Spokane County
CSD - Peer Support Specialist
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Note: Current Employees must use the Workday Dashboard career section to apply for this position. Employee Type: Regular Department: Mental Health Salary: $41,671.50 - $58,051.50 Annually / $3,472.63 - $4,837.63 Monthly / $21.37 - $29.77 Hourly Scheduled Weekly Hours: 37.5 Overtime Eligible: Yes Job Posting Date Range: 07/31/2026 - Until Filled
Job Summary:
WHO MAY APPLY: This recruitment is open to all applicants meeting the minimum requirements. Priority consideration will be given to Spokane County employees in a position covered by the 1553 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) submitting applications prior to 8/7/26. First consideration will be given to applicants working in CSD in a position covered by the 1553 CBA; second consideration given to County-wide applicants in a position covered by the 1553 CBA; third consideration given to all other applicants, including the public.
The position allocated to this class performs duties requiring the application of lived experience of recovery from behavioral health challenges, as well as skills learned in formal trainings, to deliver peer support services to adults and/or youth diagnosed with mental illness, substance use and/or co-occurring disorder to promote recovery and resilience. Incumbents draw upon their own life experiences, making them uniquely equipped to provide support, encouragement, and resources in assisting individuals with behavioral health challenges make progress toward recovery.
Job Description:
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Serves as a recovery agent by providing and advocating for any effective recovery-based services that will aid the client in daily living.
- Articulates their own recovery and resilience stories in ways that are relevant to the obstacles faced by individuals enrolled in mental health services.
- Advocates for individual choice, self-determination, and decision making in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of treatment, rehabilitation, and support services.
- Assists individuals in developing self-advocacy skills.
- Assists in developing and implementing the recovery plan, including identifying life goals and the steps needed to achieve them and identifying services and activities that promote recovery and resilience.
- Assists individuals in recognizing their strengths and successes; coaches individuals on working through depression, anxiety and isolation.
- Assists individuals in connecting to community resources, navigating systems and overcoming barriers; advocates for housing, transportation, financial, employment and social challenges, in coordination with other team members.
- Uses own experiences to mentor, foster resiliency, decrease stigmatization of mental illness, provide hope, encouragement and empowerment.
- Assists individuals with finding meaningful activities that promote a sense of purpose, structure, and inclusion in the community.
- Assists individuals in developing coping skills, social skills, and community living skills.
- Provides education and advocacy with regard to understanding and overcoming stigma and discrimination against people with mental health/substance use disorders.
- Assists individuals in confronting stigmas associated with chronic homelessness, substance abuse issues and serious mental health issues.
- Supports and assists individuals with integration into the community; serves as a role model for recovery through education and coaching; focuses on self-sufficiently, development and maintenance of community living skills and stabilization of symptoms that present as barriers to success.
- Engages individuals in healthy, professional relationships focusing on communication skills, boundaries, listening, empathy and respect in an understanding and compassion environment.
- Transports clients on various outings (e.g. medical appointments, shopping, etc.) to connect with resources and decrease isolation.
- Submits accurate progress reports and paperwork in a timely manner, reflecting the individual’s functioning and progress towards his/her recovery goals.
- Communicates regularly with supervisor and/or leadership to keep them abreast of activities, plans, and concerns.
- Works, functions, and actively promotes the goals and mission of Community Services Department (CSD).
- Organizes or participates in community or CSD meetings and committees as appropriate or as assigned.
- Maintains strict confidentiality and privacy standards.
- Performs other related duties as required/assigned.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
There are four types of Peer Support Specialists within the CSD Department: The Housing And Recovery through Peer Supports (HARPS) Peer Support Specialist, the Diversion Program Peer Support Specialist, the Family and Youth Peer Navigator, and the Behavioral Health Agency Peer Support Specialist.
HOUSING AND RECOVERY THROUGH PEER SUPPORTS (HARPS): Established under the Housing and Recovery through Peer Services (HARPS) Program and provides support services for adults diagnosed with mental illness, substance use and/or co-occurring disorder experiencing chronic homelessness.
- Assists individuals in locating and obtaining safe, affordable housing and other supports as needed to live independently in the community with improved quality of life. Services may include assistance with HUD subsidized housing resources, landlord negotiation, furnishings, and utility services.
- Provides peer counseling and support, with a focus on assisting individuals in maintaining a permanent supportive housing solution.
- Provides personal assistance to individuals in obtaining Medicaid eligibility, enrollment and program benefits, community integration/activities, accessing appropriate services and community resources including Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, advocating on behalf of the individual for services and benefits, accessing transportation.
DIVERSION PROGRAM: The Diversion Program assists individuals in obtaining the support, skills, and services necessary to improve their level of functioning and stabilize their mental health within the community, decrease the need for psychiatric hospitalization and recidivism to correctional settings and criminal justice system involvement. The services are delivered in a variety of settings, predominately in the community, correctional setting, and court system depending on the needs of the individual. Diversion Team Members must demonstrate a commitment to the provision of compassionate, recovery and person-centered care supportive of the individual’s own goals and motivation toward positive health outcomes.
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AGENCY: The Peer Support Specialist in the licensed Behavioral Health Agency works in collaboration with behavioral health professional staff to provide a living example that recovery is possible instilling hope for others living with mental illness.
- Provides flexible services customized to the needs of the individual and allowing the peer to act as a role model of recovery.
- Assists professionals in the delivery of mental health services and a complementary service model built on principles of mutuality, empowerment, and person-centered care.
- Provides a valuable asset to the clinical team with their first-person knowledge of the recovery process, symptom management, and the importance of self-determination.
FAMILY AND YOUTH PEER NAVIGATOR: The Youth and Family Navigator Program assists youth and families in obtaining the support, skills, and services necessary to improve their level of functioning and stabilize their mental health within the community, decrease the need for psychiatric hospitalization, and reduce unnecessary crisis system involvement. The services are delivered in a variety of settings, predominately in the community, school, community based provider, or within the youth and families residence depending on the needs of the individual. Youth with complex behavioral health needs currently in emergency departments or other non-treatment settings are prioritized. Youth and Family Peer Navigators must demonstrate a commitment to the provision of compassionate, recovery and person-centered care supportive of the individual’s own goals and motivation toward positive health outcomes.
- Assists in the overall development and quality improvement of the Youth and Family Peer Navigator Program, including participation on steering committees, development of regional action items and ensuring youth and family voices are amplified throughout program implementation.
- Collaborates in the receiving, screening, and scheduling of Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) referrals and meetings.
- Possesses a basic knowledge of youth behavioral health services and cross-system resources.
- Participates in MDT meetings to provide support to youth and families through your own lived experience providing encouragement and hope through recovery and resiliency.
- Assists in pre-planning and coordination with families in preparation for MDT meetings.
- Provides family centered and culturally appropriate recommendations to services.
- Participates in statewide Navigator meetings, sharing experiences from our region with the goal of improving access to care and reducing barriers for youth and families.
- Performs duties consistent with the mission, vision and values of the Youth and Family Navigator Program.
- Provides advocacy for youth and families throughout enrollment in the program to assist in achieving their stated goals and needs.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- One (1) year of positive work history.
- Self-identify as a current or past recipient of mental health and/or substance abuse services, and has been active in recovery for a minimum of two (2) years.
- Possession of certification as a Peer Counselor, or DOH licenses/certificate successor, consistent with the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) OR obtain certification within six (6) months of hire.
- Possession of affiliated counselor’s certification from the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) within 60 days of hire.
- Requires successful completion of criminal background check.
- Possession of a valid driver’s license at time of hire and for the duration of employment.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Knowledge of case management approaches, service referral and available community resources, organizations and supports for the mentally ill.
- Knowledge of the Spokane RSA System of Care including mental health agencies and substance use disorder and recovery services.
- Knowledge of common mental health and substance use disorder diagnoses.
- Knowledge of relevant confidentiality requirements, policies and procedures.
- Skilled in communicating effectively both orally and in writing, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction.
- Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with clients, co-workers and community agencies/partners.
- Ability to deal with the public in a pleasant, courteous and calm manner, often under stressful situations.
- Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills