Peer Bridger (Social Services Specialist)
Salary undisclosed
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Original
Simplified
Salary
$62,961.60 - $79,809.60 Annually
Location
Seattle, WA
Job Type
Special Duty Assignment or Term Limited Temp (TLT)
Job Number
2025AC23855
Department
DCHS - Community & Human Srvcs
Division
Behavioral Health and Recovery
Opening Date
02/20/2025
Closing Date
3/8/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit
Z3 : KC Personnel Guidelines
Full- or Part-Time
Full Time
The Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) values diverse perspectives and life experiences. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans and those with lived experience.
King County's Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) provides equitable opportunities for people to be healthy, happy, and connected to community.
This position functions as a Certified Peer Support Specialist (Peer Bridger) member of the King County Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization's (KCBH-ASO) Hospital and Mental Health Residential Unit. The incumbent will provide direct support for people who are currently hospitalized at Washington State Hospital (WSH) and who are ready for transition to the community. The Peer Bridger will develop supportive relationships with the program participants prior to hospital discharge and support them up to 120 days post discharge, with the primary goal of connecting them with outpatient services and successfully reintegrating them back into their community. As a Certified Peer Support Specialist, the Peer Bridger functions as a role model through sharing their own lived experience with behavioral health issues in a way that will inspire hope, encouragement and help to foster recovery and resiliency for the people they serve. The incumbent will provide trauma-informed, strengths-based services and supports.
Who May Apply
This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The Department of Community and Human Services values diverse perspectives and life experiences. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with lived experiences. Interviews for this selection process will take place on or around March 24, 2025
Required Materials
Application Process: Please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process, or have questions, please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
The following items are required to be considered for this vacancy:
Additional Job Information
Additional Job Information
WORK SCHEDULE/CONDITIONS: This position is scheduled to work 40 hours per week, Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm. This position meets the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is overtime eligible with supervisory pre-approval.
MISSION CRITICAL POSITION STATUS: This position has been designated Non-Mission Critical. Unless otherwise directed by the County Executive, department director or agency head, all employees, regardless of designation, are expected to report to work or request leave during an emergency or inclement weather. For more detailed information, please visit HR Policy County Operations During Emergency Situations and the King County Guidelines for Workforce Management in an Emergency.
REMOTE AND ONSITE WORK DETAILS: Employees in this role work remotely from a home location, with onsite reporting requirements. The frequency of onsite work is determined by business needs and may be adjusted accordingly.
REMOTE WORK LOCATION REQUIREMENT: Employees must reside in Washington State and be within a reasonable distance of King County worksites to meet onsite reporting requirements.
RECRUITER: Annette Coleman, [email protected]
Job Duties
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
Benefits
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
01
Are you applying to this position as an eligible current or previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant? AND Is this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? AND Do you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?
If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided: 1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice 2. The department you worked in 3. The effective date of your layoff
03
King County has transformed its work on equity and social justice from an initiative to an integrated effort that applies the principle of "fair and just" intentionally in all the county does to achieve equitable opportunities for all people and communities. Please share two factors contributing to why some in our community thrive while others struggle to survive?
Required Question
Employer King County
Address King Street Center
201 South Jackson Street
Seattle, Washington, 98104
Phone 206-477-3404
Website http://www.kingcounty.gov/
$62,961.60 - $79,809.60 Annually
Location
Seattle, WA
Job Type
Special Duty Assignment or Term Limited Temp (TLT)
Job Number
2025AC23855
Department
DCHS - Community & Human Srvcs
Division
Behavioral Health and Recovery
Opening Date
02/20/2025
Closing Date
3/8/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit
Z3 : KC Personnel Guidelines
Full- or Part-Time
Full Time
- Description
- Benefits
- Questions
The Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) values diverse perspectives and life experiences. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans and those with lived experience.
King County's Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) provides equitable opportunities for people to be healthy, happy, and connected to community.
This position functions as a Certified Peer Support Specialist (Peer Bridger) member of the King County Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization's (KCBH-ASO) Hospital and Mental Health Residential Unit. The incumbent will provide direct support for people who are currently hospitalized at Washington State Hospital (WSH) and who are ready for transition to the community. The Peer Bridger will develop supportive relationships with the program participants prior to hospital discharge and support them up to 120 days post discharge, with the primary goal of connecting them with outpatient services and successfully reintegrating them back into their community. As a Certified Peer Support Specialist, the Peer Bridger functions as a role model through sharing their own lived experience with behavioral health issues in a way that will inspire hope, encouragement and help to foster recovery and resiliency for the people they serve. The incumbent will provide trauma-informed, strengths-based services and supports.
Who May Apply
This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The Department of Community and Human Services values diverse perspectives and life experiences. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with lived experiences. Interviews for this selection process will take place on or around March 24, 2025
Required Materials
Application Process: Please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process, or have questions, please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
The following items are required to be considered for this vacancy:
- NeoGov Job Application (The responses on your job application should be thorough and complete and will be used in the screening process).
- Supplemental Questions {The responses to the supplemental question should be thorough and complete and will be used in the screening process, providing your most recent 7 years of applicable experience if available)
Additional Job Information
Additional Job Information
WORK SCHEDULE/CONDITIONS: This position is scheduled to work 40 hours per week, Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm. This position meets the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is overtime eligible with supervisory pre-approval.
MISSION CRITICAL POSITION STATUS: This position has been designated Non-Mission Critical. Unless otherwise directed by the County Executive, department director or agency head, all employees, regardless of designation, are expected to report to work or request leave during an emergency or inclement weather. For more detailed information, please visit HR Policy County Operations During Emergency Situations and the King County Guidelines for Workforce Management in an Emergency.
REMOTE AND ONSITE WORK DETAILS: Employees in this role work remotely from a home location, with onsite reporting requirements. The frequency of onsite work is determined by business needs and may be adjusted accordingly.
REMOTE WORK LOCATION REQUIREMENT: Employees must reside in Washington State and be within a reasonable distance of King County worksites to meet onsite reporting requirements.
RECRUITER: Annette Coleman, [email protected]
Job Duties
- Participate as a member of the King County Hospital and Mental Health Residential team in addressing the needs of King County individuals being served at Western State Hospital (WSH) and other community-based hospitals and developing and implementing individualized discharge plans to promote timely transition to the community. Activities will include:
- Providing assistance in identifying and linking to community-based services and supports (primary care, mental health and or substance abuse treatment, housing, financial benefits, etc.)
- Providing assistance with transportation to appointments
- Helping to facilitate a "warm hand-off" to a community behavioral health provider, including sitting in on intake appointments (if requested by the participant), helping the participant to connect to peer support and other ancillary support services offered by the agency such as housing, employment, etc.
- Helping the participant to identify and/or re-engage with family, friends and other natural supports and other community resources such as recovery or spiritual communities, etc.
- Assisting the participant with their adjustment to living in the community.
- Building supportive relationships with program participants, emphasizing the development of trust, mutual respect, encouragement and emotional support through sharing lived experience as a person in recovery from behavioral health conditions.
- Regularly meeting with program participants at WSH for initial engagement, relationship building, goal setting and to provide support around hospital discharge.
- Working collaboratively with the WSH clinical teams to support the program participant and the discharge planning process by carrying the participant and recovery perspective to the team and helping the participant process and understand the clinical team's recommendations.
- Providing group support during hospitalization (Recovery Group, WRAP, etc.)
- Providing education and resources that support illness self-management, self-determination, self-advocacy, WRAP and shared health care decision making.
- Participating in monthly, state-sponsored Peer Bridger conference calls and all meetings as required (KCBH-ASO and WSH).
- Participating in the existing King County Peer Bridger Operations Team meeting, comprised of the peer bridger staff and supervisors from all King County peer bridger programs.
- Collaborating with other KCBH-ASO staff regarding specific participant needs.
- Completing all documentation requirements, including data logs, clinical notes, etc., in a timely manner.
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
- Personal history and lived experience with recovery from mental health, substance use, or co-occurring disorders.
- Valid Washington State Driver's License and the ability to travel to and from Western State Hospital and throughout the county multiple times per week.
- Credentialed by DBHR/HCA as a Certified Peer Counselor.
- Ability to obtain DOH Agency Affiliated Counselor credential within 6 months of hire.
- At least 1 year of experience working as a peer support specialist (can be a combination of professional peer experience and non-professional experience, such as caregiving, guardianship, volunteer work, etc.).
- Excellent organizational skills, ability to plan/perform work independently and as part of a team while managing a caseload of 6 to 12 participants.
- Knowledge of and experience providing services for persons from diverse cultural backgrounds (including experience with participants who have a range in socioeconomic status, age, ability, religion and racial/ethnic backgrounds).
- Expert knowledge of behavioral health recovery, peer support principles, practices and a proven enthusiasm for peer support and the belief that recovery is possible for everyone.
- Outstanding interpersonal skills, including the ability to work in a cooperative and collaborative manner as a team member and develop working relationships with King County providers and other stakeholders. Outstanding communication skills, ability to listen with compassion and to address sensitive issues in a caring, supportive manner.
- Ability to help set mutually beneficial boundaries with program participants.
- Ability to write clear and concise documentation including notes and correspondence.
- Ability to work flexible hours as needed.
- Knowledge of inpatient and outpatient psychiatric services, preferably in Washington State, including Western state hospital experience.
- Knowledge of and experience navigating the King County behavioral health continuum of care (including outpatient mental health, substance use disorder and psychiatric care providers).
- 2+ years of experience working as a Peer Support Specialist or experience providing peer bridging services.
- Proficiency in 2010 Microsoft Office Suite, using an Electronic Health Record, and experience utilizing technology (including laptops, mobile hotspots, etc.).
Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
Benefits
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
- Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what’s best for themselves and their eligible dependents
- Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
- Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
- Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
- 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays
- Generous vacation and paid sick leave
- Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness programs
- Onsite activity centers
- Employee Giving Program
- Employee assistance programs
- Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
- Training and career development programs
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
01
Are you applying to this position as an eligible current or previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant? AND Is this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? AND Do you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?
- Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my Career Service role at King County and I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. Additionally, the position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one.
- No.
If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided: 1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice 2. The department you worked in 3. The effective date of your layoff
03
- Are you credentialed by Washington State DBHR/HCA as a Certified Peer Specialist?
- Yes
- No
- Describe your experience working as a peer support specialist, including any relevant non-professional experience, such as caregiving, guardianship, etc. List the organization(s) name and dates.
King County has transformed its work on equity and social justice from an initiative to an integrated effort that applies the principle of "fair and just" intentionally in all the county does to achieve equitable opportunities for all people and communities. Please share two factors contributing to why some in our community thrive while others struggle to survive?
Required Question
Employer King County
Address King Street Center
201 South Jackson Street
Seattle, Washington, 98104
Phone 206-477-3404
Website http://www.kingcounty.gov/
Salary
$62,961.60 - $79,809.60 Annually
Location
Seattle, WA
Job Type
Special Duty Assignment or Term Limited Temp (TLT)
Job Number
2025AC23855
Department
DCHS - Community & Human Srvcs
Division
Behavioral Health and Recovery
Opening Date
02/20/2025
Closing Date
3/8/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit
Z3 : KC Personnel Guidelines
Full- or Part-Time
Full Time
The Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) values diverse perspectives and life experiences. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans and those with lived experience.
King County's Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) provides equitable opportunities for people to be healthy, happy, and connected to community.
This position functions as a Certified Peer Support Specialist (Peer Bridger) member of the King County Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization's (KCBH-ASO) Hospital and Mental Health Residential Unit. The incumbent will provide direct support for people who are currently hospitalized at Washington State Hospital (WSH) and who are ready for transition to the community. The Peer Bridger will develop supportive relationships with the program participants prior to hospital discharge and support them up to 120 days post discharge, with the primary goal of connecting them with outpatient services and successfully reintegrating them back into their community. As a Certified Peer Support Specialist, the Peer Bridger functions as a role model through sharing their own lived experience with behavioral health issues in a way that will inspire hope, encouragement and help to foster recovery and resiliency for the people they serve. The incumbent will provide trauma-informed, strengths-based services and supports.
Who May Apply
This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The Department of Community and Human Services values diverse perspectives and life experiences. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with lived experiences. Interviews for this selection process will take place on or around March 24, 2025
Required Materials
Application Process: Please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process, or have questions, please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
The following items are required to be considered for this vacancy:
Additional Job Information
Additional Job Information
WORK SCHEDULE/CONDITIONS: This position is scheduled to work 40 hours per week, Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm. This position meets the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is overtime eligible with supervisory pre-approval.
MISSION CRITICAL POSITION STATUS: This position has been designated Non-Mission Critical. Unless otherwise directed by the County Executive, department director or agency head, all employees, regardless of designation, are expected to report to work or request leave during an emergency or inclement weather. For more detailed information, please visit HR Policy County Operations During Emergency Situations and the King County Guidelines for Workforce Management in an Emergency.
REMOTE AND ONSITE WORK DETAILS: Employees in this role work remotely from a home location, with onsite reporting requirements. The frequency of onsite work is determined by business needs and may be adjusted accordingly.
REMOTE WORK LOCATION REQUIREMENT: Employees must reside in Washington State and be within a reasonable distance of King County worksites to meet onsite reporting requirements.
RECRUITER: Annette Coleman, [email protected]
Job Duties
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
Benefits
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
01
Are you applying to this position as an eligible current or previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant? AND Is this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? AND Do you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?
If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided: 1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice 2. The department you worked in 3. The effective date of your layoff
03
King County has transformed its work on equity and social justice from an initiative to an integrated effort that applies the principle of "fair and just" intentionally in all the county does to achieve equitable opportunities for all people and communities. Please share two factors contributing to why some in our community thrive while others struggle to survive?
Required Question
Employer King County
Address King Street Center
201 South Jackson Street
Seattle, Washington, 98104
Phone 206-477-3404
Website http://www.kingcounty.gov/
$62,961.60 - $79,809.60 Annually
Location
Seattle, WA
Job Type
Special Duty Assignment or Term Limited Temp (TLT)
Job Number
2025AC23855
Department
DCHS - Community & Human Srvcs
Division
Behavioral Health and Recovery
Opening Date
02/20/2025
Closing Date
3/8/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit
Z3 : KC Personnel Guidelines
Full- or Part-Time
Full Time
- Description
- Benefits
- Questions
The Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) values diverse perspectives and life experiences. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans and those with lived experience.
King County's Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) provides equitable opportunities for people to be healthy, happy, and connected to community.
This position functions as a Certified Peer Support Specialist (Peer Bridger) member of the King County Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization's (KCBH-ASO) Hospital and Mental Health Residential Unit. The incumbent will provide direct support for people who are currently hospitalized at Washington State Hospital (WSH) and who are ready for transition to the community. The Peer Bridger will develop supportive relationships with the program participants prior to hospital discharge and support them up to 120 days post discharge, with the primary goal of connecting them with outpatient services and successfully reintegrating them back into their community. As a Certified Peer Support Specialist, the Peer Bridger functions as a role model through sharing their own lived experience with behavioral health issues in a way that will inspire hope, encouragement and help to foster recovery and resiliency for the people they serve. The incumbent will provide trauma-informed, strengths-based services and supports.
Who May Apply
This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The Department of Community and Human Services values diverse perspectives and life experiences. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with lived experiences. Interviews for this selection process will take place on or around March 24, 2025
Required Materials
Application Process: Please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process, or have questions, please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
The following items are required to be considered for this vacancy:
- NeoGov Job Application (The responses on your job application should be thorough and complete and will be used in the screening process).
- Supplemental Questions {The responses to the supplemental question should be thorough and complete and will be used in the screening process, providing your most recent 7 years of applicable experience if available)
Additional Job Information
Additional Job Information
WORK SCHEDULE/CONDITIONS: This position is scheduled to work 40 hours per week, Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm. This position meets the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is overtime eligible with supervisory pre-approval.
MISSION CRITICAL POSITION STATUS: This position has been designated Non-Mission Critical. Unless otherwise directed by the County Executive, department director or agency head, all employees, regardless of designation, are expected to report to work or request leave during an emergency or inclement weather. For more detailed information, please visit HR Policy County Operations During Emergency Situations and the King County Guidelines for Workforce Management in an Emergency.
REMOTE AND ONSITE WORK DETAILS: Employees in this role work remotely from a home location, with onsite reporting requirements. The frequency of onsite work is determined by business needs and may be adjusted accordingly.
REMOTE WORK LOCATION REQUIREMENT: Employees must reside in Washington State and be within a reasonable distance of King County worksites to meet onsite reporting requirements.
RECRUITER: Annette Coleman, [email protected]
Job Duties
- Participate as a member of the King County Hospital and Mental Health Residential team in addressing the needs of King County individuals being served at Western State Hospital (WSH) and other community-based hospitals and developing and implementing individualized discharge plans to promote timely transition to the community. Activities will include:
- Providing assistance in identifying and linking to community-based services and supports (primary care, mental health and or substance abuse treatment, housing, financial benefits, etc.)
- Providing assistance with transportation to appointments
- Helping to facilitate a "warm hand-off" to a community behavioral health provider, including sitting in on intake appointments (if requested by the participant), helping the participant to connect to peer support and other ancillary support services offered by the agency such as housing, employment, etc.
- Helping the participant to identify and/or re-engage with family, friends and other natural supports and other community resources such as recovery or spiritual communities, etc.
- Assisting the participant with their adjustment to living in the community.
- Building supportive relationships with program participants, emphasizing the development of trust, mutual respect, encouragement and emotional support through sharing lived experience as a person in recovery from behavioral health conditions.
- Regularly meeting with program participants at WSH for initial engagement, relationship building, goal setting and to provide support around hospital discharge.
- Working collaboratively with the WSH clinical teams to support the program participant and the discharge planning process by carrying the participant and recovery perspective to the team and helping the participant process and understand the clinical team's recommendations.
- Providing group support during hospitalization (Recovery Group, WRAP, etc.)
- Providing education and resources that support illness self-management, self-determination, self-advocacy, WRAP and shared health care decision making.
- Participating in monthly, state-sponsored Peer Bridger conference calls and all meetings as required (KCBH-ASO and WSH).
- Participating in the existing King County Peer Bridger Operations Team meeting, comprised of the peer bridger staff and supervisors from all King County peer bridger programs.
- Collaborating with other KCBH-ASO staff regarding specific participant needs.
- Completing all documentation requirements, including data logs, clinical notes, etc., in a timely manner.
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
- Personal history and lived experience with recovery from mental health, substance use, or co-occurring disorders.
- Valid Washington State Driver's License and the ability to travel to and from Western State Hospital and throughout the county multiple times per week.
- Credentialed by DBHR/HCA as a Certified Peer Counselor.
- Ability to obtain DOH Agency Affiliated Counselor credential within 6 months of hire.
- At least 1 year of experience working as a peer support specialist (can be a combination of professional peer experience and non-professional experience, such as caregiving, guardianship, volunteer work, etc.).
- Excellent organizational skills, ability to plan/perform work independently and as part of a team while managing a caseload of 6 to 12 participants.
- Knowledge of and experience providing services for persons from diverse cultural backgrounds (including experience with participants who have a range in socioeconomic status, age, ability, religion and racial/ethnic backgrounds).
- Expert knowledge of behavioral health recovery, peer support principles, practices and a proven enthusiasm for peer support and the belief that recovery is possible for everyone.
- Outstanding interpersonal skills, including the ability to work in a cooperative and collaborative manner as a team member and develop working relationships with King County providers and other stakeholders. Outstanding communication skills, ability to listen with compassion and to address sensitive issues in a caring, supportive manner.
- Ability to help set mutually beneficial boundaries with program participants.
- Ability to write clear and concise documentation including notes and correspondence.
- Ability to work flexible hours as needed.
- Knowledge of inpatient and outpatient psychiatric services, preferably in Washington State, including Western state hospital experience.
- Knowledge of and experience navigating the King County behavioral health continuum of care (including outpatient mental health, substance use disorder and psychiatric care providers).
- 2+ years of experience working as a Peer Support Specialist or experience providing peer bridging services.
- Proficiency in 2010 Microsoft Office Suite, using an Electronic Health Record, and experience utilizing technology (including laptops, mobile hotspots, etc.).
Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
Benefits
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
- Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what’s best for themselves and their eligible dependents
- Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
- Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
- Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
- 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays
- Generous vacation and paid sick leave
- Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness programs
- Onsite activity centers
- Employee Giving Program
- Employee assistance programs
- Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
- Training and career development programs
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
01
Are you applying to this position as an eligible current or previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant? AND Is this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? AND Do you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?
- Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my Career Service role at King County and I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. Additionally, the position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one.
- No.
If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided: 1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice 2. The department you worked in 3. The effective date of your layoff
03
- Are you credentialed by Washington State DBHR/HCA as a Certified Peer Specialist?
- Yes
- No
- Describe your experience working as a peer support specialist, including any relevant non-professional experience, such as caregiving, guardianship, etc. List the organization(s) name and dates.
King County has transformed its work on equity and social justice from an initiative to an integrated effort that applies the principle of "fair and just" intentionally in all the county does to achieve equitable opportunities for all people and communities. Please share two factors contributing to why some in our community thrive while others struggle to survive?
Required Question
Employer King County
Address King Street Center
201 South Jackson Street
Seattle, Washington, 98104
Phone 206-477-3404
Website http://www.kingcounty.gov/