Title: Peer Services Specialist - Supportive Housing

Part / Full Time: Full Time - 40 hours/week (Wednesday—Saturday 8:30 AM - 7:00PM)

Hourly / Salary: Hourly

Starting Pay Scale: $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.

• Individuals with lived experience in mental health and/or substance abuse

• BIPOC identified individuals.

• LGBTQIA+ identified individuals.

• Veterans

 

Purpose/Vision/Mission

Peer Washington's purpose is to provide peer emotional support and development services to:

• Washington state residents impacted by temporary or chronic addiction, mental health and/or HIV/AIDS, or other sexually transmitted diseases.

• Target disparately impacted communities through site expansion operated as a dba of Peer Washington named for location and guided by a charter identifying the target community served.

• Maintain safe space for members identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender non-conforming, or other sexual minorities at all our locations regardless of the target community.

• Services shall be open to any person impacted by addiction, mental health, or HIV/AIDS; however, outreach for each site will be directed toward the community identified in the site charter.

• Our work is done in a spirit of safety, trust, inclusiveness, and celebration of individual differences.

Peer Washington envisions a community of peers connected by shared experience in compassionate support of one another.

 

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.

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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 Compensation

• Paid Vacation Time – 3 weeks per calendar year, accrued at 4.615hrs per biweekly pay period, 120-hour maximum annual carryover.

• Paid Sick Time – 80 Hours per calendar year, accrued at 3.077hrs per biweekly pay period, 480hour maximum annual carryover.

• Two Personal Days if hired prior to February 8th, one Personal Day if hired on or after March 8th, three Personal Days per quarter thereafter. Personal days do not carry over from year to year, have no monetary value, and are forfeited upon employment separation.

•  Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, and Long-Term Disability; employee premiums covered by employer at 100% for employees.

•  Simple IRA through Charles Schwab with an employer match of up to 3%

• Employee Assistance Program through Mutual of Omaha

• Peer Washington covers the employee portion of Washington Unemployment and Paid Family Medical Leave at 100%.

 

If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit a resume AND cover letter via INDEED.