Peer Counselor

Job Description

Position Open: Peer Counselor – Counseling Services
Full Salary Range (per month):

Step 1 $3,440.18   Step 2 $3,648.32   Step 3 $3,869.09   Step 4 $4,104.99    Step 5 $4,324.51

Hiring Salary Range: Step 1 $3,440.18  – Step 3 $3,869.09 per month DOE
Required: Submit a cover letter and resume along with the company employment application on this site.
Benefits include: Subsidized medical insurance for the employee. Optional dental, vision, and medical coverage for dependents is employee-paid. Washington State retirement pension is applicable, plan choices vary. County-paid benefits such as life insurance, long-term disability, Employee Assistance Program, and 12 company-paid holidays. Eligible for Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Pend Oreille County offers a wide range of optional benefits, we are sure that there is a plan to suit your needs.

Job Summary: Peer Counselor

The Peer Counselor (PC) provides mental health support services by using their own lived experience with mental health recovery to assist others in their recovery journey. As a role model and advocate, the PC delivers individual, group, crisis, and case management services while promoting hope, empowerment, and resilience among clients. The role requires working collaboratively with staff, clients, and community partners in a professional, ethical, and respectful manner.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as a peer support role model demonstrating recovery and coping skills.
• Provide client services including individual, group, and crisis support.
• Maintain strict client confidentiality and professional ethics.
• Complete required training and maintain professional credentials.
• Maintain clinical documentation per agency standards.
• Collaborate with mental health professionals and community providers.
• Participate in staff meetings, supervision, and ongoing training.
• Offer educational support and model recovery tools to clients.
• Respond to crisis situations within scope and refer as needed.
• Represent the agency at community and interagency meetings.

Required Qualifications:

• Lived experience as a current or former mental health services recipient.
• High school diploma or GED (Bachelor’s degree preferred).
• Washington State Certified Peer Support Counselor.
• Completion of WRAP training (or willingness to complete).
• Valid Washington State counselor credential (or apply within 30 days).
• NPI number (or apply within 60 days).
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving/background check.
• Computer skills and ability to type 20–25 WPM.

Skills & Abilities:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to build trusting relationships and respect client dignity.
• Handle stress and crisis tactfully.
• Understand mental health disorders, recovery models, and related systems.

Working Conditions:

• Work across various community settings (homes, jails, schools, hospitals).
• Potential exposure to unpredictable behaviors and communicable diseases.
• Physical demands include travel, lifting up to 30 lbs., and occasional crisis response outside normal hours.

Behavioral Standards:

• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and respectful communication.
• Collaborate effectively and represent the agency and county positively.

Pend Oreille County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

** Have some questions? Send us an email at HR@pendoreille.gov. **