CSD Peer Support Specialist - Family And Youth Peer Navigator (Open & Promotional)

Job Summary

This position works 37.5 hours per week.

This recruitment is specifically for a Family and Youth Peer Navigator.

The positions allocated to this class perform duties requiring the application of lived experience of recovery from behavioral health challenges, as well as skills learned in formal trainings, to deliver peer support services to adults and/or youth diagnosed with mental illness, substance use and/or co-occurring disorder to promote recovery and resilience. Incumbents draw upon their own life experiences, making them uniquely equipped to provide support, encouragement, and resources in assisting individuals with behavioral health challenges make progress toward recovery.

NOTE: Three (3) professional references are required.

WHO MAY APPLY: This recruitment is open to all applicants meeting the minimum requirements. Priority consideration will be given to Spokane County employees in a position covered by the Master Contract submitting applications between 4/15/24 and 4/19/24. First consideration will be given to applicants working in Community Services in a position covered by the 1553 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA); second consideration given to County-wide applicants in a position covered by the 1553 CBA; third consideration given to applicants covered by the Master Contract CBA; fourth consideration will be given to all other applicants.

TOTAL COMPENSATION:$51,030 - $71,430 annually.Total compensation is anestimatebased upon base compensation, median retirement fund contributions, and current employer-paid health and related benefit contribution rates (including medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, and leave). The actual total will vary depending upon each employee's enrollment choices.

Examples of Duties

There are four types of Peer Support Specialists within the CSD Department: The Housing And Recovery through Peer Supports (HARPS) Peer Support Specialist, the Diversion Program Peer Support Specialist, the Family and Youth Peer Navigator, and the Behavioral Health Agency Peer Support Specialist.

FAMILY AND YOUTH PEER NAVIGATOR:

The Youth and Family Navigator Program assists youth and families in obtaining the support, skills, and services necessary to improve their level of functioning and stabilize their mental health within the community, decrease the need for psychiatric hospitalization, and reduce unnecessary crisis system involvement. The services are delivered in a variety of settings, predominately in the community, school, community based provider, or within the youth and families residence depending on the needs of the individual. Youth with complex behavioral health needs currently in emergency departments or other non-treatment settings are prioritized. Youth and Family Peer Navigators must demonstrate a commitment to the provision of compassionate, recovery and person-centered care supportive of the individual's own goals and motivation toward positive health outcomes.

• Assists in the overall development and quality improvement of the Youth and Family Peer Navigator Program, including participation on steering committees, development of regional action items and ensuring youth and family voices are amplified throughout program implementation.

• Collaborates in the receiving, screening, and scheduling of Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) referrals and meetings.

• Possesses a basic knowledge of youth behavioral health services and cross-system resources.

• Participates in MDT meetings to provide support to youth and families through your own lived experience providing encouragement and hope through recovery and resiliency.

• Assists in pre-planning and coordination with families in preparation for MDT meetings.

• Provides family centered and culturally appropriate recommendations to services.

• Participates in statewide Navigator meetings, sharing experiences from our region with the goal of improving access to care and reducing barriers for youth and families.

• Performs duties consistent with the mission, vision and values of the Youth and Family Navigator Program.

• Provides advocacy for youth and families throughout enrollment in the program to assist in achieving their stated goals and needs.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent

• One (1) year of positive work history.

• Self-identify as a current or past recipient of mental health and/or substance abuse services, and has been active in recovery for a minimum of two (2) years.

• Possession of certification as a Peer Counselor, or DOH licenses/certificate successor, consistent with the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) OR obtain certification within six (6) months of hire.

• Possession of affiliated counselor's certification from the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) within 60 days of hire.

• Requires successful completion of criminal background check.

• Possession of a valid driver's license at time of hire and for the duration of employment.

Selection Factors

• Knowledge of case management approaches, service referral and available community resources, organizations and supports for the mentally ill.

• Knowledge of the Spokane RSA System of Care including mental health agencies and substance use disorder and recovery services.

• Knowledge of common mental health and substance use disorder diagnoses.

• Knowledge of relevant confidentiality requirements, policies and procedures.

• Skilled in communicating effectively both orally and in writing, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction.

• Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with clients, co-workers and community agencies/partners.

• Ability to deal with the public in a pleasant, courteous and calm manner, often under stressful situations.

• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team.

• Ability to multi-task and work under pressure.

• Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries while developing healthy, supportive relationships with people with mental illness/SUD.

• Ability to accept persons who may be different from yourself.

• Ability to exercise tact and discretion in obtaining cooperation of others.

• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor during stressful and/or hostile situations.

• Ability to develop a therapeutic alliance with individuals in services, demonstrating empathy and unconditional positive regard.

• Ability to work on a long-term basis with individuals with serious mental illness and/or co-occurring disorders understanding the complexity of challenges and life stressors each individual experience(s).

• Ability to understand modest achievements demonstrate progress for individuals with serious mental illness or co-occurring disorders.

• Ability to accurately and professionally implement and document the services provided to clients.

• Ability to manage a caseload of approximately 30-40 individuals.

• Ability to collaborate and coordinate with Enrolled Responsible providers and allied systems in the community.

• Ability to demonstrate effective time management skills in coordinating daily activities, appointments and completing necessary paperwork.

• Ability to facilitate effective resolution of conflicts between clients and others.

• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a personal computer.