Certified Peer Support Specialist

VACANCY ANN#:     STOI-26-003

TITLE:                        CERTIFIED PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST (CPSS)

DEPARTMENT:         DCWMHC

SUPERVISOR:          RECOVERY OUTREACH MANAGER

LOCATION:               WELLPINIT, WA

STATUS:                   NON-EXEMPT, FULL-TIME

RATE OF PAY:          $19-$23 PER HOUR/DOQ

OPENING DATE:      January 23, 2026

CLOSING DATE:      February 6, 2026

INTRODUCTION:

The Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) is a person with lived experience in recovery from substance use and/or mental health challenges who uses that experience to support others on their own healing journeys. This position provides culturally grounded, peer-based services that promote hope, connection, and empowerment. Working as part of the Recovery Outreach team, the Certified Peer Specialist locates resources, and encourages engagement in support services, including cultural practices, wellness groups, and community events. The Certified Peer Specialist serves as a role model for recovery, offering compassionate, person-centered support grounded in respect and shared experience.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide peer-based support to individuals in or seeking recovery from substance use and mental health challenges on a one-to-one basis, in peer support groups, and in the community.


• Share lived experience in a way that inspires hope and promotes recovery.


• Help participants identify and work toward personal recovery goals.


• Assist individuals in navigating community resources, treatment options, and support systems.


• Support engagement in cultural activities such as sweats, talking circles, and other traditional healing practices.


• Conduct outreach to engage individuals who may benefit from recovery support services.


• Advocate for participants and support their ability to self-advocate in various systems.


• Work collaboratively with staff and service providers.


• Maintain timely and accurate documentation of services provided and participant progress.


• Participate in supervision, training, and team meetings as required.


• Uphold ethical standards, confidentiality, and appropriate boundaries in all interactions.


• Assist with program events, community education efforts, and wellness promotion activities.


• Assist individuals transitioning from treatment, incarceration, or other systems in building a new recovery-based lifestyle.


• Provide or arrange safe transportation to recovery groups, appointments, or cultural activities when appropriate and in line with program policy.


• Advocate for mental health and substance use awareness.


• Support data collection efforts related to participant outcomes.


• Work in conjunction with all inpatient and outpatient programs as part of the consumer’s treatment team.


• Assist consumers in their recovery by teaching independent living skills such as shopping, budgeting, meal preparation, accessing public transportation (including accompanying consumers to appointments) and establishing/maintaining community based natural supports.


• Knowledge and compliance with HIPAA policies and procedures.


• Participate in training and continuing education as needed to safely and effectively perform in the position.


• Perform other duties as needed and/or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or equivalent


• Must be a person with lived experience in recovery from substance use and/or mental health challenges and willing to appropriately share that experience to support others.

• Must obtain within 6 months of hire a Peer Counselor Certification


• Must obtain within 6 months of hire a Certified Peer Specialist Certification


• Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration/License (must apply within 7 days of hire and obtain the credential within 60 days of hire.


• CPR/First Aid (within 90 days of start date)


• Must obtain Washington Poison Center’s Naloxone, Opioids & Stigma Trainer Certification (within 90 days of start date)

Preferred

• Experience working in a tribal community or with native population.


• Previous Peer Support experience

In accordance with the requirements of the Health Center Manual, employee of this position, as a condition of employment, must document immunity to Rubella & Measles. Influenza vaccine is recommended for all health workers in contact with patients.

The employee must be suitable for Tribal employment in your position as determined by fingerprint check results and appropriate background investigation. An incumbent found not suitable after hire will be removed from this position.

Tribal Preference Policy: In accordance with the Spokane Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance Tribal Preference will be observed in hiring.

Veteran’s Preference: It shall be the policy of the Spokane Tribe to provide preference in hiring to qualified applicants claiming Veteran’s Preference who have been discharged from the United States Armed Forces with honor and under honorable conditions.

APPLY ONLINE:

Contact: Donnie Lebret

E-mail:   [email protected]  Phone: 509-258-4517

Applications Must Be Received In The Human Resources Department No

Later Than 4:30 P.M. On The Closing Date

The Spokane Tribe Reserves The Right To Hire According To Its Tribal Preference Policy

All Positions With The Spokane Tribe Are Subject To A-90 Day Orientation Period