Peer Counselor - Full Time
Triage, MARC Healing Center | 400-52700
Part-Time - 30 Hours/Week (Mon-Fri 09: 00am-03: 30pm)
Wage: $21.89 to $36.11 DOE
Union: Yes

Planned start date: External Candidates 12/15/25 (Internal Candidates 01/05/26)
About the Role
The Peer Counselor provides peer support and recovery-based services to clients at the MARC Healing Center under the supervision of the Program Manager. This position plays a vital role in promoting recovery, empowerment, and independence by sharing lived experience and fostering hope.

Peer Counselors assist individuals in stabilizing during crisis, building self-advocacy skills, developing natural supports, and gaining community living skills to support long-term recovery.
Key Responsibilities

• Provide peer support and validation to clients, encouraging personal responsibility and active participation in their recovery.
• Serve as a mentor and role model to promote hope, empowerment, and self-determination.
• Assist clients in identifying and accessing community and natural supports, including behavioral health treatment, peer groups, and basic needs resources.
• Offer reassurance and support to clients' family members, friends, and natural supports.
• Engage in active listening and strength-based interactions with clients.
• Collaborate with program staff to monitor client symptoms and behavior, contributing to treatment planning that honors client voice and choice.
• Advocate for participants within the treatment and support system as appropriate.
• Fully document interactions with clients and their supports per state, local, and agency standards.
• Use teachable moments to support recovery and development of coping and daily living skills.
• Conduct follow-up phone calls post-discharge to check on client progress and maintain supportive connections.
• Participate in regular supervision, trainings, and team meetings.
• Maintain confidentiality and safeguard client health information per Compass Health's HIPAA and agency policies.
• Demonstrate respect for diversity and uphold trauma-informed and recovery-oriented care.
• Support Compass Health's Strategic Intention, Core Values, and Core Competencies.

What You Bring

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Current Washington State Peer Counselor Certification required.
• Experience as a Peer Counselor preferred.
• Lived experience with a behavioral health diagnosis required.
• Must submit an Agency Affiliated Counselor application upon hire if not already credentialed through WA DOH.
• Current First Aid & CPR certification, or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.
• Valid WA State Driver's License, reliable vehicle, and appropriate insurance (if applicable).

Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of recovery principles and peer support values.
• Knowledge of mental illness, substance use, and effective coping strategies.
• Familiarity with local community and behavioral health resources.
• Ability to build collaborative, respectful relationships with clients and professionals while maintaining healthy boundaries.
• Solution-focused and compassionate approach to challenges.
• Excellent communication, listening, and documentation skills.
• Organizational and multitasking abilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic computer proficiency, including experience with electronic medical records (EMR).
• Ability to pass a pre-employment background check, which may include a DSHS search.

What We Offer
(benefits pro-rated for part-time employees)

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance at NO COST to full-time employees.
• 16 days of paid vacation in the first year.
• 12 sick days, including a wellness day.
• 13 paid holidays (11 standard 2 personal choice).
• $500 in professional development funds annually.
• Up to 5 days of paid education leave.
• 403(b) retirement plan with up to 2% company match after one year.
• And much more!

That's over 45 paid days off in your first year!
Physical Demands / Work Environment
The position is based in a Triage Facility and requires the ability to physically participate in de-escalation and behavioral intervention as needed. While performing the duties of this job, the employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, and use close vision. The work environment noise level is typically moderate to loud.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
About Compass Health
Compass Health is Northwest Washington's behavioral healthcare leader. For more than 110 years, we've provided compassionate and innovative care to children, families, and adults across Snohomish, Skagit, Island, San Juan, and Whatcom counties. Our services include outpatient treatment, crisis response, inpatient care, supportive housing, and more.

Learn more: Compassh.org
Equal Opportunity
Compass Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer, supporting equity regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or disability unless based on a bona fide occupational qualification.