Certified Peer Support Sepcialist

jamestownhealingcampus.org/faq; Sequim (WA); On-site; USD 28,929 - 37,195; Full time

Job summary

Jamestown Healing Clinic in Sequim, WA seeks a Certified Peer Support Specialist to provide non-clinical, recovery-oriented support within behavioral health programs.

The CPSS uses lived experience to mentor patients, support goals, and collaborate with a healthcare team while upholding cultural respect and HIPAA-compliant documentation.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience with individuals who have substance use disorders.
• WA Certified Peer Specialist or ability to obtain within six months.
• Minimum two years of sustained recovery.
• Knowledge of co-occurring disorders.
• Ability to build relationships with patients, families and staff.
• Comfort working in a cross-cultural setting; trauma-informed awareness.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to meet immunization requirements and obtain CPR/First Aid.

Responsibilities

• Support patients in identifying recovery and wellness goals.
• Build one-on-one relationships to motivate and support through treatment and recovery.
• Assist licensed staff with non-clinical services and group programming.
• Guide patients using strength-based approaches to steps toward recovery.
• Model coping techniques and self-help strategies.
• Assist in safety monitoring and escalate concerns to clinical staff as needed.
• Maintain a respectful, recovery-focused milieu and collaborate with the team.
• Document observations and progress in accordance with requirements.
• Uphold cultural respect, including tribal traditions and healing approaches.
• Maintain role clarity within non-clinical peer support duties.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Verbal communication

Written communication

Microsoft Office

Time management

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate's or Bachelor’s in human services or related field

Tools

EMRs

Job description

• Job Location: Jamestown Healing Clinic - Sequim, WA
• Position Type: Full Time
• Salary Range: $20.91-$27.18 Hourly

Jamestown Healing Clinic (JHC) is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) to provide non-clinical, recovery-oriented support services to individuals receiving care through our behavioral health and substance use disorder programs.

Drawing from lived experience in behavioral health or substance use disorder recovery, whether personal or through direct family support, the CPSS serves as a mentor, advocate, and guide for patients navigating treatment and long-term recovery. This position plays a vital role in promoting hope, empowerment, wellness, and connection to community resources while working collaboratively within an interdisciplinary healthcare team.

Essential Functions

Support patients in identifying and articulating personal goals for recovery and wellness.

Develop a one-on-one relationship with patients to encourage, motivate, and support the patient through treatment and long-term recovery, while also maintaining appropriate ethical and professional boundaries with the patient.

Assist licensed SUD and Behavioral Health Staff in preparation for patient services, group programming, and non-clinical based support when requested.

Guide patients in determining steps needed to reach recovery goals using strength-based approaches.

Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.

Support individuals experiencing emotional distress using non-clinical, peer-based approaches and promptly notify clinical staff of safety concerns, changes in behavior, or escalating needs.

Promote a safe, respectful, and recovery-focused milieu (therapeutic environment) in alignment with program expectations.

Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team and communicate relevant observations related to engagement, behavior, and recovery progress.

Support patient engagement in goals identified within SUD and Behavioral Health treatment plans while maintaining accurate and timely documentation in accordance with program, state, and federal requirements.

Support and uphold culturally respectful practices, including honoring tribal traditions, values, and approaches to healing.

Maintain role clarity and appropriate boundaries by adhering to the non-clinical scope of peer support and avoiding engagement in clinical assessment or therapeutic interventions.

Endorse harm reduction and support patient connections to comprehensive, community-based services that reduce harm and promote incremental health improvements.

Adhere to all JHC policies and procedures, including standards for safety and work practices as described in the Occupational Exposure Control Plan and HIPAA.

Other duties and cross-training in additional clinic support roles as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent required.

Experience working with individuals with substance use disorders.

Valid Washington State Certified Peer Specialist credential, or ability to obtain certification within six (6) months of hire.

Demonstrated personal commitment to recovery, with a minimum of two (2) years of sustained recovery.

Knowledge of the signs, symptoms, and interventions related to co-occurring disorders.

Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with patients, community members, colleagues, supervisors, and partner agencies.

Ability to work effectively in a cross-cultural environment, with an understanding of the social and cultural contexts of patients served at the Jamestown Healing Clinic, including the impact of trauma (historical, community, family, and individual) on wellness and recovery.

Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

Ability to safely and effectively work with patients who may exhibit angry and/or threatening behaviors.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Strong time management, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.

Knowledge of and adherence to state (RCW, WAC) and federal confidentiality regulations, including 42 CFR Part 2.

Demonstrated cultural awareness and responsiveness to the challenges faced by JHC patients.

Ability to meet current immunization requirements for employment.

CPR/First Aid certification, or ability to obtain upon hire.

Valid driver’s license with ability to travel locally and regionally as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in human services, social work, psychology, or a related field.

Experience using electronic medical records (EMRs).

Experience working with individuals with co-occurring disorders.

Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

Familiarity with administrative operations, including compliance and personnel processes.

Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks effectively.

Demonstrated initiative and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Preference for American Indian/Alaska Native candidates, in accordance with applicable laws.

Why Join Jamestown Healing Clinic?

At Jamestown Healing Clinic, we are committed to providing compassionate, culturally responsive care that supports healing, recovery, and wellness. As a Certified Peer Support Specialist, you will have the opportunity to use your lived experience to inspire hope, build meaningful connections, and positively impact the lives of those we serve.

Join our team and help individuals build healthier, more fulfilling futures.