Job Description

Help Others Heal Through Connection, Culture, and Community.

Location: Tacoma, WA | On-Site

Hiring Range: $22.60 - $25.99 per hour

Position Close Date: June 11, 2026

Schedule: Full-Time | Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

This position requires flexibility to occasionally work evenings and weekends in support of community outreach events and activities.

At Puyallup Tribal Health Authority (PTHA), we believe healing happens through relationships, compassion, and culturally grounded care. We are more than a healthcare organization — we are a mission-driven community committed to supporting the wellness of Native individuals, families, and future generations.

We are seeking a passionate and empathetic Peer Support Specialist to join our Integrated Behavioral Health team. This is an opportunity to use your lived experience, resilience, and personal recovery journey to inspire hope and support others as they navigate mental health, substance use, and life challenges.

If you are someone who believes in meeting people where they are, values authentic human connection, and wants to make a meaningful impact every day, we encourage you to apply.

Why You'll Love Working at PTHA

At PTHA, your work matters. Every interaction is an opportunity to support healing, reduce barriers to care, and strengthen the health of our community. We foster a collaborative, supportive, and culturally responsive environment where employees are valued not only for their professional skills, but for the compassion and lived experiences they bring to the work.

As part of our team, you will:

• Help individuals build hope, confidence, and self-advocacy skills
• Support whole-person wellness through culturally responsive care
• Work alongside compassionate providers and interdisciplinary teams
• Participate in community-centered and recovery-oriented services
• Contribute to an organization rooted in respect and service

Benefits:

• Supportive environment that values a healthy work/life balance
• Medical/Dental/Vision monthly premiums paid 100% by PTHA for employees (health coverage begins the first of the month following hire date)
• (13) annual leave (vacation) days + (13) annual sick leave days
• (18+) annual paid holidays including a birthday holiday
• 401(k) with annual profit-sharing contributions after (2) years of service
• Life and AD&D insurance coverage
• Have student loans? PTHA is an approved loan repayment site for various student loan programs

What You’ll Do

As a Peer Support Specialist, you will provide strengths-based, recovery-oriented support to individuals receiving behavioral health services. Drawing from your own lived experience and recovery journey, you will help clients feel seen, supported, and empowered. Key responsibilities include:

• Providing peer mentorship, encouragement, and emotional support
• Building trusting relationships that promote engagement and recovery
• Supporting clients in developing wellness and recovery goals
• Assisting individuals in accessing behavioral health, medical, housing, transportation, and community resources
• Offering outreach, follow-up support, and care coordination
• Promoting harm reduction, relapse prevention, and trauma-informed approaches
• Supporting recovery groups, wellness activities, and cultural programming
• Collaborating closely with behavioral health providers and care teams
• Maintaining accurate documentation and confidentiality standards

Our Commitment to Community

PTHA proudly serves Native individuals and families through culturally grounded, community-centered healthcare services. We value respect, teamwork, integrity, compassion, and the unique strengths every person brings to the healing journey.

This position may provide services both within clinic settings and at Chief Leschi Schools, supporting youth, families, and community members in an environment centered on wellness and cultural connection.

Make a Difference Every Day

The Peer Support Specialist role offers an opportunity to walk alongside others in their healing journey while being part of an organization that genuinely cares about its employees, patients, and community.

If you are ready to use your experience to uplift others and help create healthier futures, we invite you to apply and join the PTHA Community!

In accordance with federal law, Native American Preference in employment applies and job placements are given on a competitive basis, using job related factors.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Current Washington State Peer Support Specialist Certification, or ability to obtain certification within one (1) year of hire
• Lived experience in recovery from substance use and/or mental health challenges
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of insurability
• Ability to successfully complete all required Chief Leschi Schools background screening requirements in compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act (ICPFVP Act) and 25 CFR Part 63

Preferred:

• Experience working in behavioral health, substance use disorder services, peer support, or community-based programs
• Knowledge of recovery principles, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and behavioral health systems
• Experience working with Indigenous/Tribal communities and culturally grounded healing approaches
• Familiarity with care coordination, referrals, and behavioral health screenings