Peer Counselor, MRSS 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.

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 is a full-time position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday days. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

• 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)

• 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

* Some benefits only available to full-time staff

Pre-Certified Peer Counselor:
Hiring Range: $22.00 – 24.00/hr

Certified Peer Counselor:
Hiring Range: $24.00 – 27.00/hr

• Provides both immediate and scheduled crisis outreach services to families in King County 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.

• 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 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.

All employees and volunteers are responsible for adhering to abuse…