Crisis Triage Center Peer Support Specialist

Peer Support Specialist – Crisis Triage Center

Full-Time, Onsite (includes community outreach)

Hiring Range: $20.07-$24.58 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 seeking a Peer Support Specialist to join our Crisis Triage Center (CTC) team. In this role, you will use lived experience to support individuals during acute behavioral health crises and moments of instability. You will work alongside clinical staff in a fast‑paced, 24/7 setting that prioritizes safety, stabilization, and respect. If you want to use lived experience to support people during crisis, we welcome your application.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and support timely discharge planning for clients with complex, multi‑system needs.

• Use lived experience to validate client perspectives, promote hope, and encourage active participation in recovery and self‑advocacy.

• Provide individualized peer support aligned with each client’s recovery plan, offering coaching, guidance, and encouragement.

• Assist clients in understanding recovery and resiliency concepts and applying skills toward personal life goals.

• Participate in clinical activities as directed, including facilitating approved groups, observing client mental status, and following behavioral protocols.

• Complete required paperwork and documentation related to client care and recovery activities.

• Participate in shift pass‑downs to ensure continuity of client support across shifts.

• Serve as a bridge between clients and the treatment team, offering insight on symptoms, medications, and recovery experiences.

• Assist clients and staff in recognizing and addressing stigma and discrimination.

• Collaborate with staff to support client rights, including grievance and complaint processes.

• Promote awareness of self‑help, peer, and consumer advocacy groups and serve as liaison when appropriate.

• Support clients during periods of increased risk, including suicidality or substance use concerns, and assist with readiness for meaningful daily activities.

• Assist clients with planning and participating in social and leisure activities, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

• Provide timely oral and written feedback to the treatment team regarding client progress.

• Maintain professional boundaries while balancing peer relationships and agency responsibilities; seek clinical supervision as needed.

• Attend orientations, staff meetings, and required trainings as scheduled.

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.

LICENSURE: Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration. Completion of the Washington State Mental Health Division’s Peer Counselor Training and the subsequent certification as a Peer Counselor within six months of employment. Valid WA State Food Worker Card.

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 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: Residential treatment facility, outreach. 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.