GENERAL SUMMARY

The Certified Peer Specialist collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to support individuals experiencing mental health, emotional, and substance use challenges. In this role, the Certified Peer Specialist partners with clients to develop, individualized support plans and assist them in working toward their recovery goals and achieving greater independence.

This position ensures the confidentiality, security, and accuracy of records, and promotes positive employee, customer, and community relations. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required and outstanding customer service to fellow employees, customers, vendors, etc. is expected. Regular attendance is required, and on occasion, later hours or weekend time may be required with project deadlines and a neat well-groomed professional appearance is essential at all times.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary responsibilities are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform. This list of responsibilities is intended to be representative of the duties performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed if such duties relate to the position.

• Assist in establishing a course of action by exploring options and setting goals with clients.
• Assist clients by referring them to appropriate community resources, coordinating appointments, and establishing collaborative relationships with partner agencies.
• Aids in the fostering of client's action or adjustment by interpreting attitudes and patterns of behavior; explaining and pointing out new options.
• Uses personal lived experiences with behavioral health to build trust and supportive relationships, while assisting clients in developing self-advocacy skills, natural support systems, community living skills, and social connections.
• Demonstrates personal responsibility, self-advocacy, and hope by appropriately sharing one's own recovery experience as a source of support and inspiration.
• Maintains accurate case records by documenting the client's circumstances and actions in a timely and thorough manner.
• Maintains the security and confidentiality of all program data in compliance with applicable regulations.
• Complies with regulatory agencies and in-house clinical procedures and guidelines.
• Assist in monitoring planned actions by conducting periodic follow-up.
• Helps to build rapport with patients and their families and relay all concerns to supervisor and multidisciplinary team.
• Coordinates with outside service providers including inpatient and outpatient treatment services, social security, veteran's benefits, legal and advocacy services, and personal primary care medical and dental providers.
• Prepares and submits required reports accurately and on time, in accordance with supervisory guidance.
• Maintain professional, ethical and collaborative relationships with clients and peers while delivering services.
• Participate in ongoing training and continuing education related to substance use to ensure safe, effective, and informed service delivery.
• Transports or accompanies clients and their families to appointments, ensuring safety and support throughout the process.
• Provides backup support to the transportation department, counselors, and child watch staff as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Must possess a high school or equivalent or obtain within one year of employment.
• Must currently hold an active, unrestricted Affiliated Counselor License with Washington State.
• Must have passed the peer certification oral and written exam.
• One year of experience working in a substance use disorder treatment program.
• One year of experience providing direct services to children, adults, and families with behavioral health needs.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's license and maintain a driving record that meets the minimum requirements established by Nisqually Indian Tribes vehicle insurance provider.
• Successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check.
• The ability to work with vulnerable populations including adults and children.
• Must be eligible to work around Indian Children per Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act (25 CFR Part 63).
• Must pass a State and National (FBI) criminal history background check prior to employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of the Nisqually Indian Tribe's history, customs, traditions, and ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity.
• Experience working with Federally Recognized Tribes.

SUPERVISION

This position does not supervise.

COMPETENCIES

Possesses the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
• Tribal, Federal, and state laws, codes, and regulations.
• HIPAA and PHI requirements. Knowledge and adherence to state (RCW, WAC) and federal confidentiality regulations (42 CFR part 2)
• Common office and administrative procedures.
• Trauma and its impact on wellness and recovery.

Skill in:

• Active listening. Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Operating a personal computer and standard office programs and equipment.
• Organizational management practices.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities.
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills, with a commitment to delivering excellent customer service.
• Motivational interviewing (MI) skills or a desire to learn MI.

Ability to:

• Work in a computer-based environment, especially Microsoft Windows.
• Work in a cross-cultural environment and understand the social and cultural contexts of patients.
• Prioritize multiple tasks amidst frequent interruptions.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, staff, and external agencies.
• Maintain personal, professional, and ethical boundaries.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger; handle; feel; or grip objects, stretch and/or reach with hands and arms; stoop; crouch or work in cramped or awkward positions; repetitive motions. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust to focus.