Peer Support Specialist/Community Health Worker

Job Description

Harborview Medical Center’s Mental Health and Addiction Services (HMHAS) has an outstanding opportunity for a Peer Support Specialist.

WORK SCHEDULE

• 20 hours per week, 50% FTE
• Day Shift

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS

• Model resiliency in overcoming obstacles common to those with mental illness
• Serve a wide diverse population of clients, all of whom have clear and persistent mental illness
• Help clients reach goals and provide the support needed to accomplish them

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as a recovery role model by demonstrating resilience and, as appropriate, sharing lived experience to support individuals with serious mental illness
• Support consumers in identifying and achieving recovery-oriented goals; collaborate with practitioners to coordinate appropriate services and activities
• Advocate for consumers by assisting them in expressing goals and interests through appropriate channels
• Lead or co-lead peer support, self-help, and educational groups
• Collaborate with agency programs as an active member of the consumer’s treatment team
• Coordinate Drop-In Center operations, including welcoming consumers, organizing activities, serving refreshments, maintaining a safe and orderly environment, and supervising consumer volunteers/interns; facilitate shower and laundry services for homeless participants
• Teach independent living skills, including budgeting, shopping, meal preparation, transportation use, and building natural community supports
• Provide outreach services supporting case management, supported housing, and supported employment programs
• Attend meetings, provide coverage for other Peer Support Specialists, and complete required documentation, billing, and electronic medical record entries
• Maintain records and inventory for prevocational and one-to-one support programs; operate standard office equipment
• Observe same-gender urine specimen collection for the Addictions Program and complete required documentation

REQUIREMENTS

• High school graduation or equivalent and two years’ experience in a behavioral health organization or consumer/peer run organization; or equivalent education/experience
• 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).
• Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

ABOUT HARBORVIEW MEDICAL CENTER

As the region's only Level I Trauma and verified burn center, Harborview Medical Center is a comprehensive healthcare facility owned by King County and operated by UW Medicine.  It is dedicated to providing specialized care for a broad spectrum of patients from throughout the Pacific Northwest, including the most vulnerable residents of King County.  It provides exemplary patient care in leading-edge centers of emphasis, including emergency medicine, trauma and burn care, neurosciences, ophthalmology, vascular surgery, HIV/AIDS, rehabilitation, mental health and substance abuse care.

Harborview employees are committed to the vital role the institution plays in the immediate community, as well as the entire Northwest region. 

Challenge. Collaboration. Compassion.

ABOUT UW MEDICINE – WHERE YOUR IMPACT GOES FURTHER

UW Medicine is Washington’s only health system that includes a top-rated medical school and an internationally recognized research center. UW Medicine’s mission is to improve the health of the public by advancing medical knowledge, providing outstanding primary and specialty care to the people of the region, and preparing tomorrow’s physicians, scientists and other health professionals.

All across UW Medicine, our employees collaborate to perform the highest quality work with integrity and compassion and to create a respectful, welcoming environment where every patient, family, student and colleague is valued and honored. Nearly 29,000 healthcare professionals, researchers, and educators work in the UW Medicine family of organizations that includes: Harborview Medical Center, UW Medical Center - Montlake, UW Medical Center - Northwest, Valley Medical Center, UW Medicine Primary Care, UW Physicians, UW School of Medicine, and Airlift Northwest.

Become part of our team. Join our mission to make life healthier for everyone in our community.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$22.94 hourly

Pay Range Maximum:

$32.81 hourly

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

50.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

SEIU Local 925 Nonsupervisory

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

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.