POSITION:
Peer Residential Counselors, On Call
DESCRIPTION: Peer Counselors are individuals who have experienced mental illness themselves, are well grounded in their own recovery and able to model competency in ongoing coping skills. Work as part of an effective clinical mental health team in our residential programs to facilitate the independence of adults with severe and persistent mental illness in their recovery journey. Help residents identify goals that promote recovery and assist them in identifying services and activities to help reach these goals. Responsibilities include teaching, assisting, and monitoring residents, 1-to-1 and in groups, to develop independent living skills, demonstrating and modeling desired behaviors, monitoring medications, assisting with meals and housekeeping, monitoring health and safety of residents, and documenting resident progress.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: To be employed as a Peer Counselor an applicant must:
- Self-identify as a consumer who is receiving or has received mental health services. NOTE: If you do not self-identify in your cover letter or email as a consumer who is receiving or has received mental health services, we will not be able to consider your application.
- 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 or commit to becoming Certified as a Peer Counselor by the State Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery within four months of employment, 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.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Must have knowledge of mental disorders, entry-level mental health counseling skills, ability to conduct mental status assessments, skill in assessing and teaching independent living skills, basic understanding of psychotropic medications, excellent interpersonal communication skills, entry-level computer-user skills, a valid WA State Driver’s license, good driving record, and proof of private auto insurance. Must be eligible for Agency Affiliated Counselor credential, must be able to complete CPR-First Aid, TB test, Food Handler’s Permit within the first week of hire.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE & SKILLS: An AA Degree in a social services field, or a certificate in a social services program, plus one year experience working with adults with severe and persistent mental illness, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Current Certification as a Peer Counselor is highly desirable, as well as previous experience as a Peer Counselor.
STARTING PAY RANGE: $13.24/hr for on call
BENEFITS: Mandated benefits only.
SUBMIT APPLICATION, LETTER & RESUME TO:
jobs@glmhc.org
(Application available on Careers page)
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).