Peer Support Counselor

Who is Comprehensive Healthcare?

Comprehensive Healthcare provides innovative behavioral health and integrated healthcare services to clients of all ages. We take pride in our creative and collaborative work environment and in delivering clinically excellent, trauma-informed, recovery-oriented services.

What are we looking for in a Peer Support Counselor?

Peer Support Counselors use their own experiences with behavioral health issues, treatment, and recovery to encourage and support clients as they progress through their own recovery steps. Peer Support Counselors promote socialization and self-advocacy, assist with developing a natural support system, and work with clients to develop & maintain community living skills. As part of this process, Peer Support Counselors will participate in scheduled and routine activities to assist clients in developing the skills and confidence to exercise control over their own lives. This position is best suited to an individual who is ready to use their own experiences to relate to others and is willing to travel regularly.

This position is part of our HARPS program in Walla Walla and will have a regular full-time schedule of Monday-Friday 8am-5pm. The Housing and Recovery through Peer Services (HARPS) program assists individuals transitioning from inpatient psychiatric or substance abuse treatment settings, or individuals at risk of homelessness, obtain and maintain permanent housing. The HARPS program utilizes peer support and housing assistance to engage individuals in ongoing behavioral health treatment, reduce homelessness, and support the recovery and resiliency of individuals with serious mental illness.

Peer Support Counselor duties may include:

• assisting clients with attending appointments, applying for social services benefits, finding and maintaining housing, and other activities of daily living
• collaborating with each client in the development and implementation of individualized treatment plans and self-directed recovery action plans
• sharing personal experiences of recovery, as appropriate, to build motivation and encourage clients in their treatment
• partnering with clients to advocate for their needs & desires throughout treatment
• modeling ways to engage with others to increase social supports, develop meaningful relationships, and access & navigate community resources
• assessing clients for safety and risk to self or others, and taking appropriate crisis intervention measures when indicated

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED
• Must be a self-identified consumer of mental health services in stable recovery
• Eligible for Peer Counselor certification provided by the Washington State Healthcare Authority
• Must be eligible for registration as Agency Affiliated Counselor
• Must have valid driver’s license and vehicle liability insurance

What Comprehensive Healthcare Can Offer You

Training and Development

• A variety of career opportunities in a wide range of settings with room for mobility and promotion
• Regular training opportunities including support, supervision, and consultation in implementing evidence-based services and programs

Innovative Program & Services

• A strong reputation for providing quality, evidence-based services within a collaborative multi-disciplinary team environment
• Innovative, forward-looking leadership that seeks to thrive in an ever-changing healthcare environment
• Joint Commission-accredited organization committed to continuous quality improvement
• Established partnerships with major research universities and other community and healthcare providers to implement cutting-edge treatment programs and services

Excellent Benefits

• Competitive salaries within our communities and industry
• Healthcare coverage for employee and qualified family members
• Generous vacation, paid holiday and sick leave policies
• Access to Employee Assistance Program services
• Agency-funded retirement plan with contributions equal to 5% of compensation
• Additional retirement investment opportunities with a 50% investment match of up to 4% of compensation
• Agency-funded life and disability insurance program

Comprehensive Healthcare is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. We value the diverse perspectives and strengths that our employees bring to the workplace and we encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply for our positions. The Human Resources department gladly offers accommodations and assistance for the application and interview process; please contact us at (509) 575-4084 to make arrangements.

Job Requirements:

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED
• Must be a self-identified consumer of mental health services in stable recovery
• Eligible for Peer Counselor certification provided by the Washington State Healthcare Authority
• Must be eligible for registration as Agency Affiliated Counselor
• Must have valid driver’s license and vehicle liability insurance

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