Peer Support Specialist - Residential Programs

kitsapmentalhealth; Bremerton (WA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental & Vision insurance

PTO + holidays

YMCA membership

Life & disability insurance

Student loan assistance

403(b) retirement plan

EAP

Pet insurance

Wellness app

Team collaboration

Job summary

Kitsap Mental Health Services (KMHS) is hiring a Residential Services Peer Support Specialist to help individuals navigate recovery from serious mental illness. You will provide encouragement, assist with discharge planning, and join the treatment team to support client goals with lived experience.

This full-time, onsite role offers a competitive starting pay per hour, generous benefits, and opportunities for ongoing professional development within a collaborative, supportive team.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Entry level position with no prior work experience preferred.
• Must meet driving requirements in Washington state (age 21+, 3 years licensed, MV history check).
• Valid WA Food Worker Card required.
• CPSS-T or CPSS certification/licensure required or trainee status.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and support timely discharge planning for clients with complex needs.
• Provide encouragement and support using lived experience.
• Promote hope and empowerment to help clients achieve recovery goals.
• Deliver individualized peer support aligned with each client’s plan.
• Assist clients with understanding recovery, resiliency, and wellness strategies.

Skills

Lived experience

Discharge planning

Peer support

Communication

Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Driver’s license

Job description

Peer Support Specialist – Residential Services

Full-Time, Onsite (includes community outreach)

Hiring Range: $22.90–$28.05 P per Hour

Benefits at a Glance

• Comprehensive Coverage: Health, Dental & Vision
• 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 hiring a Residential Services Peer Support Specialist to provide hope and guidance to individuals navigating their recovery from serious mental illness. This role helps clients build confidence, navigate challenges, and stay connected to their recovery goals. Peer Support Specialists are valued members of the treatment team and provide a perspective that comes from firsthand experience. If you want to use lived experience to support people through recovery, we welcome your application.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and support timely discharge planning for clients with complex and individualized service needs.
• Use lived experience to provide encouragement, validation, and support throughout the recovery process.
• Promote hope, empowerment, and self-determination while supporting clients in achieving recovery goals.
• Provide individualized peer support in alignment with each client’s treatment and recovery plan.
• Assist clients in understanding recovery, resiliency, and wellness strategies that support long-term success.
• Facilitate approved support groups and participate in other clinical activities as directed.
• Observe and report changes in client presentation and follow behavioral support plans as assigned.
• Complete documentation and paperwork related to direct client care.
• Participate in shift pass-downs to support continuity of care.
• Provide the treatment team with insight from the client perspective regarding recovery, treatment experiences, symptoms, and medications.
• Support efforts to reduce stigma and increase awareness of recovery-oriented practices.
• Assist clients with understanding and exercising their rights, including grievance and complaint processes.
• Help connect clients with peer support, self-help, and consumer advocacy resources in the community.
• Assist with ongoing assessment and support related to mental health, substance use, suicidality, and daily functioning.
• Support clients in planning and participating in social, recreational, and community activities.
• Provide timely verbal and written updates regarding client progress.
• Maintain professional boundaries and seek supervision when needed.
• Attend required trainings, staff meetings, and orientations.

Minimum Qualifications:

EDUCATION: High School Diploma or GED

EXPERIENCE: Entry level (no prior related work experience)

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.

Valid WA State Food Worker Card

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.

Performance Requirements:

KNOWLEDGE:

1. Maintain a working knowledge of current trends in community mental health, including health care reform and automation of job tasks using computer technology.
2. Maintain a working knowledge of mental health rehabilitation standards.

SKILLS:

1. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other employees, clients, organizations, and the public.
2. Communication – Communicates clearly and concisely.
3. Computer skills - The ability to operate a personal computer, fax machine, printer, and copier proficiently.

ABILITIES:

1. Demonstrated ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries while balancing the sometimes conflicting demands of being both a peer to clients and an employee of the agency. Seek appropriate clinical supervision where necessary, particularly around boundary issues.
2. Demonstrated ability to meet or exceed productivity standards.
3. Ability to provide oral and written feedback on consumer progress to the treatment team, including the timely completion of e-cet based clinical notes.
4. Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively as a team member.

Equipment Operated:

Standard office equipment including computers, fax machines, copiers, printers, telephones, etc.

Work Environment

Frequent mobility and/or sitting required for extended periods.

Mental/Physical Requirements

While performing the job duties, the employee is required to walk, sit, use hands and fingers, reach with arms, talk, or listen. Peripheral vision is also required for this position.

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.