Kitsap Mental Health Services Careers

Forensic Programs – Peer Support Specialist

FHARPS Program

Full-Time, Onsite (includes community outreach)

Hiring Range: $20.07 - $24.58 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 
• , creativity, and support, where every voice is heard and every idea valued.

Kitsap Mental Health Services (KMHS) is seeking a Peer Support Specialist to support individuals enrolled in our FHARPS community‑based recovery program. In this role, you will use lived experience to support people navigating competency restoration, housing instability, and re‑entry into the community. You will work closely with clinical staff and community partners to reduce barriers and support progress toward stability and independence. If you want to use lived experience to support people rebuilding their lives, we welcome your application.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Use your lived experience to provide individualized peer support to clients in the FHARPS program.
• Assist clients in securing housing, employment, and essential resources to enhance their independence.
• Facilitate individual and group sessions, guiding clients through recovery-focused activities and the "Breaking Barriers" curriculum.
• Provide support for daily living skills such as personal hygiene, meal planning, and financial management.
• Act as a liaison between clients, team members, and community resources.
• Advocate for client rights and assist with resolving grievances or complaints.
• Participate in community integration efforts by helping clients access social, recreational, and self-help opportunities.
• Document client progress and maintain accurate, confidential records in accordance with agency policies.Assist in providing ongoing assessment and direct services to clients, responding to such challenges as an increase in suicidality, the need for substance abuse education and treatment, and the clients' readiness for meaningful daily activity, including employment.
• Provide practical help and supports to help clients gain access to health care services. As well as other necessary services such as legal services, housing subsidies, and funding alternatives.

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.

This position may require staff to enter the jail to engage with clients. The incumbent staff must be able to obtain jail access by passing background check annually.

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.

Preferred Qualifications:

EXPERIENCE: Relevant experience working with clients with severe and persistent mental illness.

Capacity to work well with children and families.

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:

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.

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.