Substance Disorder Peer Counselor Job Goldendale Washington USA,Healthcare

Location: Goldendale

Substance Use Disorder Peer Counselor

The Substance Use Disorder Peer Counselor is a client advocate that will be responsible for providing guidance and support to individuals and families struggling with substance use disorders by leveraging their own lived experience of recovery. The Peer Counselor should be able to offer empathetic listening, assist clients and families in navigating recovery resources locally and regionally, facilitate groups, and collaborate with the Klickitat County Behavioral Health team and other healthcare professionals to develop personalized recovery plans.

The Peer Counselor must be willing to ensure a safe and non-judgmental environment to encourage client's commitment to sobriety and overall wellbeing.

Essential

Job Duties

Providing Peer Support:
Offer empathetic and non-judgmental support to clients based on shared experiences of substance use and recovery.

Conduct Peer Counseling Sessions:
Facilitate one on one and group counseling sessions to discuss recovery goals, challenges, and coping strategies.

Resource Navigation:
Assist clients in identifying and accessing community and regional resources, treatment programs, and support services.

Monitoring Progress:
Regularly check in with clients to monitor their progress, provide encouragement and adjust recovery plans as necessary.

Educational Outreach:
Provide education about substance use disorders, recovery processes, and healthy lifestyle choices to clients and their families, this may include outreach activities, community education and functions that are outside normal business hours.

Crisis Intervention:
Respond to clients in crisis, providing immediate support and connecting them with emergency services if necessary.

Documentation and Reporting:
Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records in the department electronic medical record of client interactions, progress, and any referrals made in accordance with department policies and procedures.

Advocacy:
Advocate for clients' needs within the healthcare system and community services to ensure they receive appropriate care and support.

Professional Development:
Participate in ongoing training and development opportunities to stay informed about evidence-based practices in substance use disorder treatment and peer counseling. Attend local, regional and state conferences when approved by department leadership.

Professionalism:
Maintain a high standard of professionalism by adhering to ethical guidelines as outlined at the Washington Department of Health;
County and department policies. Demonstrate reliability, respecting confidentiality, and presenting a positive image of the organization.

Collaboration:

Work closely with other counselors, healthcare professionals, and support staff to ensure comprehensive care for clients. Participate in on-going support network with other Peer Support Counselor(s) and other substance use professional staff.

Communication:
Clearly and effectively communicate with clients, families, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure understanding, convey important information, and build strong supportive relationships in the department, with clients, and with the community.

Promoting a Recovery Oriented Environment:
Encourage a culture of recovery within the organization and community by sharing positive recovery stories and fostering hope.

May be called to support the crisis team to provide coordinated care, ensuring clients receive timely and appropriate crisis intervention services.

May be called to testify in court.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements/Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED required
Additional Coursework or certification in peer counseling, addiction studies or a related field is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications:

Lived Experience: Personal experience with substance use disorder and recovery. This is important for establishing credibility and empathy with clients, at least one year of sobriety is preferred.
Advocacy Experience: Membership in or affiliation with consumer advocacy groups is preferred indicating a commitment to advocating for the rights and needs of individuals with substance use disorders.
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