Peer Counselor, CCORS Youth Peer

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

Provides culturally competent, and strength-based peer support to youth and their families to decrease crisis and increase in-home stabilization. Identifies natural supports and teaches youth skills to effectively navigate community resources to meet priority needs. Provides 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.

Collaborates effectively with co-workers, supervisors, outside professionals and others involved in delivering the youth's care to meet safety plan needs and action plan goals. Supports the youth and acts as a bridge between the youth, family and system representatives. Willing to self-identify as a peer. Because of life experience, such persons have expertise that professional training cannot replicate.

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.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position with expected hours of work Monday through Friday, day shifts. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

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 12% employer contributions after 2 years of services - see Y Retirement for more information. Other Savings plans available upon hire.

* Free access to mental health resources

* Rapidly accruing paid time off (PTO)

* Discounts on qualifying YMCA of Greater Seattle childcare, day camp, overnight camp and outdoor leadership programs. 25% for part-time staff, 50% for full-time staff.

* Direct care staff in the Social Impact Center receive monthly personal Wellness days in addition to existing PTO and Paid Holiday benefits

* Some benefits only available to full-time staff

Hiring Range:

Pre-Certified Peer Counselor:
Hiring Range: $22.50 - $25.00/hr

Certified Peer Counselor:
Hiring Range: $25.00 - $27.50/hr

Required qualifications listed below

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

* Provides both immediate and scheduled crisis outreach services to families in Snoqualmie Valley 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.

POSITION DELIVERABLES

* Assess and create safety plans to meet immediate safety and stabilization needs

* Customize helping approaches to fit the family's uniqueness, personality, culture and interest

* Reassure and communicate hopefulness so clients know, "they are not in this alone."

* Willing and able to self-identify as a person who has lived…