Job DescriptionPeer Case Managers are individuals who have experienced mental illness themselves and are on their own recovery journey. They are well grounded in their own recovery and model competency in ongoing coping skills. As a member of the Trueblood team, the Peer Case Manager 1 helps clients identify goals that promote recovery, and assists them in adjusting to successful transition from the jail to the community with an emphasis on helping individuals into mental health services. Engagement skills are crucial in this position, as Trueblood clients often have a history of failing to engage with the mental health system or with other positive natural supports. The Peer CM1 provides peer counseling, assists participants with reinstatement of benefits, crisis bed placement, access to mental health services, access to substance abuse services, and referral to other resources such as housing, employment, etc. This position coordinates with Jail staff, Community Corrections staff and other team members. All services are provided under the supervision of a mental health professional. Responsibilities 1.Provides engagement services at the jail and develops positive relationships with Trueblood clients. Meets with clients on a regular basis, builds rapport and encourages involvement with mental health and/or substance abuse services. Provides information about community resources, solidifies re-entry plan. Coordinates with team members and jail mental health staff in order to track release dates and address last minute/unanticipated releases. Models and teaches skills and behaviors that lead to successful community living. Models and teaches effective interpersonal skills so that individuals are able to more effectively advocate for their needs. Assists other staff in monitoring health and safety of participants and their living environments. Teaches participants how they can more effectively avoid re-incarceration and assist in developing the resources and natural supports that make community living more satisfying. 2.Assists clients with follow through on all components of the re-entry plan upon release. Assists participants in securing Medicaid & SSI funding, food stamps, housing, and other basic necessities and services as indicated. Provides Transportation to various community providers and agencies. Schedules appointments for initial intake/psychological evaluation/case management/ medication evaluations as indicated. Assists participants in setting wellness goals, in making medical/dental appointments, and provides transportation and support as needed. 3.Assists participants in meeting recovery goals. Uses effective peer counseling skills to provide opportunities for clients to consider accessing needed social services, mental health and chemical dependency services. Uses peer counseling techniques to assist clients in determining their recovery goals. Provides counseling and referral as needed on a variety of issues. Maintains professional clinical boundaries with participants Maintains peer counseling competency and resource knowledge required to meet changing client, community and industry trends. Assists clinical staff in providing crisis and stabilization services to participants, jointly outreach with clinical staff as needed. 4. Assures that all clinical and administrative documentation is completed in a thorough, accurate, timely and appropriate manner. Completes all required Relias training within established guidelines. Provides all required annual documentation to Human Resources, such as registrations and/or licenses, training logs, etc. 5.Complete administrative documentation in a timely and accurate manner, such as Time Sheets, Mileage Reimbursement forms, etc. Job ScopeThe Peer Case Manager works fairly independently, often out in the community with participants, under the supervision of a Mental Health Professional with whom they consult on all non-routine issues. Work involves a variety of routine tasks of low to moderate complexity which is guided by formal policies and general procedures.Communication/Customer Contacts This position involves a high frequency of communication, in various forms, verbal and written, with participants, other staff, and community partners. Must also abide by all agency policies, confidentiality laws and pertinent codes of conduct.Knowledge and SkillsA knowledge and understanding of mental disorders and basic familiarity with the DSM-V a basic awareness of substance abuse/dependence issues knowledge of community resources, with the ability to develop appropriate links for participants a sensitive perception of the needs of individuals with disabilities a keen understanding of the importance of clear, professional boundaries, and maintenance of such possession of proven teamwork skills competency in written and oral communication skills; and demonstration of good, common sense. Education and/or ExperienceRequires a high school diploma/GED and two years' relevant experience. Prefers an AA in a social services related field. Other combinations of education and experience that provide the required familiarity and skills may be considered. Prefers awareness of chemical dependency treatment strategies. Must be eligible for a Washington State Department of Health Agency Affiliated Counselor credential. Must be or commit to becoming Certified as a Peer Counselor by the State of Washington within one year of employment (see below).Peer Counselor RequirementsSelf-identifies as a client who is receiving or has received mental health services. Demonstrates having been well-grounded in mental health recovery for at least one year. Passes a WA State criminal background check (no recent serious convictions). Completes specialized training approved by the State of WA and passing a written and oral State exam. The training and exam are free. Job ConditionsMust be able to work both in and out of the office and go into participants' residences and other facilities, which may require climbing stairs and walking on uneven terrain. Must have a WA State Driver's License, a good driving record, a personal automobile and personal auto insurance. Must be able to speak and hear at normal conversational levels. It is preferred, but not required, that the Peer is able to pass the Pierce County criminal background check to obtain clearance to enter the Pierce County Jail.

Position Type: Full-Time Regular
Full Time Employee: Yes
Primary Shift: Day
Work Schedule: Day shift