Position Open Date: 10/23/2026
Position Close Date: 11/06/2026
Interested in making a difference in your community while building a career? Join our team as a Peer Support Specialist!
WHO WE ARE:
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.
OUR VALUES:
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
WHAT YOU WILL DO: 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.
WORK SCHEDULE: Full Time Monday through Friday 8 AM to 5 PM
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assist households in identifying services and activities that promote recovery and lead to increased wellness.
- Assist households in developing their own goals around wellness needs and recovery supports.
- Share their own recovery stories, as appropriate, that are relevant and helpful in overcoming the obstacles faced by individuals and families.
- Promote personal responsibility for recovery.
- Serve as an advocate for household needs considering their unique experiences.
- Model skills in recovery and self-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 provide 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.
OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:
- 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 Opportunity Council’s Auto Insurance Standards.
We place a strong value in hiring individuals with lived experiences of, poverty and/or homelessness or who have previously participated in Opportunity Council programs or other social services.
OUR BENEFITS PACKAGE:
We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and work-life balance.
- Paid time off earned on an accrual basis (vacation, sick, personal, holidays)
- Paid time off for wellness needs
- Employer-paid holidays
- Employer-paid HDHP and low-cost traditional health care options
- HSA and FSA plans, subject to plan terms
- Eligibility for critical illness insurance coverage
- 403(b) Retirement plan with employer contribution
- Eligibility for health coverage for legal dependents
- Eligibility for employee/family dental and vision coverage
- Voluntary benefits such as life insurance, long-term disability, and long-term care and personal legal services
ABOUT WHATCOM COUNTY:
Working with Opportunity Council in Whatcom County is more than just a job, it’s a chance to be part of something bigger. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, our community is rooted in compassion, collaboration, and a shared commitment to positive change. Whether you're supporting local families, advocating for equity, or building programs that uplift our neighbors, you'll find purpose and connection here. Join us in building a stronger Whatcom County where everyone has the chance to thrive and contribute
We believe our team should reflect the communities we serve. That’s why we strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, Veterans, and people with disabilities to apply. Opportunity Council is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not permit discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, marital or family status, pregnancy, military or veteran status, age, genetic information, disability, use of a service animal, or any other status protected by law.