PEER SUPPORT COUNSELOR (HARBORVIEW)
University of Washington
Seattle, WA
Full-time
Mental Health
Posted on May 31, 2019
Req #: | 167877 |
Department: | HMC PSYCHIATRY AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES |
Job Location: | Harborview Medical Center |
Posting Date: | 05/30/2019 |
Closing Info: | Open Until Filled |
Salary: | $2,850 - $3,782 per month |
Union Position: | Yes |
Shift: | First Shift |
Harborview Medical Center's Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Services has outstanding opportunities for 100% Full-Time (40 hours/week) Peer Support Counselors/Community Health Workers.
Under general supervision, the Peer Support Specialist is an individual who self-identifies as a consumer of mental health services and is well grounded in their own recovery. They model resiliency in overcoming obstacles common to those with mental illness. This position will serve a wide diverse population of clients, all of whom have clear and persistent mental illness; they will help persons with mental illness identify goals that promote recovery and resiliency; and will assist in identifying services and activities to help them reach these goals and provide the support needed to accomplish them. This particular position will be based on inpatient units and assist individuals in the transition from inpatient to outpatient settings.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
•Serve as a role model demonstrating resiliency in overcoming obstacles and managing their own recovery common to those with serious mental illness and be willing to share personal lived experience as appropriate. Assist consumers with identifying goals that promote recovery and resiliency and assist practioners with identifying services and activities to help consumers reach those goals. Assist consumers with voicing interests and goals through appropriate channels and assiting them with their transition from inpatient to outpatient settings.
•Build positive supportive relationships with consumers that helps promote hope, choice, wellness and recovery. Provide one-to-one support during and after hospitalization. Lead and/or co-lead self-help support and education groups.
•Assist consumers with identifying and linking to community-based services and supports (primary care, mental health and/or substance abuse treatment, housing and employment resources, consumer support and self-help groups, etc.) Provide assistance with applying for and securing financial benefits.
•Assist consumers to understand the effects of psychiatric medications, and with filling prescriptions after discharge.
•Work in conjunction with all inpatient and outpatient programs as part of the consumer’s treatment team.
•Coordinate with inpatient treatment units to faciliate discharge planning and develop and implement individualized transition plans with each participant.
•Assist consumers in their recovery by teaching independent living skills such as shopping, budgeting, meal preporation, accessing public transportation (including accompanying consumers to appointments) and establishing/maintaining community based natural supports.
•Attend relevant meetings. Provide coverage for other Peer Support Specialists. Maintain clinical and billing records, submit daily activity reports, and chart consumer contact in the electronic medical record as needed.
•Establish and maintain record keeping/filing systems in support of individualized one-to-one services. Operate office equipment such as computer, calculator, and copy/fax machines. Order, receive and maintain inventory of materials and supplies for various consumer support services.
•Perform other related duties as required.
As an employee you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For detailed information on Benefits for this position click here.
AND
Peer Counselor Certification (Department of Behavioral Health and Recovery) OR Community Health Worker Certification (Department of Health)
AND
Within 7 days of employment and depending on job requirements:
must apply for Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration/License with the State of WA (Dept of Health), and have obtained this credential within 60 days of hire (RCW18.19.210).
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
•Must obtain an Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration with the State of Washington.
•Must obtain a Peer Support Specialist Certification issued by the Mental Health Division as specified in WAC 388-865-0107 within the first 6 months of employment.
•May need a Washington State Drivers License.
•May need to obtain and maintain a Food Handler’s Permit.
DESIRED SKILLS:
•Exceptional communication skills, written, oral, and telephone.
•Experience interacting and communicating with a diverse population, using sensitivity, tact, and discretion.
•Demonstrated computer experience and proficiency, preferably in a Windows-based environment.
•Demonstrated history of commitment to continuously improving quality and service.
•Maintains the highest standards of confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical conduct.
•Demonstrates independent judgment and decision making skills and appropriately prioritizes and handles multiple tasks.
The University of Washington is a leader in environmental stewardship & sustainability, and committed to becoming climate neutral.
The University of Washington is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 / 206-543-6452 (tty) or dso@uw.edu.