Peer Counselor

South County Firein Everett WA is currently recruiting for a Peer Counselor.

Core Values:

All employees of South County Fire are expected to hold themselves accountable for upholding and demonstrating our core values at all times: Integrity Humility Compassion Family and Trust.

Summary:

The Peer Counselor supports individuals in crisis through lived-experience based engagement advocacy education and restoration of hope. This role works in mobile community-based crisis settings as part of the Community Based Crisis Team (CBCT) under supervision of Mental Health Professionals (MHPs) to assist in de-escalation linkage follow-up and peer support services. The position is intended to meet the requirement that CBCTs include certified peer counselors as a best practice per WAC . Washington State Legislative Website

This role may also be filled initially by a Community Health Worker (CHW) who is eligible and successfully completes peer certification under Washington States peer certification program.This position is grant-based funded for 36 months with funding up for renewal after 36 months.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Use lived experience and training to engage individuals in crisis with empathy active listening and rapport-building
• Co-respond with crisis responders (MHPs / Behavioral Health Responders) in the field providing peer support psychoeducation resource linkage and follow-up
• Assist in stabilization safety planning and de-escalation under supervision
• Maintain and document contacts progress notes goal plans safety plans referrals and follow-up activities in a shared client record system consistent with confidentiality and HIPAA / state regulations
• Facilitate peer support groups recovery planning and connection to community supports
• Provide ongoing community navigation advocacy and referrals
• Participate in required trainings: Crisis Academy trauma-informed care motivational interviewing suicide prevention confidentiality / ethics etc.
• Participate in team meetings case reviews supervision sessions
• Engage in continuous professional development and maintain peer certification (or progression toward it)
• Assist with data collection quality improvement efforts outcome measurement and reporting as required under HCA / BH-ASO contracts

Qualifications:

Knowledge Of:

• Lived experience with behavioral health recovery (mental health or substance use) ideally 12 years or more
• High school diploma or equivalent

• Ability to certify (or currently be certified) as a Washington State Certified Peer Counselor (per chapter 18.420 RCW or other state peer certification standards)
• Able to respond in mobile settings (travel variable hours)
• Strong interpersonal communication and boundary skills
• Basic computer skills and ability to document in electronic health record (EHR) or case management systems
• Maintain a valid drivers license good driving record in order to drive program vehicles
• Able to pass background check and psychological evaluation

Special Requirements:

• Must maintain a valid Washington State Drivers License with acceptable driving record.
• Must pass a formal criminal background check for both Lynnwood Police and South County Fire.

• Experience working in crisis community behavioral health or peer support
• Bilingual or multilingual ability relevant to service area
• Certification or training in motivational interviewing trauma-informed care etc.

The employee is regularly required to stand walk use hands to manipulate handle or operate objects controls or tools as listed above reach with hands and arms climb balance stoop kneel or crouch. Must be able to assist patients and lift when necessary utilizing lift assistance devices. Office activities require the ability to sit for long periods of time and move throughout the office or field; ability to perform manipulative skills required for word processing; ability to lift carry and maneuver various educational supplies and equipment up to 50 pounds; ability to read computer screen various documents and forms; hearing and speech abilities to effectively communicate and perform duties.

Working Conditions:

Work takes place in a variety of environments including office settings classrooms meetings public events and field-based work: Home streets shelters etc which may take place outdoors in inclement weather. Use of agency vehicle may be required with occasional long travel. Travel may involve visiting challenging and uncomfortable living situations with exposure to unpredictable or volatile settings (de-escalation required). Must follow team safety protocols (backup radio scene assessment). CBCT employees work on a rotating schedule to ensure weekend coverage and may work Irregular hours possibly including evenings and holidays.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload. Furthermore they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

South County Fire is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment South County Fire will ensure that reasonable accommodations are provided upon request to persons with disabilities. If reasonable accommodations are needed to participate in the application interview or testing process please contact the HR Manager at