IDD Parent Partner - Certified Peer Counselor

Overview

Opportunities abound at SOUND

SOUND Behavioral Health is growing, and we are hiring an IDD parent peer partner. SOUND is one of King County’s most comprehensive providers of quality mental health and addiction treatment services, supporting our area’s most vulnerable populations. 

Other keywords: therapists, therapy, counselors, counseling, social work, case ma

This parent partner provides resources, referrals, and linkages that will enable strength building. Attend meetings as requested by families. Attend national, state, and local forums, workgroups, and events to connect with other systems and enhance understanding of best practices. 

This position requires lived experience as a parent or guardian of a child, or children, with IDD and navigating associated systems of care. 

Location: 6400 Southcenter Blvd, Tukwila, WA 98188. 

Scheduling: 16 hours per week, with flexible scheduling between Monday-Friday 7:00am-7:00pm. This team member will provide mobile services throughout King County and flexible work hours. 

The parent partner will understand, support, and accommodate the diverse perspectives and needs of different cultures and communities in the county. 

Accepting applications until October 27.  

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Assists in developing and implementing the recovery plan, including identifying life goals and the steps needed to achieve them. 

• Identifies services and activities that promote recovery and resilience.

• Supports clients and their families in making their own choices and taking responsibility for their own recovery.

• Assist clients with navigating the behavioral health and criminal justice systems.

• Assists clients in building self-advocacy skills and developing coping skills.

• Assists clients with navigating the mental health and other systems.  

• Assists clients in building and maintaining community living skills and accessing community resources. 

• Assists clients with finding and retaining employment, education, and volunteer work. 

• Assists clients with finding other meaningful activities that promote a sense of purpose, structure, and inclusion in the community.

• Assists clients in identifying strengths, recognizing successes, and building hope.

• Assists in reducing the sense of isolation and helplessness that clients and families often feel.

• Work in collaboration with WISe team and other agencies, including community and professional systems of care. 

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS

• Follows direction from supervisor and maintains professional boundaries with both clients and team members. 

• Uses personal experience to build empathy and rapport. 

• Validates and provides information, emotional support, and encouragement.

• Understands dual relationships and role conflicts.

• Maintains confidentiality.

• Knows when to seek consultation and supervision within the scope of their training.

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Must be a parent or caregiver of a child/youth who is or has been involved in the systems of care. Systems of care refers to involvement with organizations such as DSHS, DCYF, special education, DDA, or juvenile court.
• Must have a parent’s perspective and intimate knowledge of the expectations and range of experiences of parents and caregivers of children with serious emotional and behavioral disorders.
• Experience with system advocacy for own family, and willingness to partner with others. 
• GED or high school equivalent required or actively pursuing.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Must have an active Certified Peer Support Specialist/Certified Peer Support Specialist Trainee credential with the WA State Department of Health. 

• Must be able to obtain a WA State Agency Affiliated Counselor credential within the first 60 days of hire. 

• Washington State driver's license and an insurable driving record are required. 

• Must pass a criminal background check.

Perks at Sound!

All Team Members at Sound working 40 hours per week will be eligible for the following benefits:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance: Premium 100% paid by Sound for team member and child coverage to age 26, depending on plan selected. Spouse/Domestic Partner coverage available at team member’s cost.
• Life Insurance (2x annual salary + additional $25,000): paid by Sound
• Long Term Disability Insurance (60% monthly salary): paid by Sound
• Retirement Plan: Sound contributes 3% to team member’s plan; team member is 100% vested.
• Retirement Plan - 401(k) Plan, pre-tax and/or Roth: team member may contribute to their own plan.
• Health Savings Account: Sound contributes $1,133.33 (individual) or $2,266.67 (family) for eligible team members, pro-rated for new hires in first year.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: for health care and dependent day care costs (pre-tax)
• EAP: Employee Assistance Plan
• Vacation: 18 days per year, increasing with years of service
• Holidays: 9 days per year
• Sick Leave: 12 days per year
• Bereavement Leave: for death in the family
• Parking: Free at all Sound sites
• Training: Free in-house professional training and $400 annually + 3 paid days approved off-site training
• Service Award: at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 & 40 years of service

Compensation: $25.52-$26.83 per hour.