DSHS BHHA Peer Support Specialist - Behavioral Health Specialist 2

Full Job Description

DSHS Peer Support Specialist - Behavioral Health Specialist 2Are you passionate about supporting individuals on their journey to recovery?

The Behavioral Health Treatment Center (BHTC) is looking for a Behavioral Health Specialist 2 (formally Institutional Counselor 2) at the Maple Lane Campus in Grand Mound located in Centralia, WA.

As a Peer Support Specialist, you will have experience as a recipient of mental health services for severe or persistent mental illness and is willing to use and share his or her personal, practical experience, knowledge, and firsthand insight with residents.

This position will assist with navigation of resident recovery processes, be able to appropriately share their experiences with the residents, be able to coach residents to advocate for themselves regarding; hygiene, employment, social skills, household duties, public transport, or other tasks deemed necessary by treatment team.

Some of what you'll do:

• Provide clients with expertise about the recovery process, symptom management and persistence required by residents to lead a satisfying life
• Set and maintain appropriate professional boundaries while balancing the sometimes-conflicting demands of being both a peer to resident and an employee of Maple Lane Forensic Recovery Program (MLFRP)
• Provide guidance in constructing and encouraging residents to take responsibility and participate in their own wellness or recovery plan
• Promote hope and empowerment with willingness to share their own experiences as appropriate, designed to help residents attain recovery goals, and maintain the highest possible level of independence, even during periods of instability with the passion and enthusiasm for peer support and the possibility for recovery for everyone
• Maintains certification in Crisis Prevention Intervention facilitation (or other designated de-escalation training appointed by BHA)
• Provide coaching, guidance and support form strength-based perspective in areas to include transition services from hospital to community, supported companionship, money management and medical management
• Collaboration with residents on awareness of resident rights, including grievance and complaint procedures; support resident with filing, mediating, and resolving complaints
• Increase awareness of self-help and consumer advocacy groups with promote recovery, while acting as the liaison between community resources and such groups
• The Peer Support Specialists provide consultation to residents and families in areas of community resources, treatment planning and crisis intervention and substance abuse services
• Educate residents to find and effectively use a primary care physician, dentist and other medical specialist as required
• Other duties as assigned

What we're looking for:

• Ability to maintain professional boundaries
• Ability to advocate for residents and support treatment team decisions
• Ability to work flexible hours
• Ability to form trusting and reciprocal relationships
• Experience working with people from diverse cultures

Who should apply?
Professionals with:

• Satisfactory completion of two years of college, preferably with emphasis in one of the social sciences AND two year’s experience in a psychiatric or mental health, or health care setting.
  OR
• One year as a Behavioral Health Specialist 1.
  OR
• A Bachelor’s degree preferably involving major study in sociology or other social sciences
• An equivalent combination of education/experience.

NOTE: Must have or able to obtain a DOH Peer Certification

Interested?
Along with your application, please include:

• An updated resume
• Three professional references with contact information.

Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter sharon.sterling@dshs.wa.gov or call Talent Acquisition main line (360) 725-5810 and reference job number 02030.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work.

It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS.

We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Additional Information

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted.

Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job.

This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license.

Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protect­ed veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information.

Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810.

Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.