Downtown Emergency Service Center

DESC's Mobile Crisis Team Peer Specialists are mobilized to respond quickly to requests for crisis intervention from police, fire, medics, DCRs, and the Crisis Clinic in order to connect individuals in a mental health or substance use crisis to more therapeutic treatment options, other than jail or the emergency room.. As a member of a multi-disciplinary team, provide multi-axial assessments, chemical dependency assessments, crisis intervention, stabilization and meaningful engagement for adults referred to MCT; in the field and at times at the Crisis Diversion Facility and Crisis Diversion Interim Services.. Requirements:MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Certification as a Certified Peer Specialist by the Washington State Peer Counselor Training Program, or the ability to obtain certification within the first 90 days of starting in the position.. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:Knowledge of de-escalation skills, crisis intervention & stabilization, and harm reduction strategies.. Strong applicants are able to demonstrate the ability to be positive in their empathetic responses to all persons; understand the value of meaningful and deep client engagement; have the potential to acquire the necessary knowledge, attitudes and skills of an effective crisis worker; and value a non-judgmental response to sensitive issues.

peer specialist

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionDescription:Pay Range: Uncertified Peer Specialist: $29.00 - $32.03 per hour; Certified Peer Specialist: $68,562.00 - $77,239.44 annuallyDays Off: Thursday, Friday, SaturdayShift: Night (11:00pm - 9:30am)Shift Differential: $1.00 per hour in addition to salaryInsurance Benefits: Medical (no premiums/payroll deductions for employee coverage) , Dental, Life, Long-term DisabilityOther Benefits: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), ORCA card subsidy, Paid Time Off (34 days per year), Retirement PlanAbout 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 2,000 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:Join the team at the front lines of crisis diversion! DESC's Mobile Crisis Team Peer Specialists are mobilized to respond quickly to requests for crisis intervention from police, fire, medics, DCRs, and the Crisis Clinic in order to connect individuals in a mental health or substance use crisis to more therapeutic treatment options, other than jail or the emergency room. We are working to stop the trend of criminalizing mental illness, and make sure individuals in mental health crisis get the help they need. The team works throughout King County in a wide variety of community settings and in all types of weather. Benefits offered include very generous paid time off starting at 34 days for the first two years of employment and 100% employer paid medical & dental insurance. MCT Peer Specialists also have an on-the-job opportunity to receive clinical supervision towards full social work licensure.MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:In response to and cooperation with first responders and other referents, perform timely outreach services to individuals needing crisis intervention services, assessment, referral, and linkage to needed services.As a member of a multi-disciplinary team, provide multi-axial assessments, chemical dependency assessments, crisis intervention, stabilization and meaningful engagement for adults referred to MCT; in the field and at times at the Crisis Diversion Facility and Crisis Diversion Interim Services.Establish and implement a plan to successfully engage clients in relevant services and other resources.As needed, provide follow-up services aimed at establishing linkage to services for program participants.Complete all data collection and documentation required of the MCT Project and DESC in a timely manner.Develop and maintain cooperative relationships with traditional & non-traditional programs/services providing services for the population served.Provide peer recovery support.Assist consumers with voicing their interests and goals through a variety of channels including: Goal Plans, Crisis Plans, WRAP, and other methods of expressing individual preferences for their recovery goals.Help participants identify, understand, and combat stigma and discrimination associated with mental health concerns and substance use disorders and develop strategies to reduce self-stigma.Integrate personal experience with mental health concerns and substance use disorders into work with program participants.Directly collaborate with BHRT Peer Navigators to consult related to client care and providing outreach peer services to clients.Work collaboratively with Peer Specialists across all CSC programs to grow, learn, develop with and from one another through sharing personal experiences and professional development.Comply with applicable program research and evaluation procedures.Comply with the all-agency policies and procedures, and relevant titles of the Washington Administrative Code and Revised Code of Washington.Advocate for clients' access to both traditional and non-traditional community resources and services, ensuring that clients' needs are met, and rights maintained; consult and collaborate with community providers & resources to ensure continuity of care.Participate in psychiatric consultation, supervision, program meetings and in-service trainings; participate in clinical reviews and case conferences for clients on caseload.Participate in verbal de-escalation and supportive restraints in emergent situations and be able and willing to assist other staff as needed to maintain a safe, secure environment.Maintain strong connections to Jackson Place neighborhood and assure full compliance with procedures and protocols aimed at maintaining the safety and security of the neighborhood.Promote integration through CSC and the community at large.Provide individualized, recovery focused patterns/ services that would help with management of recovery better.Other duties as assigned.Requirements:MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Certification as a Certified Peer Specialist by the Washington State Peer Counselor Training Program, or the ability to obtain certification within the first 90 days of starting in the position.Current Washington State driver's license and insurable driving record.At least 1 year of experience working with individuals experiencing behavioral health concerns.Ability to obtain a Washington State Department of Health minimum credential as an Agency Affiliated Counselor.Have a strong personal understanding from own experience in recovery and resilience, the value of client partnerships and client choice, and the balance between protection from harm and personal dignity.Be willing to seek to understand each client's unique circumstances and personal preferences and goals and incorporate them into the crisis response to help the client regain a sense of control.Possess the cultural humility to learn to work effectively with individuals who are Black, Latinx, Native American, Alaska Native, Pacific Islander, LGBTQIA, and other groups who routinely face discrimination and have difficulty accessing the health care they deserve.Interest or experience in working with clients who are difficult to engage and maintain in traditional mental health / substance use disorder programs.Strong knowledge of relevant community resources and methods for accessing them.Experience working with adults who are experiencing or who have experienced homelessness, have a mental health and/or co-occurring substance use disorders.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:Knowledge of de-escalation skills, crisis intervention & stabilization, and harm reduction strategies.Experience in outreach or crisis work.Bi-cultural background/experience.Bi-lingual in Spanish/English.Strong applicants are able to demonstrate the ability to be positive in their empathetic responses to all persons; understand the value of meaningful and deep client engagement; have the potential to acquire the necessary knowledge, attitudes and skills of an effective crisis worker; and value a non-judgmental response to sensitive issues. Candidates should be able to accept feedback and work in a highly collaborative and potentially stressful environment.PHYSICAL DEMANDS:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to sit, drive, walk, stand, communicate with other employees and vendors, is required to lift and carry items weighing up to 10 pounds and to operate computer hardware systems. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Considerable stress may occur. Employee will be working both indoors and outdoors in all types of weather.EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:DESC is committed to diversity in the workplace, and promotes equal employment opportunities for all staff members and applicants. The Agency will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, caste, marital status, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability in any employment practice, unless based on a bona fide occupational qualification. Minorities and veterans are encouraged to apply.

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