Kitsap Mental Health Services Careers

Jail Diversion Peer Support Specialist – Full-time

Hiring Range: $20.07 - $24.58 per hour

Benefits: 

• Comprehensive and generous health, dental and vision benefits
• Up to 19 days of PTO, 2 mental health days and 9 paid holidays your first year (pro-rated for part-time)
• Company paid short-term disability, long-term disability and life insurance
• Student loan payment assistance and extensive training
• An incredible team approach that is dynamic and collaborative

The Peer Support Specialist for the Jail Diversion Program is responsible for serving program participants currently incarcerated at the Kitsap County Jail, addressing questions of legal competency to proceed to trial. The Specialist draws on personal experiences to validate clients' journeys, providing guidance, empowerment, and practical support. This role advocates for client choice, self-determination, and decision-making in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of treatment, rehabilitation, and support services.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide expertise about the recovery process, symptom management, and the persistence required for clients to lead satisfying lives.
• Advocate for client choice, self-determination, and decision-making in treatment, rehabilitation, and support service planning.
• Consult with clients and families on community resources, treatment planning, crisis intervention, and substance abuse services.
• Validate clients' experiences, offering guidance and encouragement for active participation in their recovery.
• Provide coaching, guidance, and support in transition services from jail to the community, supported companionship, money management, medication management, personal hygiene, public transportation, employment and social skills, and completion of household tasks.
• Act as an interpreter, offering expertise and consultation from a client perspective on symptoms, medication effects, treatment opinions, and recovery experiences.
• Collaborate with clients on awareness of their rights, including grievance and complaint procedures; support clients in filing, mediating, and resolving complaints.
• Increase client awareness of self-help and consumer advocacy groups, acting as a liaison between community resources and such groups.
• Assist in ongoing assessment and direct services, responding to challenges like suicidality, substance abuse education, and readiness for meaningful daily activity.
• Assist clients in securing safe, affordable housing, negotiating with landlords, and procuring necessities.
• Support clients in accessing primary care, dental services, and other necessary medical specialists.
• Provide practical help and support to access legal services, housing subsidies, and funding alternatives.
• Assist clients in planning and carrying out social and leisure time activities.
• Provide timely oral and written feedback on consumer progress to the treatment team.
• Maintain professional boundaries while balancing the demands of being both a peer and an agency employee.

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 successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver's license in the state of Washington, and have reliable, insured transportation.

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.

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.