Position Overview

A Certified Peer Counselor (CPC) provides support and mental health interventions to Wellness and Recovery Center (WRC) patients as directed by a Mental Health Provider in the individual service plan. Certified Peer Counselors serve as a patient advocate. The CPC performs a wide range of tasks to support patients including to identify, learn and use skills and resources to build resilience and improve their ability to manage difficult situations. CPC’s will model competency in recovery and wellness, assisting patients to live their own lives through sharing of the Peer Counselor’s lived experience in crisis and recovery. CPC’s augment therapy and psychiatric services by providing holistic support to ensure successful living in the least restrictive environment. They provide skill building, care coordination, and treatment support to empower individuals to assume control of their lives.

Summary of the Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide therapeutic interventions to individuals according to the individual service plan developed by the MHP - Ongoing & timely communication with MHP required
• Communicate effectively with team members; recognize and report progress patients make towards meeting treatment goals
• WRC is a 24-hour program; willingness to be a team player and flexibility to assist with coverage needs is essential
• Link individuals to other professional community resources, natural supports, including educational, vocational, social, spiritual, and recreational resources
• Promote physical well-being and provide coordination with primary and specialty care providers

• Support skill acquisition to enhance self-sufficiency; model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies to assist patients to use skills to self-regulate
• When clinically appropriate, share lived experience to normalize and validate patients’ experience
• Support patients in articulating personal goals and the objectives necessary to reach their recovery and wellness goals
• Assist patients with identifying strengths, setting objectives and in identifying barriers to treatment
• Provide skills training, including illness management, socialization, time management, parenting skills, independent living, budgeting, and other skills necessary to enhance self-sufficiency

• Transport patients to behavioral health appointments
• Train individuals on the principles of Illness Management and Recovery (IMR)
• Be competent in Columbia Wellness programs in order to complete internal referrals
• Engage daily with admitted patients in a variety of therapeutic tasks
• Assist in the facilitation of groups or lead them independently based on demonstrated proficiency of skill
• Assist with admission and discharge paperwork as needed
• Attend collateral meetings with or on behalf of other clinical staff when requested
• Multidisciplinary teaming
• Identify patient needs and report them to the appropriate CW staff member
• Demonstrate skill in working with challenging and vulnerable populations, including those with mental illness
• Complete all documentation, reporting, and other paperwork according to agency standards.
• Effectively use technology and software including but not limited to: computers, phones, email, EMR, etc.
• Be helpful, respectful, approachable and team-oriented
• Manage time effectively, including but not limited to: planning ahead where possible and being punctual in person and with work performed
• Work efficiently both independently and as part of a team
• Build strong working relationships and a positive work environment
• Be receptive to feedback, willing to learn, and willing to embrace continuous improvement
• Attend all appropriate staff, organizational, educational and external meetings as assigned
• Assist with cleaning and cooking duties as needed. Food handlers license is required
• Assist in other programs when assigned by supervisor
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• HS Diploma or equivalent is required
• Received and must maintain Certification Peer Counselor
• Registration in Washington State is required (upon hire)
• Must have a valid Oregon or Washington driver's license and must clear a multi-state criminal background check. Hiring shall be contingent on a clean driving record per driving abstract submitted by employee
• Agency Affiliated Registration in Washington State is required

Salary: Starting at $20.65 +2% for relief, depending on experience.

We are proud to be able to not only offer competitive compensations but also a benefit package that our employees love.

Columbia Wellness is an Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Visit our website: www.columbiawell.org to learn more about our organization.

Columbia Wellness is a private nonprofit organization that has been serving the community for over 70 years!

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.