The Peer Specialist functions as a fully integrated team member to provide expertise gained through personal recovery, about the recovery process, symptom management, and the persistence required to encourage clients through their recovery process. Collaborates within a team setting, understands, and respects each client's point of view, experiences, and preferences. Responsible to maximize client choice, self-determination and decision-making in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of services. Provides peer counseling in both individual and group settings and has knowledge of and works in collaboration with community resources.

Compensation: $23.01- $30.57 per hour depending on experience and qualifications.

BHR offers an exceptional benefits package with 100% paid medical, dental, vision, long term disability and basic life insurance for the employee, $1,000 sign-on bonus, 5% contribution to a 403b retirement plan after one year of employment, 10 paid holidays plus 2 personal holidays per year, a generous paid time off policy of 10 hours per month and 8 hours of sick leave per month, education funds, reimbursement of credentialing expenditures, and a student loan repayment program. BHR is also an eligible employer for the Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness program.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• College degree in human services or a related field, OR at least two years of paid or volunteer work experience with adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses.
• The peer specialist, who is or has been a recipient of mental health services for severe and persistent mental illness, should have self-knowledge to manage their mental illness and be well along in their recovery.
• Completed Peer Certification Training with proof of completion is preferred, but not required. If you have not been certified, you will be required to attend the first available Peer Certification Training.
• Must have valid Washington State driver's license, reliable transportation, and car insurance.
• While no longer required, as a health care provider BHR highly recommends applicants and employees are fully vaccinated against Covid.

BHR has over 175 employees serving Thurston, Mason and Grays Harbor counties in Western Washington. The agency's mission is to support and strengthen individuals, families, and the community by promoting mental health and substance use disorder recovery. Mental health and addiction recovery are integral to overall community health. Our vision is a community healed through treatment, education, and advocacy. We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in our services, in our workplace, and in our community.