Peer Counselor - Edward Thomas House Medical Respite

University of Washington•Seattle, WA

19d•Onsite

About The Position

Harborview Medical Center’s Edward Thomas House Medical Respite has an outstanding opportunity for a Peer Support Counselor. The Edward Thomas House Medical Respite is a unique medical respite harm reduction program that provides shelter care with embedded nursing, mental health, and case management services to an at-risk homeless population. Medical Respite is a part of the Healthcare for the Homeless Network and is supported by funds from multiple sources including King County Public Health, MIDD, and local hospitals. The Edward Thomas House admits patients referred from all King County area hospitals 7 days a week and operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The program is operated by Harborview Medical Center (HMC) at an off-site location next to the Harborview emergency department.

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.

Responsibilities

Participate as a member of a multi-disciplinary team to serve homeless people, many of whom are using substances and/or have a mental illness
Serve as a role model demonstrating resiliency in overcoming obstacles common to those with mental illness and/or substance use disorders and be willing to share personal lived experience as appropriate
Assist patients with identifying goals that promote recovery and resiliency and assist practitioners with identifying services and activities to help consumers reach those goals
Lead and/or co-lead self-help support and education groups
Work in conjunction with all agency programs as part of the consumer’s treatment team
Assist with community room activities as needed: greets consumers, organizes activities, maintains order
Provide outreach/engagement services for difficult-to-reach clients initially addressing basic needs of food, clothing, shelter and medical care
Attend relevant meetings.
Maintain clinical and billing records, submit daily activity reports, and chart consumer contact in the electronic medical record as needed
Operate office equipment such as computer, and copy/fax machines