Certified Peer Specialist

Overview

Position

Description:

The City of Tacoma is seeking a Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) to join the Tacoma Fire Department’s HOPE Program
. This position provides peer-based support services to people experiencing behavioral health and other crises through dispatch-based response and follow-up. The CPSS uses lived experience with behavioral health conditions (mental health and/or substance use), housing instability, and/or involvement with the criminal legal system to promote hope, resilience, and recovery. This position works collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team to ensure peer perspectives are incorporated into service planning and delivery.

• Provide voluntary, trauma-informed, person-centered peer support to people experiencing behavioral health or related crises
• Respond to dispatch referrals and conduct outreach and follow-up to support recovery and stabilization
• Use lived experience to provide de-escalation, emotional support, recovery-oriented guidance, and system navigation
• Promote self-advocacy, social connection, and engagement in health and wellness goals
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members through meetings, case consultations, and coordinated service planning
• Maintain professional boundaries while building trusting, supportive relationships
• Complete timely, accurate documentation of all peer support engagements and required forms

• An equivalent combination to graduation from high school or GED and two years of experience in a behavioral health (mental health and/or substance use) field.

• Valid Washington Driver’s License at time of application
• Washington State Certified Peer Support Specialist Certification per RCW , with maintenance thereafter

• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
• Prior experience in crisis response field as a Certified Peer Support Specialist
• Knowledge of Washington State’s behavioral health system and community resources

• Knowledge of peer support principles, recovery-oriented practices, and trauma-informed care
• Knowledge of behavioral health conditions, including mental health and substance use disorders
• Skill in using lived experience appropriately to engage individuals, build trust, and promote recovery
• Skill in crisis response, de-escalation, emotional support, and system navigation
• Ability to communicate effectively and collaborate within multidisciplinary teams
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, and ethical standards
• Ability to work calmly and effectively with people in crisis or high-stress situations
• Ability to complete timely, accurate documentation using electronic systems

Pay Details:
Hourly Rate: $30.61 - $43.10

NOTE:

Hires will begin at Step 1 for compensation

Formed in 2023, the Holistic Outreach Promoting Engagement (HOPE) program has been providing alternative response services to the Tacoma, Fife, and Fircrest communities. Although the program is still developing the community, Fire/EMS and Law Enforcement responders, and HOPE staff continue to progress, evolve, and be responsive within the public safety system.

The HOPE Program is housed under the Fire Department with the City of Tacoma; however, the design of this program is distinct. Some areas of distinction include, but are not limited to, policies, procedures, reporting structure, shift schedules, and responses.

Learn more about the HOPE program here:

At the City of Tacoma, we are on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We are committed to eliminating racial and other disparities, and we actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.

The City of Tacoma believes that diversity of thought, background, and experience contributes to our success and innovation. If you’re passionate about this role and our mission,…