Peer Support Specialist

• Location 1022 North State Street,Bellingham, WA, 98225,United States
• Base Pay $22.00 - $24.00 / Hour
• Employee Type Regular Full Time

Position Open Date: 10/23/2026

Position Close Date: 11/06/2026

For 60 years, Opportunity Council has worked throughout Northwest Washington to build just, equitable communities through service, investment, and collaboration. Our mission is to help people improve their lives through education, support, and direct assistance while advocating for just and equitable communities. Part of a national network of Community Action Agencies, we are dedicated to helping people help each other and themselves—building a community where everyone has the chance to thrive and contribute.

At Opportunity Council, our values guide everything we do. Collaboration, respect, integrity, passion, and learning shape how we show up for each other and for our community. We’re also committed to weaving diversity, equity, and inclusion into every part of our work—from the help we offer in the community to the kind of workplace we create for our staff.

To learn more about us and our work, visit our website: www.oppco.org

The Peer Support Specialist works with individuals in Opportunity Council’s (OC) Permanent Supportive Housing programs addressing their mental health or substance use disorder (SUD) and/or recovery. Peer Support Specialists are expected to share their recovery stories while centering the conversation around creating hope and resilience for the tenant. Peer Support Specialists work closely with case management teams to coordinate care for tenants.

Responsible for daily crisis management, connecting tenants to resources, tenant relationship management, with special emphasis on challenges related to severe and persistent mental illness and substance use disorders. Works closely with tenants, program staff, including Property Management and other community providers to support tenants.

Full Time Monday through Friday 8 AM to 5 PM

• Assist households in identifying services and activities that promote recovery andlead to increased wellness.
• Assist households in developing their owngoals around wellness needs and recovery supports.
• Share their own recovery stories, as appropriate, that are relevant and helpful in overcoming theobstaclesfaced by individuals and families.
• Promote personal responsibility for recovery.
• Serve as an advocate for household needs considering their unique experiences.
• Model skills in recovery andself-management.
• Intervenes in crises, responds to appropriate emergencies, and initiates action as required, including contact with emergency response systems.
• Assists case management staff in engaging residents for supportive services through creative, resourceful strategies that build trust and confidence.
• Works cooperatively with Case Managers, property management and other program and partner staff to assist in the coordination of services to households to obtain or maintain housing.
• Processes and maintains required file paperwork and documentation, including case notes and required data entry.
• May p rovide transportation for clients as necessary.
• Provide resources information applicable to mental health support needs and recovery systems.
• Supports larger PSH team and program development with a client experience perspective.

• Some experience in human services, preferably experience with the issues of homelessness,mental illness and chemical dependency preferred.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license and five-year driving history within…