SUD Peer Specialist - Day Shift, STAR Center

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Shift: Day (7am - 3:30pm)

Days Off:
Saturday, Sunday

Supervised by: STAR Center Peer Supervisor

Insurance Benefits: Medical (no premiums/payroll deductions for employee coverage), Dental, Life, Long-term Disability

Other Benefits: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), ORCA card subsidy, Paid Time Off (34 days per year), Retirement Plan

Union Representation: This position is a part of a union and is represented by SEIU Healthcare 1199NW.

About DESC:

DESC (Downtown Emergency Service Center) is a nonprofit organization working to help people with the complex needs of homelessness, substance use disorders, and serious mental illness achieve their highest potential for health and well-being through comprehensive services, treatment, and housing. Our vision is a community where no person is abandoned, ignored, or experiencing homelessness.

As the region's leading provider of services to multiply disabled adults who have experienced chronic homelessness, DESC serves almost 3,000 people each day. Our integrated service model is designed to help people secure and maintain appropriate, safe and affordable housing. DESC is recognized nationally and regionally as an innovator in developing solutions to homelessness.

JOB DEFINITION:

The STAR (Stability Through Access and Resources) Center is a time-limited, 24/7, behavioral health-focused non-congregate shelter program. Services at the Center are tailored for unsheltered adults facing significant untreated and undertreated challenges related to mental health and substance use disorders. The center is located at 619 3rd Avenue and Cherry Street in downtown Seattle.

The STAR SUD Peer Specialist provides services to guests receiving shelter at the STAR Center. Peer Specialists bring lived experience with recovery from substance use disorder and apply formal training to support participants through mind-body recovery and resilience. The STAR Peer Specialist shares personal, practical experience, knowledge, and insight with participants and team members. They are well-established in their recovery and offer unique perspectives that complement integrated shelter and clinical services.

This position combines 1:1 work with participants, recovery and enrichment group leadership, and collaboration with DESC providers and programs, as well as community partners.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Service Job Duties

• Provide peer counseling services at the STAR Center and to STAR Center guests in the community.
• Identify individuals in need, screen for appropriateness of peer services, develop rapport and trust while offering support, and assist with immediate and ongoing participant needs.
• Integrate relevant personal experience with mental illness and substance use disorders into work with program participants.
• Help participants identify, understand, and combat stigma and discrimination associated with mental health concerns and substance use disorders.
• Support participants' self-advocacy. Work to ensure participants' voice and choice are centered in care planning, including Integrated Service Plans, Goal Plans, Crisis Plans, and Care Conferences.
• Support participants creating and utilizing Mental Health Advanced Directives.
• Develop and lead peer recovery and enrichment groups and activities.
• Work closely with leadership, recreation specialists, medical staff, and other providers to ensure peer groups and activities align with participant and program needs and best practice.
• Participate in discharge planning and create peer support transition plans for guests exiting the STAR Center to long-term shelter or housing.
• Collaborate with the DESC SUD program to support interdepartmental integration.
• Maintain awareness of current SUD recovery resources in the community.
• Participate in verbal de-escalation and in emergent situations and be willing and able to assist other staff as needed to maintain a safe and secure environment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Current Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) or Certified Peer Support Specialist Trainee (CPSS-T) credential through the Washington State Department of Health or ability to gain certification within 60 days of hire.
• Proof of successful completion of the Washington State Health Care Authority's Certified Peer Support Specialist Training prior to hire.
• Lived experience as a consumer of behavioral health services (mental health and/or substance use treatment) or be the parent or legal guardian of a child who has received behavioral health services.
• Desire to serve people with complex needs who are or have been experiencing homelessness and are living with serious and persistent mental health concerns, substance use disorder, and other complex medical conditions.
• Able to work effectively with participants displaying a wide range of challenging behaviors.
• Adaptable to changing priorities, processes, or workflows as the program grows and evolves.
• Able to give and receive…