Peer Support Specialist Intern

About WELD

WELD is a peer-led nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals returning from incarceration, those with legal system impacts, and in recovery through transitional housing, reentry programming, peer navigation, case management, and community-based reentry services. WELD believes that lived experience is expertise—and we are committed to hiring and developing leaders who reflect the communities we serve.

About You:

• In recovery (Mental Health and/or Substance Use)
• Want to support people in their recovery and reentry journey
• Wanting to learn how to work on a team of peers in a peer led organization
• Open Minded and willing to learn
• A Peer Support Specialist or a Certified Peer Support Specialist Trainee (DOH CPSS Supervisor oversees program)

Position Summary:

Peer Support Specialist (PSS)/Certified Peer Support Specialist Trainees will learn skills in supporting members with housing stability plans, community reentry, workforce preparation, and recovery and wellness planning. Peers can also earn supervised hours toward DOH certification while gaining practical skills and professional experience.

The role is a hands-on position for individuals with lived experience of incarceration or legal system involvement who are in recovery and have completed Washington State Peer Support Specialist certification training and passed the required exams. If you do not have lived experience with the legal system, you are still welcome to apply.

The CPSS Program prepares the next generation of peer leaders to support people transitioning from legal system impacts and navigating recovery. Peers receive structured support, mentorship, and real-world experience to build confidence and apply their lived experience in meaningful ways.

This role strengthens WELD’s capacity to deliver authentic, culturally responsive, peer-led support and helps shape the future of the reentry workforce in Seattle.

This role is entry level for 9 months geared towards those wanting experience and to gain their 1000 hours for DOH Certification. At the end of 9 months, the peer may have the opportunity to apply for a full-time position at WELD (based on organizational funding) or work with supervisor to connect with community partners that have openings.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support members with housing navigation, reentry planning, digital literacy, their recovery journey, employment readiness and more
• Provide one-on-one and group peer support to WELD members 
• Model hope, accountability, recovery, and self-advocacy through your own lived experience with mental health, substance use, incarceration, jail, etc.
• Assist members in identifying strengths, goals, barriers, and personal wellness strategies.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate activities such as WELD Month sessions, peer circles, community meetings, or skill workshops.
• Maintain accurate documentation in WELD’s case management system .
• Practice trauma-informed communication, boundary setting, and crisis response skills under supervision.
• Participate in team meetings, professional development training, and supervision sessions.
• Uphold WELD’s values of dignity, peer leadership, equity, and community responsibility.

Required Qualifications

• Completed and passed the WA Health Care Authority Peer Support Specialist Training (must have your letter stating you have passed the test)
• Personal lived experience with incarceration and legal system impacts (jail, GRE,etc), reentry, and/or recovery is preferred
• Ability to maintain healthy boundaries and model accountability and emotional regulation.
• Strong communication skills and willingness to learn within a supervised setting.
• Commitment to WELD’s mission, trauma-informed care, and peer-led principles.
• Ability to consistently show up on time, meet scheduled commitments, and complete tasks as assigned

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting others in recovery, reentry, or community programs (job experience or experience in communities such as AA, NA, incarceration, etc).
• Familiarity with digital tools (email, Google, smartphones, web browsing).
• Understanding of recovery and person-centered practices.

Schedule & Compensation

• Part - Time, 25 hours per week for 9 months