POSITION:
Certified Peer Counselor – Child and Family Services
Full time – Monday – Friday
DESCRIPTION:
Peer Counselors in Child & Family Services are individuals who have developed first-hand knowledge of mental illness through their experiences coping with and advocating for their children who have mental health challenges. Peer Counselors are well grounded in their own coping skills and are able to model effective coping and advocacy. They help family members identify goals that promote recovery and assist them in identifying services and activities to help reach these goals. Assist clients, their families, and natural supports in obtaining, maintaining, and/or using appropriate mental health/community resources. Provide outreach, peer counseling, crisis intervention assistance, stabilization assistance; and facilitate psycho-education groups/classes. All services are provided under the supervision of a Mental Health Professional and are included in the individual treatment plan.
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 or commit to becoming Certified as a Peer Counselor by the State Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery within one year 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.
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).