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 and their families to decrease crisis and increase in-home stabilization by identifying support and teaching  youth skills to effectively navigate community resources to meet their needs.  You will be providing services in client homes, schools or other convenient community locations. The goals of Youth Peer Support include supporting youth empowerment, assisting youth in developing skills to improve their overall functioning and quality of life.  You will collaborate with co-workers, supervisors, outside professionals and others involved in delivering the youth’s care to meet safety plan needs and action plan goals, acting as a bridge between the youth, family and system representatives.  

 

This position serves as the peer support for the King County WISe wraparound intensive mental health services. A peer support specialist plays an intricate role in team-based planning process for youth and families who are experiencing complex needs. Peers are designed to help youth develop advocacy and empowerment skills to better obtain their identified goals and so that they may live in their homes and communities successfully.

• This team member will work collaboratively with supervisors, clinicians, case managers, and all team providers to help implement an individualized plan of care, monitor the efficacy of the plan, and work towards success over time.
• This plan of care is based on strengths and needs that respect the youth's and their family's culture, values, norms, and preferences

This position is at the Social Impact Center Y, the social services branch of YMCA of Greater Seattle (YGS). The mission of the Social Impact Center Y is to accelerate young people’s ability to build safe, successful, and happy lives. Every year, we serve 5,000 children, youth, young adults, and families across King County with programs that 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; ensuring stability, safety and wellness in times of crisis; and building competencies and social capital. The Social Impact Center Y’s programs include housing, behavioral health, foster care licensing, violence prevention, education, and employment. Many of the young people we serve have had involvement in the foster care, criminal justice system, and/or homelessness systems.

 

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 

 

Hiring Range:  

 

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 King County.

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.

Promote positive self-advocacy skills and empower youth voice and choice in all phases of the process.

Identify youth stresses, instability and provide appropriate support.

Help team members, system partner, providers and family understand youth culture and age-appropriate strengths, needs and challenges.

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

Share stories and experiences that promote learning, recovery and hope.

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

Role models positive communication with all team members.

Encourages the youth in completing action steps, through motivation, support, and reminders.

Assists the youth to identify the successes they have had and the lessons they have learned through the WISe process.

Partners with the care coordinator and clinician in the development of the crisis stabilization plan to make sure the plans are individualized and based on youth voice and choice.

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.

Works with the care coordinator and clinician to make sure youth needs are met for the WISe meetings.

Empowers youth voice and choice at the WISe team meetings.

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.

Other duties as assigned.

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

 

Code of Conduct for Applicants 

Qualifications

1. Minimum age of 21 years2. 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 others3. Other applicable education, training, and experience, which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position will be considered.4. Ability to work independently and as a part of a team5. Ability to effectively communicate with others6. Ability to set priorities and manage time effectively7. Ability to use a computer and work with Microsoft Windows Outlook and electronic health records data system.8. 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.9. 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. 10. Knowledge of community services and resources including: support groups, mental health, substance abuse, child welfare, juvenile justice, developmental disabilities, special education programs, etc.11. Experience with crisis de-escalation and crisis stabilization practices. 12. 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 data13. WA State Peer Counselor Certification preferred and required within one year of employment.14. Possession of a high school diploma or equivalence preferred15. Possession of valid driver’s license and have access to a private vehicle for day-to-day job performance and ability to transport self and youth in a safe and effective manner, and to meet youth and families at their home or in the community. (Proof of adequate vehicle insurance coverage is required.)16. 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.17. Current State-approved first aid certification, state-approved CPR certification, BBP (HIV/AIDS) training certification.*18. Washington State Agency Affiliated Counseling Credential.

 

*Within 30 days of employment or first available training.

 

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. 

 

Personal Vehicle Authorized Driver Requirement

This role transports clients as an “authorized driver” for the YMCA of Greater Seattle (YGS) using your own vehicle (proof of current auto insurance and vehicle registration are required). Driving duties for this role are Required.* Driving roles are safety-sensitive. To become an authorized driver, you must be 21+, have possessed a driver's license for at least 3 years, and pass a drug screen that will test for impairing substances (including marijuana) in addition to meeting the driving record standards below:

 

YGS Driving Record Standards

Within the last three (3) years: No more than two (2) vehicle related suspension(s) and/or reinstatement(s). No more than two (2) moving violations and/or accidents. Moving violations include, but are not limited to, the following:

· Speeding

· Improper Lane Change

· Failure to Yield in Right-of-Way

· Failure to Obey Traffic Signal

· Failure to obey Traffic Sign

 

Within the last five (5) years: No Major Violations which include, but are not limited to, the following:

· DUI, DWI, OUI, OWI, BUI (Boating), Administrative Per Se, or Refusing to Test

· Driving with an open container of alcohol

· Reckless Driving

· Hit and Run – property damage only (Incidents involving injury fall under Permanent Disqualification)

· Racing

· Driving with a suspended/revoked license/insurance

· Speeding over 20 mph

· Fleeing and/or eluding police

· Any other felony driving conviction(s)

 

Driving records that result in Permanent disqualification from driving duties:

· More than 3 DUI, DWI, OUI, OWI, BUI, Administrative Per Se, or Refusing to Test for entirety of driving history.

· More than 3 Driving with a suspended/revoked license

· Hit and Run resulting in bodily injury or death

· Manslaughter/felony death by motor vehicle

 

*Due to state-specific reporting requirements in our driver management system, we are not currently able to enroll California Driver's License holders as Authorized Drivers.

 

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.