Peer Specialist - Downtown Behavioral Health Clinic (DBHC) / Drop-In Center

DESC•Seattle, WA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Specialist is a member of a multidisciplinary team providing recovery-oriented support to adults experiencing severe and persistent mental illness, substance use challenges, and homelessness. This position supports daily operations at DESC’s Downtown Behavioral Health Clinic (DBHC), working in close collaboration with Peer Specialists, client volunteers, community volunteers, and the Peer Supervisor. Individuals in this role self-identify as having lived experience with mental illness, substance use, homelessness, or related recovery experiences, and use their personal recovery journey to model resilience, build trust, and empower clients. Peer Specialists carry a caseload of approximately 15 clients and work closely with internal and external teams to support engagement, stabilization, recovery, and overall wellness.

Requirements

Current Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) or Certified Peer Support Specialist Trainee (CPSS-T) credential through the Washington State Department of Health or ability to gain certification within 60 days of hire.
Lived experience as a consumer of behavioral health services (mental health and/or substance use treatment) or be the parent or legal guardian of a child who has received behavioral health services.
Proof of successful completion of the Washington State Health Care Authority's Certified Peer Support Specialist Training prior to hire.
Experience working with individuals who are mentally ill, homeless, and/or using substances.
Interest or experience in engaging clients who may struggle with traditional service settings.
Ability to communicate and work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
Commitment to trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and respect for client autonomy.
Washington State Driver’s License and ability to drive small–medium passenger vans.
Ability to remain calm, patient, and effective in challenging or unpredictable situations.

Nice To Haves

One or more years' experience in community-based behavioral health services or like industry serving a diverse client/participant population.
Two or more years’ experience leveraging personal peer story as a peer specialist.
Bilingual in Spanish and English.
Bicultural background and/or Qualified Minority Mental Health Specialist designation.
Experience in peer support, homeless services, drop-in centers, outreach, or behavioral health settings.

Responsibilities

Support daily operations of the DBHC Drop-In.
Provide milieu support with a focus on bathroom/shower monitoring, and locker access for clients.
Monitor showers throughout the day and ensure all clients are out of the shower room by 2:30 PM.
Participate in scheduled opening and closing procedures.
Safely drive DESC vehicles for food bank and donation pickups three times per week.
Integrate personal lived experience into supportive interactions in a professional and intentional manner.
Provide person-centered, trauma-informed, harm-reduction-aligned support to adults experiencing mental illness, homelessness, and substance use.
Assist clients in accessing hygiene supplies, food, medical care, clothing, housing resources, and community services.
Model and teach skills related to ADLs, community living, and housing stability.
Provide one-on-one peer support that promotes empowerment, self-advocacy, and personal recovery.
Plan, organize, and co-facilitate self-help, psychoeducation, and recovery-focused groups.
Encourage participation in groups, clinical appointments, programming, and wellness activities.
Support community-building efforts that foster inclusion and peer connection.
Participate as a member of an interdisciplinary team providing support, and client engagement.
Collaborate with DBHC staff, housing CSS, mental health clinicians, peer teams, and other DESC programs to support client goals.
Attend psychiatric consultations, clinical reviews, team meetings, supervision, care conferences and required trainings.
Assist with crisis intervention and safety-management tasks as needed.
Document services, interactions, observations, and incidents in accordance with DESC standards and timelines.
Maintain accurate, complete, and compliant clinical and administrative records.