Pathways of Washington, previously Providence Human Services, is one of the largest national providers of accessible, outcome-based behavioral and mental health services. At Pathways, we deliver exceptional value by creating healthier communities through the work of exceptional people. Our more than 5,000 employees provide the highest-quality home- and community-based human services in 17 U.S. states and the District of Columbia.

Pathways is seeking an innovative and purpose driven individual to join our team as a Peer Support Specialist (Part-Time 24 hours per week).

SUMMARYA Peer Specialist has been a recipient of lived experience. Peer Specialists are fully integrated team members who provide highly individualized services in the community and promote consumer self-determination and decision-making. Peer Specialists are also peers to the consumers and they have the innate ability to build trust and relationships with consumers. The insight resulting from this relationship is extremely useful in encouraging continued consumer growth and recovery, as well as a valuable tool that can be brought to the treatment team in gaining insight for the treatment of each individual consumer.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Carry out duties as a member of the team, under the direction of the team leader. Specific job responsibilities will vary depending on education and experience. Support the referred Participant in the recovery process by providing a wide range of activities to assist an individual in exercising control over their own life and recovery process, including but not limited to the following:

Support the development of wellness self-management skills; Creation of recovery goals and WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) plan to include listing of activities to promote wellness and positive mental health, triggers/warning signs, supports, things to do when the Participant is not feeling well, and a plan of care to use as needed when the Participant is in crisis; Support the implementation of the recovery plan and/or WRAP plan; Encourage attendance at community based mutual support groups;Support healthy interactions between Participant and their physician, psychiatrics, therapists by helping the Participant prepare for clinical visits; Link the Participant to important community resources; and, assist with necessary housing resources as needed.

Encourage Participants adherence to recovery, health and wellness plan;Support the consumer in reaching out to connect with family and/or friend to build a support network

Educate Participant on necessity and benefit of establishing a person recovery plan, primarily through identifying triggers, identifying action steps as well as identifying short, mid and long term goals that will assist in sustaining recovery and improving the Participants quality of life

Advocate for participant’s needs and assisting them with self-advocacy and natural supports

Provide information and support and promoting socialization

Assist participants in regaining control of their lives and maintain community living skills

Coping skills, role modeling recovery

Sharing their own recovery story to build alliances that enhance the individual’s ability to function

Modeling mutuality in the relationship

Mentoring

RECOVERY REQUIREMENTS

Provide the best customer care possible

Identify and build upon the strengths of consumers, coworkers, and the communities we serve

Support consumers’ steps towards Recovery and Wellness

Create an organizational culture that respects and celebrates the diversity of our consumers

Value learning as an ongoing process that enables us to better service our consumers and establishes our leadership in the industry

Research and utilize our industry’s best practices and analyze our own services to ensure the best possible outcomes

EDUCATION/LICENSING REQUIREMENTS

Washington Certified Peer Specialist with at least two years’ experience working as a peer

Maintain a counselor certification under 18.19 RCW, received within 90 days of employment

Prior behavioral health experience preferred

Experience with the State Hospital System preferred

Proof of: valid WA driver’s license, valid auto insurance coverage, or the ability to travel via public transportation

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Knowledge to encourage consumers to explore and regain strengths, skills, and/or talents that may be inherent in individual consumers and to become more social, through community events and outings, as well as within the program’s internal activities program

Skills to provide essential expertise and consultation to the entire team to promote a culture in which each consumer’s view and preferences are recognized, understood, respected, and integrated into treatment, rehabilitation, and community self-help activities.

Should have community resource connections and experience working with others peers

Excellent organizational skills, interpersonal skills, computer skills and communication skills are a must

Ability to effectively prioritize and manage time

Lived experience of mental health recovery and the willingness to share his/her own experiences as appropriate

Confidence in his or her own wellness

Passion and enthusiasm for peer support and the belief that recovery is possible

Ability to work flexible hours

Ability to meet timely documentation requirements

Ability to work in a cooperative and collaborative manner as a team member with Hospital staff, BHO staff, and program participants

Strong written and verbal communication skills

General office and computer experience

Ability and experience working with people from diverse cultures

Ability to form trusting and reciprocal relationships

Pathways is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic.