Peer Support Specialist

The Quinault Indian Nation is a federally recognized Indian tribe. Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 and other U.S. laws. Consideration may be given to non-Indian applicants if there are no qualified Indian Preference eligible.

We are located on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula, surrounded by the great outdoors. Locally we have many city, county, state, and federal parks. We are surrounded by an extravagant number of outdoor activities including hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, ocean beaches, lakes, rivers, bird watching and much more.

We offer our employees a wonderful benefits plan. All full-time employees are eligible for Medical, Prescription, Vision and Dental. If your plan is employee only, we will cover 100% of the premiums, you will also have the option to add dependents at an additional cost. Depending on the location and the position we may be able to offer relocation assistance. We pay 100% of the premiums for our full-time employees for both short-term and long-term disability plans. We have a gracious employee leave program to include 14 holidays, paid annual leave and paid sick leave.

The Peer Support interacts with a multidisciplinary team that will assist individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. The Peer Support will help develop a support plan with the clients and assist them in meeting their goals towards addiction recovery and independent living.

Specific duties and day-to-day tasks of the Peer Support Specialist are prompted by assignments, and by requirements to fulfill responsibilities established by the Supervisor. These duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assists in establishing a course of action by exploring options and setting goals with client.
• Obtains assistance for client by referring him/her to community resources, arranging for appointments, establishing rapport with other agencies.
• Aids in the fostering of client's action or adjustment by interpreting attitudes and patterns of behavior; explaining and pointing out new options.
• Shares their own life experiences related to behavioral health, builds alliances that enhance a clients ability to function including assisting in the development of self-advocacy and natural supports, maintenance of community living skills, and promoting socialization.
• Models personal responsibility, self-advocacy, and hope by drawing on ones recovery story as appropriate.
• Maintains record of case by documenting client's situation and client's own actions.
• Complies with regulatory agencies and in-house clinical procedures and guidelines.
• Assists in the monitoring of planned actions by conducting periodic follow-up.
• Helps to build rapport with patients and their families and relay all concerns to supervisor and multidisciplinary team.
• Coordinates with outside service providers including inpatient and outpatient treatment services, social security, veterans benefits, legal and advocacy services, and personal primary care medical and dental providers.
• Completes and files all reports in a timely manner as required by supervisor.
• Transports and/or accompanies clients and families to appointments.
• Represents the Quinault Wellness Center in a positive and professional manner when interacting with the community.
• Provides back up support for transportation department, counselors, and child watch departments.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Adheres to all QWC Policies.

Requirements:

• Must be a Certified Peer Counselor (CPC) in Washington State, certified through the Health Care Authority.
• Must maintain a valid Washington State Drivers License and must be insurable through our company.
• At least one year prior experience working for substance use disorder or similar program.
• At least one year prior experience working directly with children, adults, and families who have behavioral health and/or substance use disorder needs.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
• Knowledge and adherence to state (RCW, WAC) and federal confidentiality regulations (42 CFR part 2). Applicants must always conduct self ethically and professionally.
• Knowledge of HIPAA and PHI requirements.
• Knowledge of common office and administrative procedures.
• Skills in active listening. Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Skills in the operation of a personal computer and standard office programs and equipment.
• Ability to work in a cross-culture environment and understands the social and cultural context of the patients at the Quinault Wellness Center, understanding the role of trauma, historical, community, family, and personal experience in wellness and recovery.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, staff, and outside agencies.