Kitsap Mental Health Services Careers

Peer Support Specialist Pacific Hope & Recovery

Full-Time, On-Site (includes community outreach)

Hiring Range: $22.90 – $28.05 per hour

Benefits at a Glance 

• Comprehensive Coverage: Health, Dental & Vision 
• Generous PTO: Up to 19 days + 2 mental health days + 10 holidays (pro-rated for part-time)
• Fully Paid YMCA Membership for you and eligible family members
• Company-Paid Life & Disability Insurance 
• Student Loan Assistance & Professional Development 
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Company Contributions 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
• Pet Insurance 
• Free Wellness App (2MorrowHealth) 
• Collaborative, Supportive Team Environment 

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. If you're committed to using your lived experience to support others on their recovery journey, we welcome your application.

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:

EDUCATION: High School Diploma or GED

EXPERIENCE: Entry level (no prior related work experience)

This position requires driving clients in a personal vehicle on behalf of the agency. Therefore, the incumbent must meet all agency driving requirements, including being at least 21 years old, having been licensed for a minimum of three years, successfully completing a motor vehicle history check, possessing and maintaining a current, valid driver’s license in the state of Washington, and having reliable, insured transportation.

Valid WA State Food Worker Card

LICENSURE: Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration. Completion of the Washington State Mental Health Division’s Peer Counselor Training and the subsequent certification as a Peer Counselor within six months of employment.

Performance Requirements:

KNOWLEDGE:

1. Maintain a working knowledge of current trends in community mental health, including health care reform and automation of job tasks using computer technology.
2. Maintain a working knowledge of mental health rehabilitation standards.

SKILLS:

1. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other employees, clients, organizations, and the public.
2. Communication ‑ Communicates clearly and concisely.
3. Computer skills - The ability to operate a personal computer, fax machine, printer, and copier proficiently.

ABILITIES:

1. 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.

1. Demonstrated ability to meet or exceed productivity standards.
2. Ability to provide oral and written feedback on consumer progress to the treatment team, including the timely completion of e-cet based clinical notes.
3. Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively as a team member.

Equipment Operated: Standard office equipment including computers, fax machines, copiers, printers, telephones, etc.

Work Environment: Frequent mobility and/or sitting required for extended periods.

Mental/Physical Requirements:  While performing the job duties, the employee is required to walk, sit, use hands and fingers, reach with arms, talk, or listen.  Peripheral vision is also required for this position.

Our recruitment processes are designed to prevent discrimination against our people regardless of gender identity or orientation, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, disability status, citizenship, or any aspect which makes someone unique.