Peer Support Specialist/Trainee - Community Diversion Unit

Frontier Behavioral Health's presence in Spokane is more than 100 years strong, allowing our non-profit organization to understand the varied needs of our clients and the larger community. Our programs are designed to provide evidence-based treatment to adults, youth and seniors who are dealing with a wide range of behavioral health issues. As a Trauma-Informed Care Organization, we firmly believe in recovery and that our clients can lead fulfilling and meaningful lives, and we consider it an honor and a privilege to assist them in their journey. If you want to have a positive impact in the lives of others come join us!

WHY CHOOSE FRONTIER BEHAVIORAL HEALTH?

• At Frontier Behavioral Health, we value our employees and recognize the importance of EVERY employee's contribution to our mission.
• Our behavioral health services make a positive difference in the lives of those we serve and contribute to the health, safety, and quality of life for everyone in Spokane County.
• At FBH we have a variety of client services, including outpatient, inpatient, community outreach, crisis services, partnerships with schools, law enforcement and more.
• Our evidence-based, culturally appropriate, trauma informed behavioral health services address the diverse needs of those we serve.

CDU Peer Support Specialists are an integral member of the Trueblood Crisis Diversion Unit (CDU). This team aims to bridge the divide between the criminal court system and behavioral health to further reduce involvement for current, former and potential Trueblood Class Members within Spokane County. CDU receives referrals from Spokane Police and Sheriff's Office co-deployed teams as well as FBHs Mobile Crisis Assessment and Triage (MCAT). The goal of CDU is to prevent involvement with the criminal justice system by providing short-term community stabilization services and/or appropriate behavioral health services. The team also links individuals to community resources for behavioral healthcare in the least restrictive environment to minimize continuances while incarcerated. Will receive direct referrals from co-responder teams with SPD, SCSO, SFD, MRCCT and any other third-party referral source identified by the Director. CDU will serve individuals who are confirmed or potential Trueblood class members.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.

1. Peer Support Services are scheduled activities that promote and support:

• Recovery and Rehabilitation
• Self-advocacy
• Development of Natural supports
• Maintenance of community living skills
• Self-sufficiency

2. Assist other professionals in the development of treatment interventions and stabilizations for those in an acute crisis situation.

3. Provide supportive services, drawing on common experiences as a peer, providing on-going support to all, clients including children and youth for Child and Youth positions, by encouraging them to regain hope in, and control over, their own lives, and to be active participants in resolving their crisis.

4. Identify services and activities that promote recovery by instilling hope and experiences which lead to meaning and purpose and which decrease stigma.

5. Promote personal responsibility for recovery as the individual client or mental health service defines recovery. Serve as an advocate and provide information and peer support in a range of settings.

6. Participate in a multi-disciplinary team approach to provide support and stabilization services to individuals in a manner appropriate to the individual client, their developmental level supportive of their culture.

7. Ensure the individual and their family are heard and their needs are addressed and met.

8. Engage with individuals prior to discharge from an emergency department, medical admittance, incarceration and participate (as appropriate) in discharge planning and assisting families as they transition into the community and back to their families.

9. Maintain close communication with team members and other clinical and administrative staff to ensure the highest quality of services is delivered to the individuals and their support systems.

10. Serve as a peer advocate to help empower individuals in gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to support stabilizing the crisis.

11. Assist individuals in need or in times of crisis by finding appropriate resources for stabilization in the least restrictive environment appropriate.

12. Develop and maintain linkage with community resources that benefit the identified population served.

13. Maintain client records and all other required documentation in a timely and confidential manner, in accordance with agency policies and practices.

14. Requires travel to see clients in the community and travel between work sites. Other duties as assigned.

15. Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL HAVE:

REQUIRED:

1. Self-identify as having one or more years in recovery from a mental health condition, substance use disorder or both.

2. Certified Peer Support Specialist or Certified Peer Support Specialist Trainee Credential from the WA State Department of Health OR:

• If an Applicant does not have an active or pending Certified Peer Support Specialist or Certified Peer Support Specialist Trainee Credential from the WA State Department of Health, then must apply for the Certified Peer Support Specialist TRAINEE credential within 90 days of start date.
• For more information about Certified Peer Support Specialist Credentials from the WA State Dept. of Health, please visit: https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/professions-new-renew-or-update/peer-support-specialist

3. High School diploma or equivalent.

4. Must have an unrestricted and valid driver's license, have active car insurance, and be willing to use their personal vehicle in the course of work.

PREFERRED:

• Two years' experience working in a community behavioral health setting.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal form
• Ability to work in a cooperative and collaborative manner as a team member with program participants.
• Ability to work with individuals from diverse cultures.
• Familiarity with the structure of inpatient behavioral health care facilities preferred.

PHYSICAL, SENSORY & ENVIRONMENTAL:

• The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• This position provided client services in-office and within the community at large on a occasional to frequent basis. Community settings include but are not limited to residences, group/congregate living settings, hospitals, shelters, the streets or anywhere in the community at large.
• Some environments may not be ideal in terms of cleanliness or being habitable. Occasional frequent travel between locations is required.
• The ability to drive a vehicle, traverse distances up to several city blocks and on various terrains, navigate stairs, get in and out of vehicles frequently is required. Daily use of a computer is required.
• May be required to lift 10 - 20 pounds.

PAY INFORMATION:

1. Applicants will be hired as a Certified Peer Support Specialist, if at the time of offer, has an ACTIVE Certified Peer Support Specialist Credential from the WA State Dept. of Health

2. Applicants will be hired as a Certified Peer Support Specialist Trainee, if at time of offer, the Applicant has an ACTIVE Certified Peer Support Specialist TRAINEE credential from the WA State Dept. of Health.

3. Applicants will be hired as a Peer Support Specialist Trainee, if at time of offer, the Applicant:

• Has not yet applied for either the Certified Peer Support Specialist or the Certified Peer Support Specialist TRAINEE credential with the WA State Dept. of Health. OR
• Has a PENDING Certified Peer Support Specialist Credential from the WA State Dept. of Health OR
• Has a PENDING Certified Peer Support Specialist TRAINEE credential from the WA State Dept. of Health.

4. Pay is based on whether an Applicant is hired one of the three credential options listed above.

PAY RANGE (Hourly/ Non-Exempt):

• Peer Support Specialist TRAINEE- $20.79-$25.33
• Certified Peer Support Specialist TRAINEE- $20.79-$25.33
• Certified Peer Support Specialist: - $22.00-$26.81

All pay is based on longevity at Frontier Behavioral Health; thus, the starting pay for these positions are:

• Peer Support Specialist TRAINEE: $20.79
• Certified Peer Support Specialist TRAINEE: $20.79
• Certified Peer Support Specialist: $22.00

Our Benefits and Perks are Amazing!

WE BELIEVE IN WORK LIFE BALANCE:

• Paid Time Off - Employees accrue up to 26 days of PTO in the first year of employment!
• Plus 9 Paid Federal Holidays!
• Sick Leave - Extended Sick Leave and Paid Sick and Safe Time.
• Some positions qualify for a Compressed Workweek option resulting in up to additional 26 days off per year.

BENEFITS: www.fbhwa.org/careers/benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Retirement - We offer an impressive 403b plan including standard 3% employer contribution plus an additional 3% employer match.
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life Insurance - Company paid coverage that starts the first of the month following 6 months from your date of hire.

PERKS: www.fbhwa.org/careers/perks

• Signing Bonus!
• No-cost licensure supervision for those pursuing clinical licensure.
• Federal and State Loan Forgiveness Program for qualifying Programs.
• Reimbursement of License/Certification application fee that is required for the position.
• Free Employee Assistance Program
• Staff Discounts at various FBH partners throughout Spokane!

Benefits described above are based on employees who hold .5 FTE positions or greater and/or some benefits vary based on FTE. PRN positions are not benefit eligible or eligible for a sign on bonus.