POSITION:
Certified Peer Counselor – Community Re-entry Program
Full time – Monday – Friday
DESCRIPTION: Peer Counselors are individuals who have experienced mental illness themselves and are well grounded in their own recovery and model competency in ongoing coping and resiliency skills. In the Community Re-entry Program (CRP), Peer Counselors help clients identify goals that promote recovery, assist them in reaching these goals and assist them in adjusting to successful community living, as opposed to cycling in and out of the jail and in-patient units. Engagement skills are crucial in this position, as CRP clients have a history of failing to engage with the mental health system or with other positive natural supports. Assist Program participants to achieve successful independent living, obtaining/maintaining housing, and pursuing vocational/educational goals. Assist Program participants in developing effective natural supports and in obtaining, maintaining, and/or using appropriate mental health, medical and community resources. Provide outreach, peer counseling, independent living skills training, and assist with crisis intervention and stabilization. Coordinate with Jail staff, Community Corrections staff and other CRP team members. All services are provided under the supervision of a Mental Health Professional.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
To be employed as a Peer Counselor a person must:
- Self-identify as a consumer who is receiving or has received mental health services.
- Demonstrate that they have been well grounded in their own mental health recovery for at least one year at the time of application.
- Pass a WA State criminal background check (no recent serious convictions).
Be eligible to become a WA State Agency Affiliated Counselor after being hired. - Be Certified as a Peer Counselor by the State Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, which involves:
- Completing specialized training approved by the State of WA – the training is free.
- Passing a written and oral State exam – the exam is free.
In addition, this position also requires good verbal and written communication skills and entry-level computer user skills.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE & SKILLS:
Current Certification as a Peer Counselor is highly desirable, as well as previous experience as a Peer Counselor. Prefer applicants with knowledge of the Pierce County public mental health system and community resources. Education and/or experience in mental health or a social service field is a plus.
Job Conditions:
Must be able to work both in and out of the office and go into clients’ residences and other facilities, which may require climbing stairs and walking on uneven terrain. Must be able to speak and hear at normal conversational levels.
STARTINGPAY:
$14.93-$17.77 per hour to start depending on education and experience.
BENEFITS:
Includes medical, dental, life and disability insurance; 401k retirement plan; accrue 21 days of paid time-off per year to start; accrue 5 days long-term sick leave per year; 9 paid holidays; Flexible Spending Accounts; Employee Assistance Program and Tuition Reimbursement Program.
SUBMIT APPLICATION, LETTER & RESUME TO:
jobs@glmhc.org
Greater Lakes Mental Healthcare is committed to a policy of equal opportunity, equal treatment, and non-discrimination in all employment processes and other activities, in compliance with all relevant federal, state and local laws. If you need disability accommodation in the application/employment process, please call the ADA Coordinator/HR Department: (253) 620-5014 (voice); (253) 620-5218 (TDDY); (253) 620-5831 (FAX).
