Peer Support Specialist Apprentice – Department of Public Health & Environment

About Our Job

With competitive pay, great benefits, and endless opportunities, working for the City and County of Denver means seeing yourself working with purpose — for you, and those who benefit from your passion, skills and expertise. Join our diverse, inclusive and talented workforce of more than 11,000 team members who are at the heart of what makes Denver, Denver.

The City and County of Denver offers a competitive salary commensurate with education and experience. The salary range for this position is $23.89. We also offer generous benefits for full-time employees which include but are not limited to:

• A guaranteed life-long monthly pension, once vested after 5 years of service
• 457B Retirement Plan
• 140 hours of PTO earned within first year + 12 paid holidays, 1 personal holiday, 1 Wellness Day and 1 volunteer day per year
• Competitive medical, dental and vision plans effective within 1 month of start date

This is a limited position with an end date of one year from date of hire.

The City and County of Denver supports a hybrid workplace model. Employees are expected to work on-site at their designated job location at least three (3) days per week, with off-site work permitted as needed. Employees must perform all off-site work within the state of Colorado. Hybrid schedule is determined by individual departments and teams and may be subject to change in order to meet the needs and capacity.

Denver's Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) is dedicated to advancing Denver's environmental and public health goals. DDPHE works collaboratively with city, state and community partners to conduct education, community engagement, and enforcement to promote healthy people, healthy pets, and a sustainable environment. DDPHE oversees a number of services related to public health and the environment and is comprised of seven divisions:
Division of Shared Services and Business Operations;
Community & Behavioral Health;
Public Health Investigations;
Denver Animal Protection; the Office of Medical Examiner;
Emergency Management and Medical Operations; and Environmental Quality. For more information on DDPHE’s programs and services, visit Denver Department of Public Health & Environment.

We foster an inclusive culture by respecting the values, customs, and authenticity of everyone and by implementing equitable public health strategies so Denver communities can thrive.

DDPHE is building a more representative workforce that reflects the diversity of Denver communities. We have two Peer Support Specialist Apprentice positions available for those interested in exploring a career in public and/or environmental health, public safety and community support. Peer Support Specialists with the City and County of Denver play an important role in building a more representative and inclusive public health and safety workforce that reflects the diverse communities of Denver.

Peer Support Specialists use their lived experience, relationship-building skills, and knowledge of community resources to connect individuals with support, services, and opportunities that promote health and well-being. Prior training and certificates are not needed for this apprenticeship program. Specific requirements are to be completed within the 1-year on-the-job training period.

Specifically, in this role, you will:

• Build person-centered, trauma-informed relationships with clients using a peer support model.
• Apply Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Core Competencies for Peer Workers and National Practice Standards for Peer Supporters to deliver recovery-oriented, person-centered, voluntary, and relationship-focused services.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary City and…