Peer Support Specialist Pacific Hope & Recovery
Kitsap Mental Health Services
Summary
Kitsap Mental Health Services (KMHS) is seeking a Peer Support Specialist to support individuals receiving services at Pacific Hope & Recovery Center (PHRC). This position uses lived experience with mental health and substance use recovery to help clients build hope and make progress toward their recovery goals. The role provides peer-based support that strengthens engagement, encourages self-advocacy, and promotes long-term recovery.
Job description
Primary Responsibilities
- Use personal lived experience to provide encouragement, support, and advocacy for individuals in crisis or early recovery.
- Collaborate with treatment teams to assist clients in building discharge and recovery plans.
- Complete follow-up calls at 7, 30, and 90 days after discharge to assess progress and offer continued support.
- Participate in care coordination, helping clients access housing, medical care, and community resources.
- Facilitate approved group activities and provide one-on-one peer counseling as needed.
- Assist with clients' basic needs (e.g., meal prep, safety checks, transportation) and help maintain a safe, clean environment.
- Support clinical documentation by accurately recording observations, services, and updates in client records.
- Engage in staff meetings, training, and shift transitions to ensure continuity of care.
- Provide transportation to appointments and support client transitions between care settings.
- Maintain confidentiality and uphold professional boundaries in all interactions.
Minimum Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED
- Entry level (no prior related work experience)
- At least 21 years old
- Licensed for a minimum of three years
- Successfully complete a motor vehicle history check
- Possess and maintain a current, valid driver's license in the state of Washington
- Reliable, insured transportation
- Valid WA State Food Worker Card
- Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration
- Completion of the Washington State Mental Health Division's Peer Counselor Training and subsequent certification as a Peer Counselor within six months of employment
Performance Requirements
KNOWLEDGE: Maintain a working knowledge of current trends in community mental health, including health care reform and automation of job tasks using computer technology. Maintain a working knowledge of mental health rehabilitation standards.
SKILLS: Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other employees, clients, organizations, and the public. Communicates clearly and concisely. Ability to operate a personal computer, fax machine, printer, and copier proficiently.
ABILITIES: Demonstrated ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries while balancing the sometimes conflicting demands of being both a peer to clients and an employee of the agency. Seek appropriate clinical supervision where necessary, particularly around boundary issues. Demonstrated ability to meet or exceed productivity standards. Ability to provide oral and written feedback on consumer progress to the treatment team, including the timely completion of e-cet based clinical notes. Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively as a team member.
Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
- Entry level (no prior related work experience)
- At least 21 years old
- Licensed for a minimum of three years
- Successfully complete a motor vehicle history check
- Current, valid driver's license in the state of Washington
- Reliable, insured transportation
- Valid WA State Food Worker Card
- Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration
- Completion of Peer Counselor Training and certification within six months of employment
- Working knowledge of community mental health trends
- Working knowledge of mental health rehabilitation standards
- Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships
- Clear and concise communication
- Computer skills (PC, fax, printer, copier)
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries
- Ability to meet or exceed productivity standards
- Ability to provide oral and written feedback on consumer progress
- Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively as a team member
Benefits
- Health, Dental & Vision
- Up to 19 days PTO
- 2 mental health days
- 10 paid holidays
- Paid YMCA membership
- Company-paid life & disability insurance
- Student loan assistance
- Professional development
- 403(b) retirement plan
- Employee assistance program
- Pet insurance
- Wellness app
Company overview
Kitsap Mental Health Services is a comprehensive mental health care provider serving the Kitsap County region in Washington State. As a community-based healthcare organization, it offers a wide range of mental health services including crisis intervention, outpatient counseling, psychiatric care, substance abuse treatment, and support services for individuals with serious mental illnesses. The organization focuses on providing accessible, high-quality mental health care to diverse populations across the lifespan, from children and adolescents to adults and seniors. Kitsap Mental Health Services operates as a critical component of the local healthcare infrastructure, collaborating with other community organizations, healthcare providers, and social service agencies to deliver integrated care. The organization emphasizes evidence-based practices, trauma-informed care, and recovery-oriented approaches to support individuals in achieving mental wellness and improved quality of life. Through its various programs and services, Kitsap Mental Health Services addresses the complex mental health needs of the community while working to reduce stigma and promote mental health awareness.