Family Peer Support Specialist

Family Peer Support Specialist – Child & Family Services

Full-Time, On-Site (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 Family Peer Support Specialist to support parents and caregivers of children and youth with serious emotional disturbance. In this role, you will use your lived experience to build trusting relationships, provide peer support, and help families navigate behavioral health systems. This position partners closely with care teams to promote recovery, strengthen family resilience, and amplify the voices of parents within treatment planning. If you are passionate about empowering families and supporting youth through advocacy and connection, we encourage you to apply.

Primary Responsibilities:
• Build supportive and trusting relationships with parents and caregivers by drawing on lived experience.
• Provide recovery-oriented peer support through active listening, mentorship, coaching, and encouragement.
• Assist caregivers in identifying strengths, setting goals, developing coping strategies, and building practical skills.
• Support families in accessing community resources related to housing, employment, education, healthcare, and the justice system.
• Provide skill-building related to daily living tasks such as household organization, personal finance, nutrition, and transportation access.
• Work collaboratively with treatment team members to ensure continuity and quality of care.
• Transport clients in a personal vehicle as needed to support access to services and recovery-related appointments.
• Complete documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
• Empower caregivers to advocate for themselves and their children during care team meetings.
• Provide referrals and linkage to community partners and system resources.
• Participate in supervision, staff meetings, and required trainings to maintain professional development. 

Minimum Qualifications:  

EDUCATION: High School Diploma or GED 

EXPERIENCE: Entry level (no prior related work experience required). Lived experience with utilizing mental health and or substance use disorder services and one or more years in recovery. 

This position requires driving clients in a personal vehicle on behalf of the agency. 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 Health Care Authority training and approved application for the CPSST (Certified Peer Specialist Trainee) credential within six (6) months of employment. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

EDUCATION: Associate’s degree in social work, psychology, or behavioral health field. 

EXPERIENCE: Relevant experience working with individuals with mental health and behavioral health challenges, including those with severe and persistent mental illness. 

Performance Requirements: 

KNOWLEDGE 

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

• Maintain a working knowledge of mental health rehabilitation standards. 

• Working knowledge of the system of care and community resources. 

SKILLS: 

• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other employees, clients, organizations, and the public. 

• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage, inspire hope, and provide coaching to others. 

• Communicates clearly and concisely. 

• The ability to operate a personal computer, fax machine, printer, and copier proficiently. 

ABILITIES 

• 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. 

• Demonstrated ability to meet productivity standards. 

• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively as a team member. 

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse communities and populations 

Equipment Operated: Standard office equipment including computers, fax machines, copiers, printers, telephones, etc. Use of a motor vehicle. 

Work Environment: Office, community outreach. 

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  for this position. Frequent mobility and/or sitting  for extended periods. 

 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.