Peer Support Specialist

Role overview

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is hiring a Peer Support Specialist to help people living with HIV navigate care, stay connected to treatment, and access support services. The role relies on peer-based support, trauma-informed practice, and a strong understanding of the lived experience of clients facing barriers to care.

This job is based in Denver, Colorado and is open only to current Colorado residents. It is a term-limited position, with funding not guaranteed beyond 12/31/27. The person in this role must be prepared to resign on that date, or sooner if funding ends earlier.

The STI/HIV/VH Program especially values the experience of people living with HIV and encourages applicants from communities disproportionately affected by HIV and STI-related conditions. The department also emphasizes equity, diversity, inclusion, and culturally responsive service delivery.

About the work unit

The Office of STI/HIV/VH focuses on accurate prevention, care, and treatment services across Colorado. Its work includes surveillance, follow-up for newly diagnosed individuals, partner services, prevention programming, and evaluation using STI/HIV/VH data. Within this office, the Care and Services Program supports clients through health care access, linkage to care, and intensive case management. The Linkage to Care unit helps people living with HIV who are not currently in care reconnect with treatment, while the Client Support unit focuses on counseling and case management to improve health outcomes and reduce transmission.

What you will do

You will provide coordinated peer support to clients, helping them remain engaged in HIV-related care and move toward viral suppression and improved quality of life. The position works under direct supervision and receives detailed direction and training. You will collaborate with community-based organizations in the Denver metro area and support clients who may be newly diagnosed, out of care, medically vulnerable, justice-involved, facing housing instability, or dealing with language, cultural, behavioral health, substance use, or stigma-related barriers.

The role also includes helping clients navigate medical care, mental health care, and substance use recovery systems, while building social connection, reducing isolation, and linking people to psychosocial and community resources. The department expects the incumbent to use personal lived experience thoughtfully and respectfully to support diverse clients in ways that acknowledge social, systemic, and cultural barriers.

Responsibilities

• Support people living with HIV who are newly diagnosed, have fallen out of care, are medically vulnerable, or are pregnant, with coaching and guidance from senior health professionals.
• Use peer support methods, including appropriate sharing of lived experience, to encourage client engagement in medical care and related services.
• Work with Ryan White case managers to help clients understand and use available Ryan White resources and services.
• Assist clients in connecting with broader community resources and support systems.
• Participate in community engagement efforts for people living with HIV, with supervision and training from higher-level health professionals.
• Help design and coordinate activities that are relevant and meaningful to the HIV community.
• Attend meetings, serve on teams or task forces, complete assigned projects, and carry out additional duties as directed.

Requirements

• This opportunity is limited to residents of Colorado at the time of application.
• There are no formal minimum education or experience requirements for the class.
• A background check is required before hire.
• The role is designated critical status, so the employee must be available to report immediately during emergencies, including public health or hazardous incidents.
• The employee must also be available during activation of the Continuity of Operations Plan and may need to report to the regular or alternate work location.
• Travel is required for field visits and for accompanying clients to appointments.
• Applicants using education to qualify must submit transcripts or a diploma; unofficial transcripts are acceptable, and documents must be attached to the state jobs application.
• Veterans must include a DD214 with the application package.
• A complete application must include the State of Colorado application form.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience working with the State of Colorado.
• Experience helping clients schedule health care or other support appointments.
• Experience serving communities affected by STI, HIV, or viral hepatitis.
• Ability to organize work, set priorities, and plan tasks effectively.
• Personal lived experience that helps build trust with clients using Ryan White services and resources.
• Experience delivering outreach or educational activities that reduce stigma and encourage participation.
• Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong communication skills, including rapport building, motivation, and problem-solving.

Conditions of employment

• A pre-employment background investigation will be completed.
• The position may require immediate reporting during emergencies such as disease outbreaks, chemical events, or other all-hazards incidents.
• The position may also require immediate reporting if the Continuity of Operations Plan is activated.
• Travel may include field visits and escorting clients to appointments.

Benefits and workplace details

This position offers a hybrid workplace arrangement, although reporting to the listed work location may still be required based on supervisor direction and business needs. The department also highlights benefits such as free parking and access to RTD bus lines, flexible work arrangements, PERA retirement options, medical and dental coverage, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, 11 paid holidays, personal time off, tuition assistance, wellness programs, professional development, and state career advancement opportunities.

Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

Additional information

The referral list from this posting may be used to fill multiple vacancies and may be extended. The hiring process includes minimum qualification review and a comparative analysis process. A structured application review may be used, and up to six top candidates may be invited to interview. The department uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. Appeal rights are available through the State Personnel Director and State Personnel Board within ten calendar days of notice.

Mission and equity statement

The department’s mission is to advance Colorado’s health and protect the places where people live, work, learn, and play. Its vision is a healthy and sustainable Colorado where present and future generations can thrive. The agency states that it supports the rights of all people regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, education level, disability, socio-economic status, or other visible or invisible identity, and it encourages applicants from all backgrounds.

Accommodations

The posting references ADAAA accommodations for applicants with disabilities.