Title: Peer Services Specialist – State Opioid Response
Part/Full Time: Full Time
Hourly / Salary: Hourly
Pay Scale: $20.39 - $22.34 per hour DOE
Reports to: Program Director
Supervisory role: No
Candidates who identify with one or more of the following are STRONGLY encouraged to apply.
- BIPOC identified individuals
- LGBTQIA+ identified individuals
- Veterans
- Persons with lived experience with HIV/AIDS
Purpose/Vision/Mission
Peer Washington’s purpose is to provide peer emotional support and development services to:
- Washington state residents impacted by temporary or chronic addiction, mental health and/or HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases.
- Target disparately impacted communities through site expansion operated as a dba of Peer Washington named for location and guided by a charter identifying the target community served.
- Maintain safe space for members identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender non-conforming, or other sexual minorities at all our locations regardless of the target community.
- Services shall be open to any person impacted by addiction, mental health, or HIV/AIDS; however, outreach for each site will be directed toward the community identified in the site charter.
- Our work is done in a spirit of safety, trust, inclusiveness, and celebration of individual differences.
- Peer Washington envisions a community of peers connected by shared experience in compassionate support of one another. Peer Washington’s mission is to cultivate powerful, healthy lives by providing peer emotional support and development services to those impacted by addiction, mental health, and/or HIV/AIDS.
General Summary
Peer emotional support is the foundation of the services provided by Peer Spokane. The ability to discuss struggles and successes related to experiences shared by another individual promotes healing and compliments traditionally accepted professional services in the healthcare system. The role of the Peer Services Specialist is to work with individuals who are struggling with issues related to mental health, addiction and/or chronic illness. The Peer Services Specialist will be an accountability partner to help members plan, evaluate, and maintain their recovery journey by engaging in a positive supportive relationship. The Peer Services Specialist is also responsible for demonstrating and inspiring hope, trust and a positive outlook and optimizing client connection with a broad range of community-based services and natural supports.
Primary Responsibilities
- Work directly with the Program Manager to improve guidelines, best practices, client tracking, and expectations in the development and application of this new position.
- Work with members early in recovery from or struggling with substance use disorder, mental health, and/or behavioral health concerns to provide support and referral services.
- Provide intake services and case management for programming contracts.
- Submit data and other reporting in a timely fashion.
- Maintain weekly contact with assigned clients.
- Develop relationships with community partners.
- Attend all monthly Peer Coach/Group Facilitator Support Meetings.
- Respond to all phone calls and emails within 1 business day.
- Act as a representative on behalf of Peer Spokane as needed with regards to community collaborations and events as assigned by the Program Manager. This includes reporting back to the Program Manager/ Program Director with updates and for direction on how to proceed with our involvement.
- Maintain clear communication with staff and volunteers. This includes keeping the Program Director/Manager updated on weekly schedules and copied on all important communication.
- Attend on-going training programs offered to enhance effectiveness of role.
Position Specific Responsibilities – Peer Services Specialist – State Opioid Response
SOR Program: ‘Strengthening Our Recovery’ Lead
- Ability to meet and or exceed all contract deliverables
- Member intakes (GPRA) & data compliance
- Create leadership and training opportunities for SOR members
- Support and develop SOR community through groups
- Connection to agencies working with people experiencing SUD and or Opioid use
- Attend monthly HCA SOR meeting
- Meet with SOR members monthly updating and reporting on progression with goals
Front Desk
- Maintain clear communication with staff and volunteers. This includes keeping the program manager updated on weekly schedules and copying on all important communication.
- Coordinates front desk activities, including communication re: schedules, and site-specific guidelines with all volunteers and staff.
- Recruit and interview community members who want to become volunteers.
- Coordinate a volunteer program based on Peer Washington standards and policies, including daily Operating Procedures training, scheduling, and supervision.
- Facilitate monthly Volunteer Check-ins
Groups Lead
- Maintain list of group facilitators and recruit/replace as needed
- Attend groups as needed to support facilitator/co-facilitators
- Field new group requests/plan and implement new groups – coordinate with marketing for new group requests when needed
- Attend and co-facilitate trainings
- Consistently monitor group sign-ins and correct any issues/discrepancies
Required Qualifications
- Be an active listener by asking questions and reflecting on what is being said.
- Proficient level of ability with computer software: Microsoft Office Products.
- Ability to work independently.
- Ability to manage time effectively.
- Ability to travel within Spokane County via reliable transportation.
- Valid Washington State Drivers' license
- Ability to work a flexible schedule as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
- Identify as someone in recovery from substance use and/or mental health challenges and in remission for a period of at least one year.
- Bilingual, English and one other language.
- Established relationships with local community-based organizations.
- rained and certified as CCAR, or Washington Certified Peer Support Specialist.
Compensation
- Starting wage $20.39 - $22.34 per hour DOE
- Paid Vacation Time – 3 weeks per calendar year, accrued at 5.00 hours per bi-monthly pay period, 120-hour maximum annual carryover.
- Paid Sick Time – 80 Hours per calendar year, accrued at 3.33 hours per bi-monthly pay period, 480-hour maximum annual carryover.
- One Personal Days if hired prior to September 8, 2026, Three Personal Days per quarter thereafter for a total of 12 per calendar year. Personal days do not carry over from year to year, have no monetary value, and are forfeited upon employment separation.
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, and Long-Term Disability; employee premiums covered by employer at 100% for employees.
- Simple IRA through Charles Schwab with an employer match of up to 3%
- Employee Assistance Program through Mutual of Omaha
- Peer Washington covers the employee portion of Washington Unemployment and Paid Family Medical Leave at 100%.
If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit a cover letter AND resume.
Pay: $20.39 - $22.34 per hour
Benefits:
- Bereavement leave
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
