Certified Peer Support Specialist

DescriptionPosition Summary

The Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) uses lived experience with mental health recovery to provide peer support, encouragement, and recovery-focused programming to residents detained under 90-day and 180-day involuntary civil commitment orders (RCW 71.05). The CPSS is a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team and supports residents in building coping strategies, transition planning, and community reintegration. This is a full-time, 1.0 FTE position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Utilize lived experience to establish therapeutic rapport with residents, assisting them in developing personal coping strategies.
• Facilitate daily peer support and recovery-focused groups, documenting attendance and clinical themes in the electronic health record.
• Assist residents in the development of their individualized transition plans and help map recovery support services available in their local communities.
• Accompany residents on guided outdoor recreation or community integration activities, maintaining therapeutic boundaries and ensuring environmental safety.
• Participate in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings and clinical supervision sessions with the Clinical Director, as required for state credentialing.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of peer support services consistent with WAC 246-341 behavioral health agency standards.
• Adhere to facility safety, security, and confidentiality protocols appropriate to a locked civil commitment setting.

Minimum Qualifications — Education and Experience

High school diploma or GED required. Personal lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery required. Prior experience providing peer support services in a behavioral health or residential setting preferred.

Required Licenses and Certifications

• Active Washington State Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) credential.
• Washington State Agency Affiliated Counselor (AAC) registration, or eligibility to obtain one, if required for the assigned scope of practice.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) and First Aid certification.
• Clearance of a Washington State Patrol (WSP) background check per chapter 43.43 RCW.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in an evaluation and treatment (E&T) facility, inpatient psychiatric unit, or similar secure treatment environment.
• Bilingual (Spanish or another language relevant to the served population) is a plus.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

Ability to stand, walk, and accompany residents on facility and community-based activities for extended periods; may involve exposure to unpredictable or aggressive behavior; requires availability for a schedule staggered to help ensure daily peer support coverage in a 24/7 secure treatment facility.

Pay: $19.00 - $21.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Life insurance
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person