WISe Youth Partner

WISe Youth Partner

Akin partners with children, families, and communities to build relationships and support well-being so everyone can thrive. Through our early learning programs, we create inclusive, nurturing environments where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to learn.

The WISe Youth Partner is a certified peer specialist who draws on their own lived experience as a young person who has navigated trauma, emotional or behavioral health challenges, and involvement in child-serving systems. In this role, you are a trusted bridge between the youth you serve and the WISe team — ensuring that the voice and choice of each young person is genuinely heard, respected, and reflected at every stage of the process.

Many WISe participants are reluctant to share their perspectives, hopes, and concerns — particularly those who have been marginalized or unheard in previous system of care experiences. You will build the kind of authentic, peer-based relationship that makes it safe for youth to speak up. Your work ensures that each young person's perspective is captured with honesty and dignity in the Cross-System Care Plan (CSCP) and the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) tool, so that the plan truly belongs to them.

Services are provided in homes, schools, and other community settings with a flexible schedule that meets youth where they are.

This position has access to protected healthcare information (PHI) or confidential identifiable information (CII), both paper and electronic, as necessary, to perform related job duties and responsibilities.

Essential functions include:

• Amplify family voice & choice
• Building trust & connection
• Coaching, skill building & empowerment
• System navigation & community connection
• Team collaboration & documentation

Knowledge, skills, and abilities include:

• Lived experience as a young person who has navigated trauma and/or significant emotional or behavioral health challenges, with personal involvement in at least one child-serving system
• A demonstrated ability to connect authentically with youth who may feel unheard, distrustful, or disengaged from services
• The ability to draw on your own story to build hope and trust without centering your experience over the youth's
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with warmth, patience, and genuine enthusiasm for young people's growth
• Commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and belonging; demonstrated openness to learning and contributing to an equitable workplace
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook and Word; strong typing skills

Working environment:

• This position requires a flexible work schedule, including evenings and weekends to accommodate families' needs
• Services are performed throughout the community including in family homes, schools, and Akin offices

Hybrid work arrangements:

Hybrid work is a benefit of Akin's flexible workplace but cannot be offered for all positions. Some positions require daily presence in the office. Hybrid work arrangements may be adjusted or rescinded based upon business needs.

Physical demands:

• While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard; occasionally to reach, stoop and kneel
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer work
• Regular, predictable attendance is required

Minimum qualifications:

• Have or obtain the Peer Counselor Certification from the State of Washington within 6 months of hire (Akin will support with the process to obtain this certification)
• Proof of CPR and First Aid Certification is required within 30 days
• A one-step Mantoux TB skin test prior to start of employment. For those who have previously tested positive, documented proof of treatment from a doctor, or a negative chest x-ray must be provided
• HIV/AIDS and blood borne pathogens training required within 30 days
• A valid driver's license and a favorable driving record, with no more than three violations within the past three years

Preferred qualifications:

• Prior experience in a peer support role

Salary range and benefits:

We provide a comprehensive…