Title: Peer Services Specialist – King County Drug Diversion Court (KCDDC)

Part/ Full Time: Full Time – 40 hours/ week

Starting schedule of Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Hourly/ Salary: Hourly

Pay Scale: $22.97- $25.16 per hour DOE

Reports to: Program Manager

Supervisory Role: No

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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 Kent. 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 role of the Peer Services Specialist is to work with individuals who are struggling with issues related to mental health and/or addiction challenges. 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 member connection with a broad range of community-based services and natural supports.

Primary Responsibilities

•  Work directly with the Program Manager to establish guidelines, best practices, client tracking, and expectations in the development and application of this position.

•  Work with members early in recovery from or struggling with mental health and/or addiction challenges to provide support and referral services.

•  Provide intake services and case management for service contracts.

• Maintain weekly contact with assigned clients.

• Submit data and other reporting in a timely fashion.

•  Develop relationships with community partners.

•  Respond to all phone calls and emails within 1 business day.

•  Act as a representative on behalf of Peer Kent as needed with regards to community collaborations and events as assigned by the Program Manager. This includes reporting back to the Program Manager with updates and for direction on how to proceed with our involvement.

•  Maintain clear communication with staff and volunteers. This includes keeping the Program Manager updated on weekly schedules and copied on all important communication.

• Attend on-going training programs offered to enhance effectiveness of role.

Required Qualifications  

• Must identify as someone in recovery from mental health and/or addiction challenges and in remission for a period of at least one year.

• Must be trained and certified as a peer recovery coach through Peer Washington, its affiliates, CCAR, or equivalent training model, or be willing to do so within six months of hire.

• Must be a graduate or alumni of King County Drug Diversion Court

• Must have great organizational, documenting, communication, and service 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 including Microsoft Office Products.

• Ability to work both independently and under supervision.

• Ability to maintain healthy boundaries with peers.

• Ability to manage time effectively.

Additional Qualifications

• Lived experience in the legal and court system and the ability to use that experience appropriately in a professional setting to provide peer support to individuals currently involved in the legal system.

• Ability to collaborate with Peer WA staff, coaches, and volunteers, providing training and coaching related to role as needed.

• Maintain referral intake data collection and assure timely follow-up with referred individuals.

• Maintain accurate records on provided services to individuals involved in the assigned courts to meet all reporting expectations of the contract.

• Assist court personnel in the completion of the Recovery Capitol (REC-CAP) assessments as instructed, and support participants in successful compliance with these and any conditions of the court.

• Knowledge of or ability to develop an extensive network of South King County community organizations, resources, and referral partners.

• Ability to develop expertise in providing peer support to individuals involved in the justice system including referral to community care providers, service partners, and other resources.

• Coordinate referrals to Peer WA for all available peer services and support Peer WA staff in the provision of those services.

• Schedule and facilitate support groups based on identified needs and encourage individuals in receiving training.

• Graduated King County Drug Diversion Court required.

Additional Compensation

• Starting salary $22.97 - $25.16/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.

• Two Personal Days if hired prior to February 8th, one Personal Day if hired on or after February 8th, 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 are interested in applying for this position, please submit a cover letter and resume via INDEED.