Peer Support Specialist
About The Position
The Peer Support Specialist uses lived experience recovering from behavioral health challenges, together with formal training, to provide peer support to adults diagnosed with mental illness, substance use disorders, and/or co-occurring disorders. The role helps patients find hope and make progress toward recovery and resilience. It works within a strong team environment and follows Health Services Department standards. The specialist builds trusting relationships with patients, models healthy self-care and coping strategies, supports patient choice and self-determination, and helps individuals develop self-advocacy, social, coping, and community-living skills. The role also fosters a supportive recovery community, assists with social activities, advocates for recovery-based services, and coordinates resources and transition support, including healthcare, housing, employment, treatment, and reconnection with community and personal support networks. The position is based at the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe in Kingston, Washington, and is not eligible for remote work. It is full-time, 40 hours per week, with daytime, evening, and weekend availability as required. Occasional travel to trainings is noted; local, statewide, and out-of-state travel may also be required. Applicants must be a Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribal or Community Member, have personal recovery experience with at least one year in recovery, and maintain a lifestyle free from alcohol and other drug problems. Peer Support certification through Washington is required within six months of hire; First Aid, CPR, and Naloxone training are required within three months of hire.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED.
- Must be a Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribal or Community Member.
- Personal experience with recovery and at least one year in recovery.
- Must maintain a lifestyle free from problems with alcohol and other drugs and be able to serve as a positive role model.
- Washington Peer Support certification required within six months of hire.
- Driver’s license required.
- First Aid and CPR certification required within three months of hire.
- Naloxone training required within three months of hire.
- Ability to work daytime, evenings, and weekends as required.
- Knowledge and skill in teaching and engaging patients in basic problem-solving strategies that support self-directed recovery.
- Good communication skills and willingness to seek input from the Health Center leadership team when challenging situations may require management guidance.
- Personal computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office, email, and internet use.
- Ability to meet the stated physical requirements, including occasional lifting and moving of up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to travel locally, statewide, and out of state as required.
Responsibilities
- Use lived experience to build meaningful, trusting relationships with patients and serve as a mentor.
- Teach, model, and demonstrate healthy self-care tools, coping skills, and self-help strategies for patients in recovery.
- Advocate for individual choice, self-determination, and decision-making in treatment, rehabilitation, and support services.
- Help individuals develop self-advocacy skills.
- Help individuals find meaningful activities that promote purpose, structure, and community inclusion.
- Help individuals develop coping, social, and community-living skills.
- Build a supportive community of patients and staff that promotes patient growth and recovery.
- Assist in creating and implementing social activities and help maintain a positive environment.
- Provide and advocate for effective recovery-based services that support patients in daily living.
- Participate in the Chi-e-Chee coalition to plan and evaluate recovery support services.
- Coordinate with relevant programs to strengthen recovery support services, including during transitions back into the general community.
- Help connect patients with continued healthcare, housing, job assistance, additional treatment services, and friends, family, and outside communities.
- Maintain positive contacts with Tribal Staff, Community Members, the Tribal Council, state and federal agencies, local schools, and other community agencies.
- Communicate regularly with the supervisor and/or leadership about activities, plans, and concerns.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
High school or GED
