CSD - Peer Support Specialist (OPEN & PROMOTIONAL)

Note: Current Employees must use the Workday Dashboard career section to apply for this position.
Employee Type:
Regular
Department:
Community Services
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 Eligibile:
Yes
Job Posting Date Range:
09/28/2026 - 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:
The following documents are required to be submitted with your application. Applications that do not include all required documents may not be considered:
• Resume
• Cover Letter
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.
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 schedu