Summary of Functions

Responsible for monitoring and providing a safe and secure environment for transitional living residents at the People’s Place in Usk, WA.  This position will maintain coverage of residents at People’s Place during various hours of operation.  Peer Counselor will work with People’s Place staff to ensure residents comply with all program policies and procedures.  Peer Counselor will introduce new residents to the program & facility and give positive support to the efforts of residents, who may have only recently entered into recovery. Peer Counselors will provide education, training and support to residents at People’s Place in the development of skills and tools to support a lifestyle in recovery. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain coverage of residents at People’s Place, including during various shifts.
• Ensure residents comply with all programs policies and procedures, including documentation and report of infractions.
• Assist with the move in/out process using various documentation tools (such as check lists, repair or inspection lists).
• Perform inspections to ensure cleanliness of property and participate in safety inspections when required.
• Provides control and documentation of transactions regarding all money, subsistence, medications, first aid supplies, mail, visitors, accountability checks and telephone calls. 
• Conducts and documents scheduled internal and external inspections of the premises to maintain the health, safety and accountability of the residents. 
• Complete security rounds of the People’s Place premises and report suspicious activity.
• Diffuse potential crisis situations and take appropriate action in resolving crises.
• Complete a written transitional report for each shift and be actively involved in the shift transition.
• Identify appropriate resources to assist residents on their journey to independent living.
• Ability to problem solve basic maintenance issues and become knowledgeable of buildings, locations of shut-off valves, fuse boxes, thermostats, gas and water meters, fire and alarm systems, boilers and hot water heaters. 
• Treat residents and staff with respect as demonstrated through honest communications.
• Must be sensitive and responsible to the cultural differences in the organizations’ service population and maintain healthy boundaries.
• Must have or be willing to develop working knowledge of homeless issues, oppression, client advocacy, community resource, drug and alcohol issues, and human development and actively assist clients in these areas
• Complete all necessary administrative tasks, including, maintenance and follow up with all paperwork, maintaining sign-in sheet, phone calls and emails.    
• Attend all in-service trainings.
• Regularly communicate with People’s Place Program Coordinator.
• Conduct random urinalysis and breathalyzers to ensure sober environment. 
• Maintain Peer Counselor certification to allow for third party billing
• Meet training requirements on an ongoing basis as required for Peer Counselor Certification
• Ability to assist clients in the development of pro-social behaviors
• Facilitation of support classes and events for clients and community members following guidelines provided
• Assist and support residents in pro-social activities such as attending appointments
• Maintain overdose prevention training
• Maintain active abstinence from substance abuse

• Adhere to all applicable tribal, federal, or state privacy laws and regulations, including but not limited HIPPA and 42 CFR Part 2.

• Perform other duties as assigned

Education

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Certification as a Peer Counselor through the Department of Behavioral Health and Recovery (must complete within 90 days of hire)

Experience

• Minimum 1 year experience working with individuals experiencing chemical dependency problems (desired).
• Minimum 1 year freedom from alcohol and chemical abuse/addiction (required).
• Experience working in a similar residential setting (preferred).
• Experience working with people with a basic understanding of mental health and chemical dependency issues. 
• Continue to meet the guidelines and requirements for Peer Counselor as set forth by Washington State governing agency
• Maintain active certification as a Peer Counselor

Skills

• Must be able to train for blood borne pathogens, CPR, First Aid and other job related training. 
• Ability to support goal-setting and set appropriate limits with residents
• Strong interpersonal skills including oral and written communication.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to deal effectively with conflict.
• Ability to work flexible hours.
• High degree of dependability.
• Respect confidentiality and adhere to all privacy regulations.
• Knowledge of Kalispel Tribe and Pend Oreille County social services and other community resources.

Minimum Requirements

• Valid driver’s license with good driving record and ability to qualify for Kalispel Tribe’s vehicle insurance.
• Ability to pass a Level 3 background check.
• Ability to observe behaviors and document them in an objective manner.
• Experience working with people with a basic understanding of mental health and chemical dependency issues. 
• CPR Certification
• Blood borne pathogens training
• TB test
• Hepatitis A & B vaccinations required.

Physical Requirements

• Walk, stand or sit for long periods of time
• Run to scene of disturbance or emergency
• Search areas for contraband that are not easy to access (e.g., under beds, in, behind, and around large equipment or furniture)
• Meet physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform assigned duties with or without reasonable accommodation, including, lifting up to (50) fifty pounds on a regular basis and occasionally lifting in excess of up to (75) seventy five pounds with assistance.
• Sufficient mobility to stoop, reach, climb, kneel, and move about to perform job duties.  Use hands and fingers to feel and grasp.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to tobacco smoke, moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles.  The worker is frequently subject to inside environmental conditions, which provide protection from weather conditions, but not necessarily from temperature changes, and is occasionally subject to outside environmental conditions and to wet and/or humid conditions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Hiring Preference: The Kalispel Tribe of Indians is an Equal opportunity employer. Consistent with federal law, the Kalispel Tribe of Indians applies Indian preference in employment. It is the policy of the Kalispel Tribe of Indians to give preference in hiring, promotions, and transfers into vacant positions to qualified applicants in the following order: 1) Kalispel Tribal Members; 2) Descendant or Spouse of an enrolled Kalispel Tribal Member; 3) enrolled members of other Indian Tribes; 4) all other applicants. At-Will Employment: Employment with the Kalispel Tribe of Indians is at-will and can be terminated with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time, either at the option of the employee or the Kalispel Tribe of Indians. Drug Testing: The Kalispel Tribe of Indians is a drug free work place. All applicants are subject to drug testing at the time of hire and at unannounced times during employment. Background Investigation: All candidates and employees may be subject to a background investigation.

Disclaimer: Certain Licenses and Certification requirements can be obtained once hired.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.