Overview

 

 

Our Commitment to Equity The Y actively promotes a culture free from bias and injustice. We are dedicated to removing institutional and systemic barriers that result in oppression and racism. We will be accountable to marginalized communities for creating equitable and sustainable environments where social justice is woven into every facet of our programs, and by caring for our communities in a culturally versatile and respectful manner.

 

Job Summary

You will provide culturally competent, and strength-based peer support to youth, young adults, and families experiencing a behavioral or mental health crisis. Working alongside a Mental Health Care Professional, this position will utilize de-escalation techniques to stabilize the situation; assist in developing a Safety and Action Plan to address priority needs; and, where appropriate, transport individuals to care facilities or alternative placement in the community. Services are provided in client homes or safe community locations (hospital, overnight shelter, transitional housing). You will collaborate with co-workers, supervisors, outside professionals, and others involved in delivering the individual or family’s care to meet safety plan needs and action plan goals. As part of a connected, 24/7 regional crisis program, you support care coordination by passing down outreach details and outcomes to our day teams.

This position is with the Y Social Impact Center, the social services division of the YMCA of Greater Seattle (YGS), serving around 5,000 youth, young adults, and families every year in communities across King County, Pierce County, and various counties across WA. Through our programs we aim to strengthen young people’s ability to develop to their fullest potential through four strategies: reducing risk factors; navigating systems towards successful life transition; establishing stability, safety and wellness in times of crisis; and building competencies and social capital. The Social Impact Center’s programs include homelessness prevention, housing, behavioral health, crisis response, foster care licensing, violence prevention, and employment. Since many of the young people we serve have been involved in the foster care, criminal justice, behavioral health, and/or homelessness systems, we truly value relatable lived experience of our staff and those applying for our positions as an asset.

 

Position Type/Expected Hours of WorkThis is a full-time position split between both the Violence Prevention and CCORS programs, with expected schedule of 3 days a week with the Violence Prevention team and 2 days a week with CCORS fulfilling on-call shifts only.

 

What you'll get from working at The Y

• Membership to the YMCA of Greater Seattle for you and your household 

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance 

• Retirement with generous employer contributions 

• Free access to mental health resources 

• Rapidly accruing paid time off (PTO) 

• Full-time employees qualify for a 50% discount, and part-time employees qualify for a 25% discount, on eligible Childcare Services. 

* Some benefits only available to full-time staff 

 

Peer Support Specialist I: Hiring Range: $22.00 – 25.00/hr

 

Peer Support Specialist II: Hiring Range: $24.00 – 27.00/hr

 

**Required qualifications listed below

Responsibilities

Provides both immediate and scheduled crisis outreach services to families in South King County (Auburn, Kent, and Federal Way) and additional coverage as needed

Flexes schedule to include evenings and possible weekends to meet the needs of families.

Assist youth in developing self-determination and empowerment skills through self-advocacy.

Identify youth stresses, instability and provide appropriate support.

Identifies community resources and natural supports and works with the youth to effectively navigate resources.

Collaborates effectively with co-workers, supervisors and outside professionals to meet action plan goals.

Transports youth to appointments, meetings, or other locations as needed to support the action plan and linkage to community resources.

Works with families to build their own “Child & Family Team”. Attends wrap around and other team meetings to support youth and ensure that their voice is heard.   Acts as a role model for effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.

Maintains a working knowledge of current trends and developments in behavioral health.

Completes required documentation within program deadlines.

Reports all critical incidents and adheres to YMCA program rules and procedures.

*Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

 

Code of Conduct for Applicants

Qualifications

Minimum age of 21 years

Lived experience in receiving services as a youth in complex, child serving systems (juvenile justice, behavioral health, child welfare, special education preferred) and is prepared to use that experience in helping others

Other applicable education, training, and experience, which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position will be considered.

Ability to work independently and as a part of a team

Ability to effectively communicate with others

Ability to set priorities and manage time effectively

Ability to use a computer and work with Microsoft Windows Outlook and electronic health records data system.

Trained in and familiar with recovery model and able to assist families and youth to focus on their strengths, utilize their voice and partner with their team.

Demonstrated ability to engage youth and their families in a structured process to verbalize their needs, develop an individualized care plan, and transition to reliance on natural supports.  

Knowledge of community services and resources including: support groups, mental health, substance abuse, child welfare, juvenile justice, developmental disabilities, special education programs, etc.

Experience with crisis de-escalation and crisis stabilization practices.   

The following physical and mental abilities are required: frequent lifting or carrying up to 15 pounds, must be able to hear, frequent standing/walking going up and down stairs due to community outreach basis, ability to communicate effectively in person and/or phone, the ability to read, analyze and interpret information, ability to write reports, correspondence and procedures, ability to maintain notes/records, ability to define and solve practical problems, collect data

WA State Peer Counselor Certification preferred and required within one year of employment.

Possession of a high school diploma or equivalence preferred

Prefer knowledge of, and previous experience with, diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical activity, sexual orientation, etc.). Ability to speak any language in addition to English may be helpful.

Current State-approved first aid certification, state-approved CPR certification, BBP (HIV/AIDS) training certification.*

Washington State Agency Affiliated Counseling Credential. **

*Within 30 days of employment or first available training.

 

**Training and certification can be completed after hire. Start process of training and certification within the first month of hire and full certification as a Peer within 6 months of hire. 

 

Peer Support Specialist I:• WA State Peer Counselor Certification preferred and required within one year of employment.

 

Peer Support Specialist II:• 2 years of relevant experience in social services• WA State Peer Counselor Certification preferred and required within 30 days of employment.

*Within 30 days of employment or first available training.**Training and certification can be completed after hire. Start process of training and certification within the first month of hire and full certification as a Peer within 6 months of hire.

 

 

Preferred Qualifications:• Knowledge of and previous experience with diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc.).• Ability to speak any language in addition to English may be helpful.Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.All job offers are contingent on the results of a background check. We participate in the Federal E-Verify system.

 

You'll be a great fit for the Seattle Y if you: 

• Thrive on working in a collaborative environment. 

• Are very adaptable. 

• Have high ownership and strong work ethic. 

• Are a great problem solver who can think on your feet. 

• Truly enjoy being of service to people. 

• Like being part of a team that cares about one another as people and enjoy working together. 

• Want to know that the work you do contributes to building a better, stronger community for all. 

OUR MISSION 

Building a community where all people, especially the young, are encouraged to develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind, and body.  

OUR VALUES 

• Respect 

• Responsibility 

• Honesty 

• Caring 

• Passion for Excellence 

 

YGS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and equitable work environment.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by local, state, or federal law. 

We are a drug & alcohol-free workplace. We participate in the Federal E-Verify system. All job offers are contingent on the results of a background check in accordance with Washington's Fair Chance Act. Please download and review the below resources for more information: 

(i) The updated 2025 requirements of 49.94.010: 

https://seattleymca.icims.com/icims2/servlet/icims2?module=AppInert&action=download&id=251099&hashed=1503034877 

  

(ii) The WA attorney general's Washington fair chance act guide for employers and job applicants: 

https://seattleymca.icims.com/icims2/servlet/icims2?module=AppInert&action=download&id=251100&hashed=74689660 

 

 

If you need assistance of any kind with the application process, reach out to recruiting@seattleymca.org.