Peer Certified Specialist (Post-Crisis Follow-Up Focus) at Consejo Counseling and Referral Service – Renton, Washington

Consejo Counseling and Referral Service is looking to hire a full-time Peer Certified Specialist (Post-Crisis Follow-Up Focus) for our Renton, WA location.

We offer Relocation Assistance, Sign on Bonus and exceptional benefits, including medical, dental, vision, a 401(k), vacation time, sick time, paid holidays, personal days, life insurance, AD&D, training funds, and your birthday off.

This position is part of King County’s Post-Crisis Follow-Up Care program, providing short-term, intensive, community-based support to individuals transitioning from crisis services to ongoing care. The goal is to improve stabilization, reduce repeat crises, and support long-term recovery.

Summary of Job Description:

Provide peer support to reduce isolation, promote self-empowerment, and enhance quality of life for consumers and their families through advocacy, education, outreach, and recovery-oriented services. Ensure services are delivered in a holistic, trauma-informed, and culturally and linguistically appropriate manner that promotes dignity, respect, safety, and optimal functioning.
Serve as a lived-experience role model of recovery while supporting individuals transitioning from crisis care into ongoing behavioral health services. Provide short-term, intensive, community-based support to promote stabilization and prevent re-entry into crisis systems.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Core Peer Support Functions

• Provide peer support to consumers and their affected family members; facilitate support groups, recovery-focused activities, and community engagement.
• Assist consumers in navigating behavioral health systems and building natural and family supports.
• Encourage development of coping skills, independent living skills, and connection to community resources.
• Support consumers in accessing employment, education, volunteer work, and meaningful daily activities.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with agency, state, and federal guidelines.
• Provide a welcoming, calm, and respectful presence in all interactions.
• Conduct visits in home, school, community, hospital, or other agreed-upon settings.
• Complete timely and accurate documentation in the electronic health record.
• Support consumers in identifying strengths, building hope, and developing self-advocacy skills.
• Meet regularly with Program Manager for supervision and program alignment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Post-Crisis Follow-Up Care Responsibilities
Engagement & Outreach

• Provide rapid follow-up outreach (phone, text, in-person) to individuals recently discharged from Crisis Care Centers or crisis services.
• Maintain frequent, proactive contact (multiple touchpoints per week as appropriate) to monitor safety, engagement, and stabilization.
• Deliver community-based services, meeting individuals where they are (home, shelter, community locations, etc.).

Stabilization & Recovery Support

• Support individuals in maintaining their safety plans developed during crisis care.
• Assist in identifying early warning signs and preventing recurrence of crisis episodes through ongoing peer support and problem-solving.
• Provide emotional support using lived experience to normalize recovery and reduce isolation.

Care Coordination & System Navigation

• Assist clients with linkage to ongoing services, including:
o Outpatient mental health therapy
o Medication management / psychiatry
o Substance use treatment
o Case management and social services
• Support and reinforce warm handoffs to providers to ensure continuity of care.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, including clinicians, care coordinators, crisis teams, and external providers.

Basic Needs & Resource Navigation

• Assist individuals in accessing basic needs and social determinants of health, including:
o Housing and shelter resources
o Food access
o Transportation to appointments
o Identification documents
o Benefits (Medicaid, SSI/SSDI, etc.)
• Support individuals in navigating systems that may present barriers to care.

Community & Natural Supports

• Engage and coordinate with family members, natural supports, and community supports, with appropriate releases of information.
• Facilitate reconnection to positive social, cultural, and community-based activities that support recovery.

Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS)

• Provide services that are culturally responsive and aligned with CLAS standards, including:
o Delivering services in the preferred language when possible
o Incorporating cultural identity, values, and beliefs into care
o Building trust with individuals who may have experienced systemic barriers or trauma.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Certified Peer Counselor (Washington State) required within timeframe of hire.
• Lived experience with behavioral health recovery and ability to share recovery story appropriately.
• Knowledge of recovery principles, including the 10 Components of Recovery.
• Experience navigating behavioral health systems in King County preferred.
• Understanding of trauma-informed care and crisis recovery processes preferred.
• Strong knowledge of community resources, including housing, benefits, and social services.
• Ability to work with high-acuity and vulnerable populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness or recent crisis.
• Knowledge of bicultural and multicultural needs; ability to provide culturally responsive services.
• Registered as an Agency Affiliated Counselor in Washington State.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and reliable transportation.

WORK SCHEDULE

This full-time therapy position works a typical schedule of 8 AM - 5 PM, Monday to Friday.

SALARY

$23.00 - $27.00 hourly pay with an Agency Affiliation Registration license. Pay will depend on experience, qualifications, and credentials.

Would you be ready to join our team?

We understand that your time is valuable, so we have designed a quick and easy application process. If you are a good fit for this position, we encourage you to complete our mobile-friendly application. We are excited to meet you and discuss how you can contribute to our team!

Consejo Counseling and Referral Service is an E-Verify and Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.