Title:                        Peer Services Specialist 1 - Supportive Housing 

Part/Full Time:        Full Time - 40 hours/week with a starting schedule of Sunday - Thursday

Hourly/Salary:         $22.97- $25.16 per hour DOE

Reports to:             Program Manager

Supervisory role:     No  

Candidates who identify with one or more of the following are STRONGLY encouraged to apply:   

• Have lived experience with mental health and/or substance misuse and in long-term stable recovery  

• BIPOC identified individuals  

• LGBTQIA+ identified individuals  

• Veterans  

General Summary  

Peer emotional support is the foundation of the services provided by Peer Kent. The ability to discuss struggles and successes related to experiences shared by another individual promotes healing and compliments traditionally accepted professional services in the healthcare system. The role of the Peer Services Specialist is to work with individuals who are struggling with issues related to mental health and/or addiction challenges. The Peer Services Specialist will be an accountability partner to help members plan, evaluate, and maintain their recovery journey by engaging in a positive, supportive relationship. The Peer Services Specialist is also responsible for demonstrating and inspiring hope, trust, and a positive outlook and optimizing member connection with a broad range of community-based services and natural supports.

Primary Responsibilities  

⦁    Work directly with the Program Manager to establish guidelines, best practices, client tracking, and expectations in the development and application of this position.
⦁    Work with members early in recovery from or struggling with mental health and/or addiction challenges to provide support and referral services.
⦁    Provide intake services and case management for service contracts.
⦁    Maintain weekly contact with assigned clients.
⦁    Submit data and other reporting in a timely fashion.
⦁    Develop relationships with community partners.
⦁    Respond to all phone calls and emails within 1 business day.
⦁    Act as a representative on behalf of Peer Kent as needed with regards to community collaborations and events as assigned by the Program Manager.  This includes reporting back to the Program Manager with updates and for direction on how to proceed with our involvement.
⦁    Maintain clear communication with staff and volunteers.  This includes keeping the Program Manager updated on weekly schedules and copied on all important communication.
⦁    Attend on-going training programs offered to enhance effectiveness of role.
⦁    See addendum for additional responsibilities.

Required Qualifications  

⦁    Must identify as someone in recovery from mental health and/or addiction challenges and in remission for a period of at least one year.
⦁    Must be trained and certified as a peer recovery coach through Peer Washington, its affiliates, CCAR, or equivalent training model, or be willing to do so within six months of hire. 
⦁    Must have great organizational, documenting, communication, and service development skills.
⦁    Ability to be an active listener by asking questions and reflecting on what is being said.
⦁    Proficient level of ability with computer software: Microsoft Office Products.
⦁    Ability to work both independently and under supervision.
⦁    Ability to maintain healthy boundaries with peers.
⦁    Ability to manage time effectively.

Preferred Qualifications  

⦁    Previous experience working as a Certified Peer Counselor (CPC) or Peer Recovery Coach. 
⦁    Experience working in Supportive Housing Programs.
⦁    Knowledge of Permanent Supportive Housing and/or Foundational Community Support services.

Addendum Foundational Community Supports (FCS) Supportive Housing

⦁    Experience in supportive housing services.
⦁    Established connections with South King County Housing programs. 
⦁    Ability to train and coach peer staff and volunteers on housing and employment resources.
⦁    Ability to provide the Peer Kent community education on FCS benefits and housing sustainability service components.
⦁    Maintain referral intake data collection and assures timely follow-up.
⦁    Skill to provide supportive housing services as needed, including, but not limited to: housing assessments, identifying housing stabilization resources, lease rights and responsibilities, independent living skills development, landlord relations, and crisis management.
⦁    Ability to develop expertise in the supportive housing arena by working with the Peer Kent community care providers, service partners, and other resources regarding affordable housing.
⦁    Maintain accurate records on provided services for verifiable peer FCS service billing.
⦁    Must be able to do outreach throughout King County, including transportation necessary to provide supportive housing services.
⦁    Knowledge of Housing First principles, tenant rights, and related resources.

​

Additional Responsibilities  

This document is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities.  In addition to the responsibilities listed above, the DEI Change Agent will be responsible for any additional tasks that are assigned by the CEO relevant to this scope of review, assessment, change, and implementation. 
 

Compensation  

⦁    Starting wage $22.97- $25.16 per hour DOE
⦁    Bi-annual bonus potential
⦁    Paid Vacation Time – 3 weeks per year, accrued hourly based on hours worked at 0.0580 hours per hour worked, 120-hour maximum annual carryover. 
⦁    Paid Sick Time accrued hourly based on hours worked at 0.0580 hours per hour worked equivalent to three weeks per year at 40 hours per week. 
⦁    Two personal days in 2023 for start dates prior to 8/31/2023, one personal day if hired after 09/01/2023. Three personal days per calendar year thereafter.
⦁    13 paid holidays per calendar year. 
⦁    Business cell phone and service will be provided. 
⦁    Monthly parking pass or travel stipend
⦁    Corporate credit card
⦁    Medical/Dental/Vision Benefits for Employee paid at 100%, Dependents 0% 
⦁    $100,000 Life and AD&D, Long Term Disability through Hartford, provided at no cost.
⦁    Employee Assistance Program
⦁    Employer Sponsored IRA with up to 3% employer match.
⦁    WA Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability and Workers compensation; employee premiums covered by employer at 100% for employee.

To apply for this position, please submit your resume with a cover letter on Indeed HERE; open until filled. (Incomplete submissions will not be reviewed.)