Peer Counselor/Mental Health Technician — Evaluation and Treatment Center

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Peer Counselor-MHT will work and collaborate with both internal and external customers.
Often faced with an environment of high stress, the Peer Counselor requires a high degree of patience and diplomacy as well as good boundaries between themselves and guests.
Effective communicate both verbally and in writing.
External contacts may include providers at other organizations, families, court personnel, employers, Health Care Authority, hospital staff, law enforcement, pharmacy personnel, laboratory personnel, and others that the MDC guests feel are important to their recovery.
Conversations often include information of a confidential nature, so care must be taken to prevent inappropriate disclosure of MDC guest treatment information.
Help guests identify goals that promote recovery.
Support guests with the completion of their goals by using Recovery Principles
Assist guests in identifying services and activities to help reach these goals.
Assist MDC guests in their recovery from temporary periods of acute symptoms and crisis to help them attain or resume their capacity for independent living.
Participate in MDC staff review of Recovery Treatment Plans ensuring that it contains MDC guest voice on their goals.
Develop safety plans, review and support completion of paperwork upon intake.
Assist in MDC guest basic needs of health and safety (may include help with basic hygiene and includes using physical interventions with guests during a Crisis Intervention when the guest is in danger to self or others)
Engage clients in therapeutically appropriate interactions and help create a safe and therapeutic environment for clients through constructive milieu management.
Lead groups in recovery skills, arts and crafts, and leisure activities.
Assist with general upkeep of the facility, including meal and snack preparation, and documentation of the work that is done and of the progress of the clients.

Minimum Qualifications:

Self-identify as a consumer who is receiving or has received mental health services.
Demonstrate that they have been well grounded in their own mental health recovery for at least one year at the time of application.
High School Diploma or GED
Pass a Washington State criminal background check (no recent serious convictions).
Be eligible to become a Washington State Agency Affiliated Counselor after being hired.
The Employee must apply for their Certification under the Washington State Agency Affiliated Counselor no later than 7 days after their date of hire.
Be eligible to supply documentation that they have received the required Washington State Agency Affiliation Counselor License no later than 60 days after employment.
Knowledge of the Pierce County public mental health system and community resources is desirable. Education and/or experience in a social service field are a plus.
Prefer degree in social services related field and 1 year experience working with mentally ill clients in a residential setting or inpatient setting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Current certification as a Peer Counselor is required and previous experience as a Peer Counselor is desirable
- Completing specialized training approved by the State of Washington – the training is free.
- Passing a written and oral state exam – the exam is free.
Knowledge and understanding of mental disorders.
Good verbal and written communication skills and entry-level computer user skills
Good interpersonal communication skills
Must have First Aid-CPR certificate and Food Handler’s card, and TB test annually.

Apply Now or Email your questions to HRDepartment@mdc-hope.org.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please submit your cover letter stating which position you are applying for, your resume and/or application materials directly to our Human Resources Department at HRDepartment@mdc-hope.org.

Mailed inquiries may be sent to: MDC, 945 Fawcett Avenue, Tacoma, Washington 98402; Attention: Human Resources Department. Mailed submissions need to include a cover letter and resume, along with identification of the job position of interest. Please do not contact Board Members or staff directly about job postings or your resume as they will be unable to respond to any inquiries. If you have questions concerning your application, please email hr@mdc-hope.org, DO NOT CALL.

MDC offers to all their full-time employees, medical, dental, company contributed 403B retirement (4% plus another 4% matching any employee contribution) after 120 day probationary period, Flexible Spending Account, Company Paid Life Insurance & Long Term Care Insurance, 13 days vacation a year, 13 days sick time a year, plus one floating holiday, and 11 paid holidays per year. Free parking and located along bus routes.

MDC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, creed, age, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or other classifications protected by applicable laws.

MDC’s organizational values include “inclusion” and “equity”. As such, MDC actively seeks and strongly encourages applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.

Notice: For any open positions, job candidates must successfully pass a criminal history background check which may include fingerprinting.

Peer Counselor/Mental Health Technician — Evaluation and Treatment Center

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Minimum Qualifications:

Be a Part of a Story of Hope!