JOB PURPOSE:   Under the State Targeted Response to the Opioid Crisis Grant (STR) this position will provide outreach and engagement services to individuals who are homeless and suspected of Opioid Use Disorders. This individual will use his or her own lived experience of recovery from substance use/mental illness to assist participants in enrolling in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide outreach and establish connections with individuals who are homeless and suspected of having an SUD (substance use disorder).
• Establishes strong relationships and partnerships with a variety of treatment providers including emergency room staff, substance use disorder treatment providers, recovery support providers,
• Assists clients with links to housing, benefits, and treatment services.
• Assists clients with becoming enrolled in MAT (Medication Assisted Treatment) or other appropriate treatment options.
• Provide recovery support in the emergency room, homeless encampments, and other areas where eligible clients may gather. 
• Use his or her own lived experience of recovery from addiction/mental illness plus skills learned in formal training to deliver services to eligible clients.
• Maintains and submits data and reports as required.
• Maintains familiarity with and handles client information in accordance with Federal Regulations (42 CFR, Part 2), the Revised Code of Washington (RCW 71.05.390 and RCW 71.24), and other applicable laws pertaining to confidentiality of client and staff information.
• Maintains physical security of confidential materials and assigned Agency property.

SECONDARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs relevant clinical and administrative tasks according to agency policies.
• Demonstrates proficiency in utilization of the Agency's electronic medical record system.
• Participates in team meetings and program development.
• Provides information and education to community members.
• Maintains high standards of professional conduct in interaction with clients, staff, and other community members.
• Maintains professional competence through a program of professional development and in-service training.
• Demonstrates flexibility in adapting to changing work demands.
• Performs other duties as assigned or requested.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:

• Maintains accurate and timely chart information in compliance with SBH-ASO, State, funding source, and agency quality assurance guidelines.
• Meet agency productivity expectations of 50% on a consistent basis.
• Meet agency expectations for documentation of services.
• Meets all contract obligations.
• Coordinate and prioritize work assignments so that tasks are completed on time and in a quality manner.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, LICENSE(S), CERTIFICATION, AND EXPERIENCE:

Education:  Minimum High School Diploma/GED

Licensure:  Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration (with assistance from PBH)

                    Certified Peer Support Specialist credential within 6 months of hire (with assistance from PBH)

Experience:  Must be a person who has their very own personal experience receiving services for a mental health condition OR is in recovery from a substance use disorder for at least the last two consecutive years.

Other:  Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and a satisfactory and insurable driving record to be able to drive company vehicles

Additional requirements:

• Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test and background check
• Must be able to provide vaccination records for MMR, Hep B, Tdap and recent flu shot

PREFERRED ADDITIONAL CREDENTIALS/EXPERIENCE:

Experience: Desirable that the applicant has an understanding of Peer Support ethical and practice guidelines of being open minded, recovery oriented, hopeful, respectful, empathetic agent of change, strengths focused, and person centered.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Essential:

• Ability to identify client capabilities regarding education, work, and leisure activities.
• Able to identify individual coping strategies and supports.
• Able to elicit client choices.
• Able to use sound judgments in intervention, support services, and problem solving.
• Able to manage crises effectively to ensure safety.
• Able and willing to work independently and as a team member.

Secondary:

• Able to help clients transition from clinical services to natural support.
• Able to demonstrate understanding of the role of work in recovery.
• Able to advocate effectively with community partners.
• Basic knowledge of psychotropic medication and its possible side effects.
• Able to assist clients with the development of recovery values and principles.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

Physical Demands:

• Moderate physical effort (lift/carry up to 25 lbs.)
• Occasional sitting/standing/walking.
• Occasionally lifts supplies and equipment.
• Maintains Universal Precautions and uses barriers (gloves, masks, aprons, goggles) appropriately in all potential exposures to body fluids.
• Although the typical workday is during normal business hours, some evening and weekend hours may be required.

Cognitive Skills:

• Able to elicit the client's history of satisfaction and dissatisfaction with services, including medications.
• Able to assist clients with improving family communication and involvement in treatment when possible and appropriate.
• Ability to assess the client's understanding of his or her illness, medications, and other treatment.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.

Working Environment:

• May be exposed to infections and contagious diseases.
• Occasionally exposed to patients exhibiting assaultive behaviors.
• Works in both office and community-based settings including client homes.

Working Demands:

• Frequent pressure due to schedule demands.
• Contact with clients under a wide variety of circumstances.
• Subject to varying and unpredictable situations.
• Handles emergency or crisis situations.
• Subject to irregular work hours

Principal Challenges:

• Adopts an approach guided by service recipients' needs and desires.
• Able to foster and support self-advocacy.
• Manages personal stress so that on-the-job activities are not negatively impacted.