Crisis Peer Support Specialist - Port Orchard (30 Hours)

Kitsap Mental Health Services is seeking a Crisis Peer Support Specialist to join the Crisis Response Team. This role leverages personal and practical experience as a recipient of mental health services to support clients, families, and community partners.

About the role

The Peer Support Specialist provides expertise in recovery, symptom management, and client persistence to lead a satisfying life. They advocate for client choice, self-determination, and decision-making in treatment and support services, while offering consultation on community resources, crisis intervention, and substance abuse services.

Responsibilities

• Draw on shared experiences to validate clients' experiences and encourage responsibility in their recovery.
• Promote hope and empowerment to help clients achieve recovery goals and maintain independence.
• Share experiences related to involuntary treatment and provide recovery-oriented support to clients and families.
• Provide information and referrals for transportation to medical, dental, and specialist appointments.
• Coach and encourage clients in socialization and planning leisure activities.
• Maintain effective communication with physicians, nursing staff, clients, and families regarding discharge planning, hospital placement, and involuntary treatment.
• Coordinate with social services to deliver treatment team-indicated services.
• Support Designated Crisis Responders in arranging less restrictive alternative placements.
• Help clients and staff identify and combat stigma and discrimination.
• Assist clients in locating self-help and consumer advocacy groups, acting as a liaison between the team and such groups.
• Collaborate on client rights awareness, including grievance procedures, and support clients in filing and resolving complaints.
• Provide ongoing assessment and direct services for challenges such as suicidality, substance abuse, and readiness for daily activities, including employment.
• Offer practical help to access healthcare, legal services, housing subsidies, and funding alternatives.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Two years of experience working with behavioral health/substance use populations and in crisis or inpatient settings.
• Must meet agency driving requirements: minimum age of 21, valid Washington state driver’s license, reliable insured transportation, and a clean motor vehicle history check.
• Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration.
• Completion of Washington State Mental Health Division’s Peer Counselor Training and certification as a Peer Counselor within six months of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with clients with severe and persistent mental illness.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health & Wellness Coverage: Extensive health, dental, and vision benefits with top-tier care and services.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Up to 19 days of PTO, plus 2 mental health days and 10 paid holidays in the first year (pro-rated for part-time).
• Company-Paid Life & Disability Insurance: Short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance at no cost.
• Student Loan Assistance & Professional Development: Student loan repayment assistance and extensive training opportunities.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan: Investment options with potential company contributions based on eligibility.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for personal and professional challenges, including counseling and financial advice.
• Pets Best Pet Insurance: Comprehensive pet insurance for cats and dogs.
• 2MorrowHealth Behavioral Change App: Free access to an app supporting healthy behavior changes and wellness goals.
• Home Support Services: Resources for buying, selling, or refinancing a home.
• Dynamic, Collaborative Team Environment: A supportive team that values collaboration, creativity, and every voice.

Pay

$22.90 - $28.06 per hour.