Crisis Peer Support Specialist (Youth)

kitsapmentalhealth; Bremerton (WA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental & Vision Coverage

Generous PTO + holidays

Fully Paid YMCA Membership

Life & Disability Insurance

Student Loan Assistance & Professional

403(b) Retirement Plan

EAP

Pet Insurance

Wellness App (2MorrowHealth)

Team-oriented environment

Job summary

Kitsap Mental Health Services (KMHS) is hiring a Peer Support Specialist for the Youth Mobile Crisis Outreach Team. The position is full-time, on-site, with community outreach, promoting hope and recovery for youth and families in crisis.

You will work with clinicians to connect clients to resources, provide peer-based support, and advocate for client rights while addressing housing, employment, and transportation needs within the community.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Two years of experience with behavioral health/substance use populations; crisis or inpatient setting experience preferred.
• Must meet agency driving requirements: 21+, licensed 3+ years, clean driving history, WA license, reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Use lived experience to validate client experiences and provide peer-based support.
• Promote hope, empowerment, and self-determination for youth in crisis.
• Provide information and referrals to housing, employment, transportation, and community resources.
• Support discharge planning and referrals with clinicians and crisis responders.
• Advocate for client rights and connect to self-help resources.
• Assist with crisis stabilization and access to healthcare and funding supports.

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Peer Support Specialist – Youth Mobile Crisis Outreach Team

Full-Time, On-Site (includes community outreach)

Hiring Range: $20.07 - $24.58 per hour

Additional Pay With Shift Differentials (as much as $1.25 per hour)

Benefits at a Glance

• Health, Dental & Vision Coverage
• Generous PTO: Up to 19 days + 2 mental health days + 10 holidays (pro-rated for part-time)
• Fully Paid YMCA Membership for you and eligible family members
• Company-Paid Life & Disability Insurance
• Student Loan Assistance & Professional Development
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Company Contributions
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Pet Insurance
• Free Wellness App (2MorrowHealth)
• Collaborative, Supportive Team Environment

Kitsap Mental Health Services (KMHS) is seeking a compassionate Peer Support Specialist to join our Youth Mobile Crisis Outreach Team. In this role, you will use your lived experience to support youth and families during periods of crisis by promoting hope, recovery, and connection to resources. You’ll work alongside clinicians and crisis responders to help individuals navigate challenging situations, access services, and build stability in the community. If you’re driven to make a meaningful impact and support youth through a recovery-oriented lens.

Primary Responsibilities

• Use lived experience to validate client experiences and provide peer-based support throughout the recovery process.
• Promote hope, empowerment, and self-determination for youth experiencing behavioral health crises.
• Share recovery experiences, including involuntary treatment experiences, to offer support and encouragement.
• Provide information and referrals related to housing, employment, vocational services, transportation, and community resources.
• Encourage social connection, skill-building, and engagement in meaningful activities.
• Communicate effectively with clients, families, and medical professionals to support discharge planning and referrals.
• Collaborate with Designated Crisis Responders to support alternative placement options.
• Advocate for client rights, reduce stigma, and connect individuals to self-help and peer advocacy resources.
• Support ongoing assessment and intervention related to suicidality, substance use, and crisis stabilization.
• Assist clients in accessing healthcare, legal services, housing subsidies, and other funding supports.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION: High School Diploma or GED

EXPERIENCE: Two years of experience working with behavioral health/substance use populations and experience working in crisis or inpatient settings

This position requires driving clients in a personal vehicle on behalf of the agency. Therefore, the incumbent must meet all agency driving requirements, including being at least 21 years old, having been licensed for a minimum of three years, successfully completing a motor vehicle history check, possessing and maintaining a current, valid driver’s license in the state of Washington, and having reliable, insured transportation.

LICENSURE: Certified Peer Support Specialist Trainee (CPSS-T) or Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS).

Preferred Qualifications

EXPERIENCE:Relevant experience working with clients with severe and persistent mental illness.

Capacity to work well with children and families.

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.