Peer Counselor

Lifeline Connections is a community-based behavioral health organization that specializes in providing confidential and compassionate care to individuals who experience substance use and/or mental health conditions.

Our Vision - As the premier provider of substance use and mental health services in the Pacific Northwest we are respected and the most trusted resource for behavioral health treatment and whole-person care. We provide a comprehensive continuum of coordinated quality services foster enduring relationships and empower our communities to truly thrive.

Our Mission - Through superior customer service high quality programs and well-trained and dedicated staff we inspire hope and support lifesaving changes for people affected by substance use and mental health conditions.

POSITION: Peer Counselor MH OP Non-Exempt

Major duties: the peer counselor works under the supervision of the program director. This position provides community based recovery support services to agency clients. This position provides clinical services to agency patients. In fulfilling these duties the incumbent performs the following duties independently:

1. Attend required meetings with peer counselors supervisor
2. Ability to work with a diverse population and cultural backgrounds
3. Complete all required documents
4. Have good listening skills and be a good team player
5. Ability to support clients in achieving long term recovery
6. Be self-motivated
7. Other duties as assigned.

Position requirements:

1. Lived experience as a consumer of behavioral health services (mental health or substance use disorder) in successful recovery for 1 or more years and/or the parent or legal guardian of a child/ren under age 18 who has/have received behavioral health services.
2. Possess certification as a peer counselor consistent with WAC 246-341 or ability and willingness to obtain certification within 60 days of employment and disclose self to be a consumer of behavioral health services.
3. High school diploma or equivalent required; college degree in a social science preferred;
4. Current CPR and first aid permit or ability to obtain one within 90 days.
5. Current unencumbered drivers license and proof of current care insurance required;
6. Good verbal and written communication skills;
7. Great attendance;
8. Ability to work well with others and ability to work independently;
9. Good ethical decisions both in office and community setting.

Guidelines

This position requires that the incumbent obtain and maintain Washington state credentials through the department of health and complete the Washington state certified peer counselor training.

Complexity

The incumbent provides community-based support services to clients who differ widely in age and socioeconomic status. Strong interpersonal sound judgment and creativity are required to help implement and deliver treatment services that meet the complex needs of the clients.

Personal contacts

Contacts are with the members of the recovery coach treatment team clients significant others of the clients representatives. All personal contacts are carried out in accordance with federal and state laws dealing with the confidentiality of client records.

Physical demands

While performing the essential functions of the job the employee is regularly required to sit speak clearly hear and use hands and fingers to manipulate writing utensils and keys on a keyboard. The employee is occasionally required to stand walk reach with hands or arms stoop kneel crouch or lift and/or move maximum of 15 lbs. The employee is regularly required to effectively operate an automobile.

Working environment

Working hours are spent indoors in offices or other meeting rooms or in the community meeting with clients in their homes or health clinics. Supervision of outdoor activities visits to community agencies and participation in staff retreats and staff development activities will be required. Majority of work hours will be spent in the community.