Peer Counselor - WISe Wraparound Services

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.

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 is a full‑time position with expected hours of Monday‑Friday, 9am‑5pm. This is a community based role.

• 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

• Pre‑Certified Peer Counselor: $22.00 – 24.00/hr
• Certified Peer Counselor: $24.00 – 27.00/hr
• Required qualifications listed below

• Provides 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.
• Assists youth in developing self‑determination and empowerment skills through self‑advocacy.
• Promotes positive self‑advocacy skills and empowers youth voice and choice in all phases of the process.
• Identifies youth stresses, instability and provides 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.
• Shares 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…