Job Information
Spokane County CSD - Peer Support Specialist in Spokane, Washington
CSD - Peer Support Specialist
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CSD - Peer Support Specialist
Salary
$39,867.60 - $55,805.40 Annually
Location
WA 99205, WA
Job Type
Regular
Remote Employment
Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number
24-00168
Department
Community Services (formerly CSHCD)
Opening Date
07/16/2024
Closing Date
Continuous
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Description
Benefits
Questions
Job Summary
This position works 37.5 hours per week.
The positions allocated to this class perform duties requiring the application of lived experience of recovery from behavioral health challenges, as well as skills learned in formal trainings, to deliver peer support services to adults and/or youth diagnosed with mental illness, substance use and/or co-occurring disorder to promote recovery and resilience. Incumbents draw upon their own life experiences, making them uniquely equipped to provide support, encouragement, and resources in assisting individuals with behavioral health challenges make progress toward recovery.
NOTE: Names and contact information for 3 professional references required.
TOTAL COMPENSATION: $51,031 TO $71,431. Total compensation is an estimate based upon base compensation, median retirement fund contributions, and current employer-paid health and related benefit contribution rates (including medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, and leave). The actual total will vary depending upon each employee's enrollment choices.
Examples of Duties
There are four types of Peer Support Specialists within the CSD Department: The Housing And Recovery through Peer Supports (HARPS) Peer Support Specialist, the Diversion Program Peer Support Specialist, the Family and Youth Peer Navigator, and the Behavioral Health Agency Peer Support Specialist.
HOUSING AND RECOVERY THROUGH PEER SUPPORTS (HARPS):
Established under the Housing and Recovery through Peer Services (HARPS) Program and provides support services for adults diagnosed with mental illness, substance use and/or co-occurring disorder experiencing chronic homelessness.
DIVERSION PROGRAM:
The Diversion Program assists individuals in obtaining the support, skills, and services necessary to improve their level of functioning and stabilize their mental health within the community, decrease the need for psychiatric hospitalization and recidivism to correctional settings and criminal justice system involvement. The services are delivered in a variety of settings, predominately in the community, correctional setting, and court system depending on the needs of the individual. Diversion Team Members must demonstrate a commitment to the provision of compassionate, recovery and person-centered care supportive of the individual’s own goals and motivation toward positive health outcomes.
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AGENCY:
The Peer Support Specialist in the licensed Behavioral Health Agency works in collaboration with behavioral health professional staff to provide a living example that recovery is possible instilling hope for others living with mental illness.
Provides flexible services customized to the needs of the individual and allowing the peer to act as a role model of recovery.
Assists professionals in the delivery of mental health services and a complementary service model built on principles of mutuality, empowerment, and person-centered care.
Provides a valuable asset to the clinical team with their first-person knowledge of the recovery process, symptom management, and the importance of self-determination.
FAMILY AND YOUTH PEER NAVIGATOR:
The Youth and Family Navigator Program assists youth and families in obtaining the support, skills, and services necessary to improve their level of functioning and stabilize their mental health within the community, decrease the need for psychiatric hospitalization, and reduce unnecessary crisis system involvement. The services are delivered in a variety of settings, predominately in the community, school, community based provider, or within the youth and families residence depending on the needs of the individual. Youth with complex behavioral health needs currently in emergency departments or other non-treatment settings are prioritized. Youth and Family Peer Navigators must demonstrate a commitment to the provision of compassionate, recovery and person-centered care supportive of the individual’s own goals and motivation toward positive health outcomes.
Assists in the overall development and quality improvement of the Youth and Family Peer Navigator Program, including participation on steering committees, development of regional action items and ensuring youth and family voices are amplified throughout program implementation.
Collaborates in the receiving, screening, and scheduling of Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) referrals and meetings.
Possesses a basic knowledge of youth behavioral health services and cross-system resources.
Participates in MDT meetings to provide support to youth and families through your own lived experience providing encouragement and hope through recovery and resiliency.
Assists in pre-planning and coordination with families in preparation for MDT meetings.
Provides family centered and culturally appropriate recommendations to services.
Participates in statewide Navigator meetings, sharing experiences from our region with the goal of improving access to care and reducing barriers for youth and families.
Performs duties consistent with the mission, vision and values of the Youth and Family Navigator Program.
Provides advocacy for youth and families throughout enrollment in the program to assist in achieving their stated goals and needs.
Minimum Requirements
High school diploma or GED equivalent
One (1) year of positive work history.
Self-identify as a current or past recipient of mental health and/or substance abuse services, and has been active in recovery for a minimum of two (2) years.
Possession of certification as a Peer Counselor, or DOH licenses/certificate successor, consistent with the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) OR obtain certification within six (6) months of hire.
Possession of affiliated counselor’s certification from the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) within 60 days of hire.
Requires successful completion of criminal background check.
Possession of a valid driver’s license at time of hire and for the duration of employment.
Selection Factors
Knowledge of case management approaches, service referral and available community resources, organizations and supports for the mentally ill.
Knowledge of the Spokane RSA System of Care including mental health agencies and substance use disorder and recovery services.
Knowledge of common mental health and substance use disorder diagnoses.
Knowledge of relevant confidentiality requirements, policies and procedures.
Skilled in communicating effectively both orally and in writing, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction.
Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with clients, co-workers and community agencies/partners.
Ability to deal with the public in a pleasant, courteous and calm manner, often under stressful situations.
Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team.
Ability to multi-task and work under pressure.
Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries while developing healthy, supportive relationships with people with mental illness/SUD.
Ability to accept persons who may be different from yourself.
Ability to exercise tact and discretion in obtaining cooperation of others.
Ability to maintain a professional demeanor during stressful and/or hostile situations.
Ability to develop a therapeutic alliance with individuals in services, demonstrating empathy and unconditional positive regard.
Ability to work on a long-term basis with individuals with serious mental illness and/or co-occurring disorders understanding the complexity of challenges and life stressors each individual experience(s).
Ability to understand modest achievements demonstrate progress for individuals with serious mental illness or co-occurring disorders.
Ability to accurately and professionally implement and document the services provided to clients.
Ability to manage a caseload of approximately 30-40 individuals.
Ability to collaborate and coordinate with Enrolled Responsible providers and allied systems in the community.
Ability to demonstrate effective time management skills in coordinating daily activities, appointments and completing necessary paperwork.
Ability to facilitate effective resolution of conflicts between clients and others.
Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a personal computer.
SPOKANE COUNTY
Employee Benefits Summary
The following is a brief list of benefits available to Spokane County regular employees. Complete information is available from Human Resources Department. This information is subject to change.
PAID TIME OFF
Spokane County Observed Holidays
Up to 10 (ten) paid holidays are observed by Spokane County.
PTO
Non-represented and a select group of represented employees receive a bank of hours that combine both vacation and sick leave into a paid time off bank. There is no waiting period to use this time and it starts out at almost 2 days per month accrual increasing in accrual rates annually for first 5 years.
Vacation
For employees with less than five (5) years of continuous service, the accrual rate is 1 day of vacation each month for a total of 12 days per year. After six (6) months, employees are eligible to take accumulated vacation time. (Please note the vacation time accumulation may vary depending on contract language).
Sick Leave
Sick leave is earned at 1 day per month and can be taken as the days are accumulated.
Other Leaves
Spokane County provides several other paid leaves such as: bereavement leave, jury duty and military duty leave.
INSURANCE BENEFITS
Medical Insurance
Two plans are currently available: Premera Blue Cross (PPO) and Kaiser Permanente (HMO). Spokane County pays 95% of the premium for full-time employees and 90% of the premiums for spouses and dependents. Premiums are deducted each pay period (pay periods: 15th and last day of the month).
2024 Rates:
Premera
Employee Only: $38.04 per month
Employee & Spouse: $149.52 per month
Employee & Family: $209.60 per month
Employee & Child(ren): $136.16 per month
Kaiser:
Employee: $35.92 per month
Employee & Spouse: $140.56 per month
Employee & Family: $196.06 per month
Employee & Child(ren): $128.58 per month
Dental Insurance
Two plans are currently available: Delta Dental of Washington (PPO) and Willamette Dental (DMO). Spokane County pays 95% of the premium for full-time employees and 90% of the premiums for spouses and dependents.
2024 Rates:
Delta Dental Willamette Dental
Employee: $5.74 per month Employee: $5.98 per month
Family: $11.48 per month Family: $11.96 per month
Group Life Insurance
The County provides a $25,000 group life insurance policy to employees. The County provides a $10,000 benefit for those represented by 492, 492CS & 492CL. This benefit is paid in full by Spokane County.
Long Term Disability Coverage
Provides an income protection benefit in the event of a long-term illness or injury at rate of 60% of income up to a maximum of $5,000 per month. Spokane County pays the full premium for this plan. Deputy Sheriff's receive a benefit through their union for disability.
RETIREMENT
Retirement Plan (401a)
Spokane County employees are automatically included in the Washington State Retirement System. Both the employer and the employee contribute to the plan. This retirement plan provides a guaranteed lifetime monthly benefit once vested and eligible for retirement.
Additional Retirement Plan Option (457b)
Employees may supplement their retirement income and save money on taxes by participating in this optional County program. Roth (after-tax) option is also available through this retirement plan.
VOLUNTARY BENEFITS
AFLAC
Supplemental insurance is optional and is provided by AFLAC to help pay for benefits not covered by major medical insurance. The employee pays 100% of the premium.
Travel Assistance
Provides additional travel protections anytime you travel more than 100 miles from home. Includes pre-trip information, emergency ticket replacement, and emergency evacuation coverage. This benefit is paid in full by Spokane County.
Flexible Spending Plan (FSA)
Spokane County sponsors a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account to allow out-of-pocket Medical & Daycare Expenses to be paid with Tax Free Dollars. Premiums are automatically set up pre-tax under the FSA.
Voluntary Term Life Insurance
Voluntary Term Life Insurance is additional optional life insurance provided through The Standard Insurance. New employees are guaranteed up to $50,000 for self and $20,000 for a spouse with no medical underwriting needed.
WORK/LIFE PROGRAMS
Employee Assistance Program
Employees and their family members are eligible to receive free counseling. There are also benefits relating to financial and legal concerns.
Reduced Cost Bus Pass Program
Spokane County participates in a program with STA which discounts bus passes to $5 a month.
Wellness Programs
There are opportunities for nearby exercise programs at reduced cost and education programs around wellness themes including financial well-being, nutrition and stress reduction.
Discounts
There are local and national discounts available to Spokane County employees.
01
To qualify to be a Peer Counselor, you must have a significant experience in mental health recovery, as defined by a person who is receiving or who has received mental health service, or a parent, legal guardian, or primary caretaker of a child who is receiving or who has received mental health services. Certified Peer Counselors are effective because they share lived experiences with others. Individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorder histories are eligible. Individuals with lived experience solely in substance use disorders are not eligible. Do you meet this requirement?
Yes
No
02
Are you a Washington State Certified Peer Counselor?
Yes
No
03
If not, are you willing to take the steps necessary to become a Washington State Certified Peer Counselor?
Yes
No
04
Being a Certified Peer Counselor means being able to help others and being able to work consistently. Describe your willingness and genuine desire to assist others:
05
Peer Counselors must be in recovery and understand the concepts of recovery. Please describe your skills and attitudes you have learned that help maintain recovery and promote resilience:
06
Please check the box that applies to your current Union status (if you are not a current Spokane County employee, please select "None of the above apply").
I am in the open position's department and my position is covered by the 1553 collective bargaining agreement
I am in another department and my position is covered by the 1553 collective bargaining agreement
I am in a position covered by the Master Contract collective bargaining agreement (not 1553)
I am in a position covered by another collective bargaining agreement (not 1553 or Master Contract)
None of the above apply
Required Question
Agency
Spokane County
Address
824 N Adams Spokane, Washington, 99260
Phone
509-477-5750
Website
http://www.spokanecounty.org/employment