PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST I at City of Poulsbo – Poulsbo, Washington

About Us:
The City of Poulsbo operates a Recovery Resource Center (RRC) and a Recovery Cafe. The RRC and Café serve individuals with substance use disorders who are seeking recovery services. Visitors to the RRC/Cafe access a variety of services including peer support, support groups, substance use disorder services, mental health counseling, basic medical care, and connection to telehealth providers. The aim of the Center and Cafe is to promote recovery by creating a safe, supportive and healing environment for those affected by drug and alcohol use—and promote long term transformation through relationships and evidence-based practices.

General Scope of Work:
Under the direction of the Peer Support Specialist Supervisor, Peer Support Specialists are responsible for providing emotional support which is central to the services provided at the RRC and Cafe. 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 Support Specialist is to work with individuals who visit the Center on an occasional and ongoing basis. The Peer Support Specialist is an accountability partner to help individuals plan, evaluate, and maintain their recovery journey by engaging in a positive supportive relationship. The Peer Support Specialist is also responsible for demonstrating and inspiring hope, trust, a positive outlook, and optimizing member connection with a broad range of community-based services and natural supports.

This position is a part-time, 20 hours per week position through December of 2026 and first review of applications will occur on January 8, 2026. Hours of work are scheduled with the Recovery Center Operations Manager and may include evening and Saturday shifts. CORRECTION: The position may extend after December 2026 not June 2026. Correction made on this posting occurred 12/23/2025.
Job Duties:

• Work with individuals that are in recovery from or struggling with addiction, mental health, and/or behavioral health concerns to provide support and referral services.
• Maintain weekly contact with assigned members (when appropriate).
• Submit data and other reporting in a timely fashion.
• Develop relationships with community partners including first responders and co-responders who utilize the Center.
• Collaborate with other peers and providers as requested in providing support to those at the Center.
• Support groups at Cafe by attending meetings and working with group facilitators; there may be opportunities to lead your own group.
• Assist Center Manager with upkeep and maintenance duties at Center
• Attend on-going training programs offered to enhance effectiveness of role.
• Attend regular supervisory meetings with Peer Support Supervisor.
• Transport members to appointments using a city vehicle.

• Regular and reliable attendance is required to perform the duties of this position and support departmental operations.
• All employees may be required to perform emergency response duties in the event of a local emergency or disaster and are required to participate as part of the City’s emergency operations.

• All employees share responsibility for maintaining a workplace culture that promotes respect, dignity, and professionalism toward colleagues, community members, and the residents we serve.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Knowledge of recovery principles (hope, self-determination, empowerment, person-centered).
• Knowledge and understanding of substance use disorders and mental health conditions.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles.
• Knowledge and understanding of harm reduction strategies.
• Knowledge of local treatment, recovery, and community resources.
• Knowledge and understanding of confidentiality laws, ethical guidelines for peer support, and appropriate professional boundaries.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention principles, suicide prevention and risk identification, and understanding of de-escalation strategies.
• Skills in strong active listening and reflective listening.
• Skill in encouraging self-advocacy and empowerment.
• Skill in recognizing early crisis warning signs.
• Skill in maintaining accurate and timely documentation, coordinate services, and make referrals.
• Ability to use lived experience strategically and professionally to support others.
• Ability to facilitate recovery groups or peer-led meetings.
• Ability to build appropriate, trusting, nonjudgmental relationships.
• Ability to work effectively with people of diverse cultural, racial, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Ability to adapt communication styles to meet the needs of different individuals.
• Ability to maintain professional healthy boundaries and manage time effectively.
• Ability to work both independently and under supervision.

Working Conditions:
The physical demands here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

• Work is performed primarily in an office and café environment.
• The position frequently requires standing, walking, and in-person communication, as well as regular use of computers and standard office equipment.
• This position requires occasional evening and weekend work, and flexibility in work schedule is essential to accommodate departmental needs.
• Work is performed with considerable independence.
• Occasional lifting, pushing, pulling, and/or moving equipment weighing up to 50 pounds is required.
• Willingness and ability to clean and maintain interior and exterior office space and help with maintenance duties such as cleaning restrooms and common areas.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Previous experience working with people struggling with substance use disorders and/or mental health issues required.
• Lived experience in recovery from substance use disorder, with a minimum of one year of sustained recovery.
• Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) or be willing to obtain CPS status within 6 months of employment (City will cover the cost of training).
• Proficient level of ability with computer software: Microsoft Office Products.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Training in suicide prevention, situational awareness, de-escalation, trauma informed/responsive care, cultural competency, motivational interviewing preferred (opportunities to develop these, and other competencies will be provided).

Licenses and Other Requirements:

• Must maintain a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record to meet city insurance requirements for operating city vehicles.
• A background check is required and will be conducted only after a conditional offer of employment has been made. Previous criminal history is not an automatic disqualifier; all findings will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable laws and city policy.

***The wages in this posting reflect the upcoming 2026 wage scale.***