Peer Services Specialist – Supported Employment

Title: Peer Services Specialist – Supported Employment
Part / Full Time: Full Time – Flexible schedule, may include evenings and weekends.
Hourly / Salary: Hourly
Pay Scale: $22.97- $25.16 per hour DOE
Reports to: 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 emotional support is the foundation of the services provided by Peer Seattle. 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 Peer Services Specialist's role is to work with individuals who are struggling with issues related to mental health, addiction, and/or chronic illness. The Peer Services Specialist will be an accountability partner to help members 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 client connection with a broad range of community-based services and natural supports. This position is focused on providing vocational support services to our members.

Primary Responsibilities

• Work directly with the Program Manager to establish guidelines, best practices, client tracking, and expectations for this position.
• Work with members early in recovery from or struggling with substance use disorder and/or mental health challenges to provide support and referral services.
• Provide intake services and case management for service contracts.
• Maintain weekly contact with assigned members.
• Submit data and other reporting in a timely fashion.
• Develop relationships with community partners.
• Collaborate with Peer Seattle Peer Coaches as requested in providing support to their matches.
• Respond to all phone calls and emails within 1 business day.
• Act as a representative on behalf of Peer Seattle as needed with regards to community collaborations and events as assigned by the Program Manager.
• Maintain clear communication with staff and volunteers. This includes keeping the Program Manager updated on weekly schedules and copied on all-important communication.
• Attend ongoing training programs offered to enhance the effectiveness of the role.

Required Qualifications

• Must identify as someone in recovery from substance use and/or mental health challenges and in remission for at least one year.
• Must be trained and certified as a peer recovery coach and peer group facilitator through Peer Washington, CCAR, or equivalent training model, or within the first six months of employment.
• Must have a Certified Peer Counselor (CPC) designation with WA state or be willing to get certified within the first six months of employment.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Established relationships with local community-based organizations.
• Previous experience working as a Certified Peer Counselor (CPC).
• Experience in supported employment or peer employment services.

Addendum Foundational Community Supports (FCS)/ Responsibilities for Supported Employment

• Connect with, serve, and support BIPOC identified individuals in SUD recovery.
• Ability to provide the Peer Seattle community education on FCS benefits and Supported Employment Principles.
• Maintains referral intake data collection and assures timely follow-up.
• Ability to develop expertise in the supported employment arena by working with the Peer Seattle community care providers, service partners, and other resources regarding Individual Placement Services (IPS) employment.
• Maintain accurate records on provided services for verifiable peer FCS service billing.
• Must be able to do outreach throughout King County, including transportation necessary to provide supported employment services.
• Knowledge of Individual Placement Services (IPS), supported employment, reasonable accommodations, and related resources.
• Ability to make connections with businesses and employers who are willing to hire our members.
• Knowledge of continued education and job skills programs.

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 – Family Navigator will be responsible for any additional tasks that are assigned by the supervisor.

Additional Compensation

• Starting Wage: $22.97- $25.16 per hour DOE
• Paid Vacation Time – 3 weeks per year, accrued at 4.615hrs per biweekly pay period, 120-hour maximum annual carryover.
• Paid Sick Time – 80 Hours per year, accrued at 3.077hrs per biweekly pay period, 480-hour maximum annual carryover.
• Three Personal Days if hired prior to July 8, 2025. Three Personal Days per quarter thereafter. Personal days do not carry over from year to year, have no monetary value, and are forfeited upon employment separation.
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, and Long-Term Disability; employee premiums covered by employer at 100% for employees.
• Simple IRA through Charles Schwab with an employer match of up to 3%
• Employee Assistance Program through Mutual of Omaha
• Work cell phone through AT&T
• Peer Washington covers the employee portion of Washington Unemployment and Paid Family Medical Leave at 100%.

If you would like to apply for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $22.97 - $25.16 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person