Peer Specialist

Empower Youth. Strengthen Families. Build Community. Join Our Team as a Peer Specialist!

Location: Puyallup Tribal Health Authority | Tacoma, WA

Schedule: Full-Time | Non-Exempt | Grant Funded

Hiring Range: $21.26 - $25.00 per hour

Position Close Date: September 12, 2025

Do you have lived experience that gives you a unique understanding of the challenges young people face? Are you passionate about helping young individuals overcome barriers, find their voice, and succeed in school and in life? This is your opportunity to turn your personal journey into a powerful force for change. 

The Kwawachee Counseling Center at the Puyallup Tribal Health Authority (PTHA) invites you to bring your gifts and join us in our mission of healing and hope. We are currently looking for an Peer Specialist to walk alongside youth and families — mentoring, advocating, and providing hands-on support to help students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. 

What You’ll Do:

As a Peer Specialist, you'll be part of a mission-driven team serving the Indigenous community while ensuring young individuals are seen, heard, and supported. 

• Provide peer counseling, mentoring, and advocacy to youth and families in school and community settings
• Collaborate with students, families, and school staff to create and follow individualized success plans
• Assist youth with goal setting, problem solving, accessing resources, and building life skills
• Offer crisis intervention support and connect students with appropriate resources when needed
• Facilitate group sessions on topics like cultural resilience, historical trauma, and healthy coping skills
• Participate in community outreach, wellness education, and grant team initiatives (PCT, ZSIT)
• Document services accurately and on time using electronic health record systems
• Champion the student’s voice—ensuring their perspectives and preferences guide services and decisions

What You Bring:

• Education: HS Diploma or GED required
• Experience: At least one (1) year of volunteer or paid work with youth; experience in Tribal communities strongly preferred
• Personal Qualities: Lived experience with mental health challenges, resilience, and a desire to help others succeed
• Training: Will complete Washington State Certified Peer Counselor training within six (6) months of hire 
• Requirements: Valid WA State Driver’s License, liability insurance, and clean driving record; current BLS certification or ability to obtain

Why PTHA?

We are more than a clinic — we're a culturally grounded, patient-first health and wellness center serving the Indigenous community. We value teamwork, integrity, and community well-being. Here, your work has meaning.

• Work in a mission-driven, accredited organization
• Serve a close-knit patient population in an urban reservation setting
• Enjoy opportunities for professional development and training
• Experience a strong support system and inclusive team culture

Perks of the Role:

• Make a Real Impact – Connect patients with timely, life-changing care
• Meaningful Mission – Contribute to the overall wellness of a tribally operated health organization dedicated to serving the Indigenous community
• Competitive Compensation – Receive a fair salary that reflects your expertise and the impact of your work
• Supportive Team Culture – Join a collaborative and inclusive environment where respect and ethics are core values
• Cultural Enrichment – Work in an organization that values and integrates Indigenous traditions, community care, and cultural sensitivity
• Stability & Impact – Be part of a long-standing, accredited institution that plays a vital role in community health and development

PTHA Employee Benefits:

• Supportive environment that values a healthy work/life balance
• Medical/Dental/Vision monthly premiums paid 100% by PTHA for employees (health coverage begins the first of the month following hire date)
• (13) annual leave (vacation) days + (13) annual sick leave days
• (18+) annual paid holidays including a birthday holiday
• 401(k) with annual profit-sharing contributions after (2) years of service
• Life and AD&D insurance coverage
• Have student loans? PTHA is an approved loan repayment site for various student loan programs

At PTHA, we honor Indigenous traditions while delivering high-quality, culturally informed health and wellness services. As a Peer Specialist, you won’t just be helping students succeed in school — you’ll be part of a larger mission to build resilience, restore hope, and create pathways to brighter futures. 

 Ready to inspire and make a difference?
Apply now to join a team that values your experience, your voice, and your commitment to helping youth thrive. 

In accordance with federal law, Native American Preference in employment applies and job placements are given on a competitive basis, using job related factors.