Peer Support Specialist , CCORS Parent Partner

Peer Support Specialist, CCORS Parent Partner at YMCA of Greater Seattle

Provides culturally competent, and strength-based peer support to families to decrease crisis, increase in-home stabilization, and assist families in decreasing negative contact with law enforcement and the juvenile justice system. Identifies natural supports and coaches parent/caregiver skills to effectively navigate community resources to meet priority needs. Provides services in client homes, schools or other convenient community locations. The goals of Parent Partner Peer Support include identifying parenting resources and supports, coaching parents/caregivers to effectively and peacefully resolve conflict in the home, and assist in navigating systems that impact family, such as the educational system, mental health, substance use, or juvenile justice.

Collaborates effectively with co-workers, supervisors, outside professionals and others involved in delivering care to meet safety plan needs and action plan goals. This may include collaborating with law enforcement with the goal of reducing harm to youth and family. Supports the family and acts as a bridge between the youth, family and system representatives. Willing to self‑identify as a parent.

Because of life experience, such persons have expertise that professional training cannot replicate. This position is on site at our South King County - Auburn office.

• Provides both immediate and scheduled community outreach services to families in South King County - Auburn and additional coverage as needed.
• Flexes schedule to include evenings and possible weekends to meet the needs of families.
• Assist parent/caregiver in developing self‑determination and empowerment skills through self‑advocacy.
• Identify family stresses, instability and provide appropriate support.
• Identifies community resources and natural supports and works with the parent/caregiver to effectively navigate resources.
• Collaborates effectively with co‑workers, supervisors and outside professionals to create and meet action plan goals.
• 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.
• Assesses and creates safety plans to meet immediate safety and stabilization needs.
• Customizes helping approaches to fit the family’s uniqueness, personality, culture and interest.
• Reassures and communicates hopefulness so clients know, “they are not in this alone.”
• Willing and able to self‑identify as a person who has lived experience i.e. has or is receiving mental health services and/or interactions with the juvenile court system.
• Articulates own lived experience and resilience stories in ways that are relevant to the obstacles faced by the youth.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• MUST have personal experience as a parent or legal guardian to a child or youth who has experienced any of the following challenges and/or systems: mental/behavioral health needs, developmental delays, substance use, domestic violence, trauma, housing or food insecurity, trafficking, institutional and systemic racism, sexism, classism, transphobia, homophobia, ableism, foster care, family court, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, etc.
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team.
• Ability to effectively communicate with others.
• Ability to effectively use virtual platforms, such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, to communicate with team and youth and families.
• 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,…