Title:                             Peer Services Specialist – North Kitsap Recovery Resource Center

Part/Full Time:             Part Time / Term Limited Temporary (through 12/2024)

Hourly/Salary:              Hourly

Hiring Range:               $22.50 – 24.50 per hour DOE with some benefits

Reports to:                   Peer WA 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 Washington and The City of Poulsbo are seeking to add a Peer Services Specialist to the North Kitsap Recovery Resource Center (RRC). The RRC is a low barrier Center that will serve individuals struggling with drug and alcohol addiction and co-occurring health conditions in the North Kitsap area.  This is an in-person position located in Poulsbo.

Peer emotional support is central to the services provided at the RRC.  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 visit the Center on an occasional and ongoing basis. The Peer Services Specialist will be an accountability partner to help individuals 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 City’s Director of Housing, Health, and Human Services to establish guidelines, best practices, member tracking, and expectations in the development and application of this new position.

• Work with individuals that are early in recovery from or struggling with addiction, mental health, and/or behavioral health concerns to provide support and referral services.

• Provide intake services and case management for programming contracts.

• Maintain weekly contact with assigned members.

• Submit data and other reporting in a timely fashion.

• Develop relationships with community partners including first responders and co-responders who utilize the Center.

• Attend all Center staff meetings.

• Collaborate with other peers as requested in providing support to those at the Center.

• Respond to all phone calls and emails within 1 business day.

• Act as a representative on behalf of Peer Washington as needed with regards to community collaborations and events.  This includes reporting back to Peer Washington with updates and for direction on how to proceed with our involvement.

• Maintain clear communication with staff and volunteers.  This includes keeping Peer Washington updated on weekly schedules and copied on all important communication.

• Manage and help create peer coaching programs at the Center.

• Lead groups at Center and encourage other group leaders.

• Attend on-going training programs offered to enhance effectiveness of role.

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Required Qualifications

• Must identify as someone in recovery from substance use disorder and/or mental health and in remission for a period of at least one year.

• Must be trained and certified as a peer recovery coach through Peer WA, CCAR, or equivalent training model.

• Must have experience working as a peer recovery coach.

• Must have great organizational, documenting, communication, and program 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.

• Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to start date.

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Established relationships with local community-based organizations.

• Previous experience working as a Certified Peer Counselor (CPC) or willing to seek certification within 6 months of hire.

• Previous experience working as a Peer.

• Previous experience providing resource support and referrals.

• Familiarity with services such as 1:1 coaching, group support, Supported Employment/Supportive Housing, Resource referral, etc.

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Additional Responsibilities

This document is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities.  In addition to the responsibilities listed above, the Peer Services Specialist will be responsible for any additional tasks that are assigned by Peer Washington and the City of Poulsbo.

 

Compensation

• Starting wage $22.50 – 24.50 per hour DOE 

• Bi-annual bonus potential 

• Paid Vacation Time – accrued hourly based on hours worked at 0.0580 hours per hour worked.

• Paid Sick Time accrued hourly based on hours worked at 0.0580 hours per hour worked.

• Business cell phone and service will be provided.

• Monthly travel stipend

• Corporate credit card

• Employer Sponsored IRA

• WA Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability and Workers Compensation; employee premiums covered by employer at 100% for employee.

 

 

If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter via INDEED