Certified Peer Counselor

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Certified Peer Counselor is responsible for providing peer support, guidance, and advocacy for

residents. The applicant must have completed the Certified Peer Counselor class, passed the test from this class and obtained the certificate from the Department of Health.

This position is a combination of shifts from 2pm - 10pm and 10pm - 6am. Applicant must be able to work both shifts. This position will also require weekends. The pay range for this position $25.00 - $26.00. 

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conducts regular facility rounds in accordance with established policies, regulations, and procedures.
• Monitors and observes residents’ general conduct and behavior to prevent disturbances and/or elopement.
• Reports concerning behavior to the Charge Nurse on duty.
• Assists residents to develop weekly goals.
• Provides 1.1 support for all assigned residents to address ongoing program concerns and personal needs.
• Provides motivational counseling and individual support to all residents.
• Aids in addressing barriers and obstacles to their recovery by sharing their own recovery stories and experiences.
• Assists residents in developing life skills in the areas of living, learning, working, and socializing.
• Supports residents in gaining independence in the community.
• Accurately and timely charts in ECP using the DIP method of documentation.
• Provides resource information and referrals to assist residents in developing community support
• systems such as developing supportive relationships, self-advocacy, stable housing, education, and employment.
• Facilitates educational groups as assigned.
• Participates in resident Treatment Teams as requested.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION and LICENSURE:

• Must have completed the educational requirements as a Certified Peer Counselor in Washington State as defined in WAC 182-538D-0200.
• Must have valid Food Handlers Permit from the Health Department.
• Must meet health requirements, i.e. – flu vaccination, COVID-19 boosters, tb testing – per licensing requirements.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License required or the equivalent if residence in Washington is new.
• Must demonstrate flexible and efficient time management and ability to prioritize workload.
• The Certified Peer Counselor must be in recovery and willing to share their recovery journey.

TRANSPORTATION:

Must be willing and able to transport individuals to appointments or outings as directed and follow Supreme Living protocol for safe driving.

COMMUNICATION:

• Participates in staff meetings and in-services training.
• Consults with Nursing staff, Mental Health staff or peers when knowledge base in a given area needs to be expanded.
• Request’s literature, in-service or orientation on a given topic.
• Demonstrates accountability regarding equipment and supplies.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

• Ability to read, research, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical information pertinent to job requirements.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
• Ability to effectively present information to management and public groups.
• Proficient in English.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; squat; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The employee is required to operate a motor vehicle.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Most of the employee’s job duties are performed indoors in a medical environment in a residential setting. In some circumstances, the employee may be required to perform some job duties outside, in medical settings, and in the presence of non-employees, such as patients, families and state officials. There is a possibility of exposure to disease and contagions that could cause a cold, flu, COVID-19, and other illnesses. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

CLIENT CONTACT:

This position has direct responsibility for resident services. Contact with the residents occurs on a regular basis.