Peer Support Specialist - Peer Bridger

Job Description

PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST - PEER BRIDGER

Req #: 226533 Department: HARBORVIEW - BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Job Location: Harborview Medical Center Posting Date: 09/27/2023 Closing Info: Open Until Filled Salary: $3,569 - $5,103 per month Other Compensation: Union Position: Yes Shift: First Shift Benefits: This position provides opportunities to work in a fast-paced, challenging, diverse and rewarding environment. As an employee you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For detailed information on Benefits for this position, click here Harborview Medical Center’s Mental Health and Addictions Services (HMHAS), Behavioral Health Department has an outstanding opportunity for a Peer Support Specialist – Peer Bridger position.
SCHEDULE
Full-time, First shift, 40 hours / week, (100% FTE)
PRIMARY JOB 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 practitioners with identifying services and activities to help consumers reach those goals. Assist consumers with voicing interests and goals through appropriate channels and assisting 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 Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES) visit.
• 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 Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES) interdisciplinary to facilitate 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 preparation, 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.
REQUIREMENTS
• High school graduation or equivalent, AND two years of full-time clerical experience OR equivalent education/experience.
• 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 Driver’s License.
• May need to obtain and maintain a Food Handler’s Permit.
DESIRED
• 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.
Under general supervision, the Peer Counselor 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 in our Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES) department and assist individuals with transition and follow-up from emergency to outpatient/community-based settings.

Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected] .

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law .

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