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assists clients in identifying, articulating, and creating recovery goals through the use of 1-1 consultations and participation in group treatment sessions; works with client in developing individualized wellness and recovery plans with the skills, strengths, supports and resources needed according to established policies, procedures and protocols.
• Connects client with inhouse and external resources that contribute to the realization of the client’s treatment plans and goals.
• Advocates for clients in accessing resources necessary for the realization of their treatment goals.
• Assists clients in locating, joining and sustaining participation in mutual support groups.
• Teaches problem solving techniques, how to identify and overcome fears, coping strategies, and combating negative self-talk with individuals and groups; providing a forum which allows group members to share their experiences.
• Facilitates recovery sessions and demonstrates how they have directed their own recovery; shares personal experiences and stories that are relevant and helpful in overcoming obstacles and removing barriers.
• Teaches clients how to identify and combat negative self-talk and how to identify and overcome fears by.
• Supports clients’ vocational choices and assists in choosing a job that matches their strengths, overcoming job-related anxiety by reviewing job applications, and providing interview tips.
• Works with clients in building social skills in the community that will enhance job acquisition and tenure.
• Assists intake support team in conducting new client orientation with all new patients.
• Transports clients to appointments, resources, meetings as needed.
• Helps client to obtain affordable housing and advocate for any effective recovery-based services that will be useful in daily living; assists client in navigating state and government support systems.
• Manages case load; completes timely, required documentation on the treatment/recovery plan according to established policies and procedures.
• Prepares current patient progress reports and completion notices and provides them to the courts, probation departments, DCFS, and referral sources as appropriate.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by conducting research, attending seminars, educational workshops, classes, and conferences; reviewing professional publications; establishing networks; participating in professional societies; conferring with representatives of contracting agencies and related organizations.
• Adapts to changes in safety protocols and procedures.
• Honors and represents the mission, vision, values of CIT and of all HHS programs.
• Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of traditional form of government and tribal customs and traditions.

• Knowledge of patient evaluation and plan of care procedures.

• Knowledge of patient outreach services and activities.

• Knowledge and understanding of clinical counseling principles, behavioral health programs and methodology.

• Knowledge and familiarity with the use of DSM-V in the development of treatment plans for the client with mental health and/or substance use disorder diagnoses.

• Skills in interviewing and psychological/developmental evaluation.

• Skill in preparing and maintaining patient records.

• Ability to apply mental health counseling methods and techniques.

• Ability to evaluate the progress of therapeutic programs and to make individual modifications.

• Ability to develop and present educational programs and workshops.

• Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate individual patient care programs.

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

• Ability to build rapport quickly and effectively with clients and their families.

• Ability to integrate training, experience, and common sense sufficient to identify potentially unsafe situations and to resolve the situation with minimum injury to self or other persons.

• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels.

• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.

• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Self-identify as a person with lived experience with mental health or substance use services.
• One year recovery coaching experience.
• A combination of relevant education and related work experience may be considered
• Must be 18 years of age.
• Obtain and maintain Certified Peer Counselor credential in Washington State.
• Experience working within American Indian and/or Alaska Native communities preferred.
• Valid driver’s license is required when driving vehicles for work-related purposes. Employee must provide proof of car insurance and have access to a reliable vehicle.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background screening / investigation according to the established requirements below.
• This position requires qualified applicants to be fully vaccinated including COVID-19 vaccines on the first day of employment.

Tribal preference in accordance with Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions. All positions are required to adhere to CIT’s established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Background Investigation Requirements:

• Pre-employment drug screen.
• Reference checks, education and employment verification.
• Federal, state, and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks including fingerprint verification.
• Has not been found guilty of, charged with, received a deferred sentence, received a conditional discharge of, or entered a plea of not contest to, or entered a plea of guilty to any one felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence, sexual assault, molestation, exploitation or sexual contact; prostitution; or crimes committed against person(s) or children.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee occasionally is required to stand; walk; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 20lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and clarity of vision at long distance.

Work Environment:

Work may be performed in office/clinical or community-based settings with a moderate noise level. Situations occur where PPE (personal protective equipment) is needed. Employee must demonstrate ethical decision-making and be conscious of safety of self and others in all work settings. Evening and/or weekend work may be required. Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common.