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YMCA of Greater Seattle

Peer Support Specialist - WISe Wraparound Services

YMCA of Greater Seattle, Seattle, Washington, us, 98127

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Overview

Join to apply for the Peer Support Specialist - WISe Wraparound Services role at YMCA of Greater Seattle. 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

You will provide culturally competent, 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 provide 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 integral role in team-based planning for youth and families with complex needs. Peers help youth develop advocacy and empowerment skills to better obtain their identified goals and to live in their homes and communities. Responsibilities

Work collaboratively with supervisors, clinicians, case managers, and all team providers to implement an individualized plan of care, monitor its efficacy, and work towards success over time. Develop and implement plans based on strengths and needs that respect the youth's and their family's culture, values, norms, and preferences. Provide crisis outreach services to families in King County (immediate or scheduled). Assist youth in developing self-determination and empowerment through self-advocacy; promote positive self-advocacy and empower youth voice and choice. Identify youth stresses and instability and provide appropriate support. Help team members, system partners, providers and family understand youth culture and age-appropriate strengths, needs and challenges. Identify community resources and natural supports; guide youth to navigate resources effectively. Share stories and experiences that promote learning, recovery and hope. Collaborate with co-workers, supervisors and outside professionals to meet action plan goals. Model positive communication; encourage youth to complete action steps with motivation, support, and reminders. Assist youth in recognizing successes and lessons learned through the WISe process. Partner with the care coordinator and clinician to develop crisis stabilization plans that are individualized and based on youth voice and choice. Transport youth to appointments, meetings, or other locations as needed to support the action plan and links to community resources. Work with families to build a Child and Family Team; attend wraparound and other team meetings to support youth and ensure their voice is heard; model effective coping techniques. Work with the care coordinator and clinician to ensure youth needs are met for WISe meetings; empower youth voice at WISe team meetings. Maintain knowledge of current trends in behavioral health; complete required documentation within program deadlines; report critical incidents; adhere to YMCA rules and procedures. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Qualifications

Minimum age 21 years Lived experience as a youth in complex systems (juvenile justice, behavioral health, child welfare, or special education) and prepared to use that experience to help others Other education, training, and experience relevant to performing the job will be considered Ability to work independently and as part of a team Ability to communicate effectively Ability to set priorities and manage time Computer literacy (Microsoft Windows, Outlook, and electronic health records data systems) Trained in and familiar with the recovery model; assist families and youth to focus on strengths, voice, and partnership with their team Demonstrated ability to engage youth and families in a structured process to identify needs, develop an individualized care plan, and transition to natural supports Knowledge of community services and resources (support groups, mental health, substance abuse, child welfare, juvenile justice, developmental disabilities, special education, etc.) Experience with crisis de-escalation and crisis stabilization Physical and mental abilities: lifting up to 15 pounds; hearing; standing/walking; reading, writing, and communication; maintaining notes/records; problem-solving; data collection WA State Peer Counselor Certification preferred and required within one year of employment High school diploma or equivalent preferred Valid driver’s license and access to a private vehicle; ability to transport self and youth; proof of adequate vehicle insurance Knowledge of diverse populations; ability to speak languages other than English may be helpful Current state-approved first aid certification, state-approved CPR certification, BBP training certifications Washington State Agency Affiliated Counseling Credential Within 30 days of employment or first available training; training and certification can be completed after hire; begin process within the first month and full certification as a Peer within 6 months of hire Peer Support Specialist I

WA State Peer Counselor Certification preferred and required within one year of employment. Peer Support Specialist II

2 years of relevant experience in social services WA State Peer Counselor Certification preferred and required within 30 days of employment. Authorized Driver Requirement

This safety-sensitive role requires transporting clients as authorized drivers for the Y using your own vehicle. This offer is contingent upon meeting: being age 21+, having a valid driver's license for at least three years, and a driving record that meets Y standards (no more than two moving violations in the last three years, no significant incidents within 5 years, etc.) and proof of current auto insurance and vehicle registration. You must pass a drug screen that tests for impairing substances, including marijuana. Note: California driver’s license holders are not eligible as Authorized Drivers. Youll be a great fit for the Seattle Y if you

Thrive in a collaborative environment Are adaptable Have high ownership and a strong work ethic Are a good problem solver who can think on your feet Truly enjoy being of service to people Like being part of a caring team Want to contribute to building a better, stronger community Our Mission

Building a community where all people, especially the young, are encouraged to develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind, and body. Our Values

Respect Responsibility Honesty Caring Passion for Excellence YGS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and equitable work environment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by law. We are a drug and alcohol-free workplace. We participate in the Federal E-Verify system. All job offers are contingent on the results of a background check in accordance with Washington's Fair Chance Act. Please download and review the following resources for more information: the updated 2025 requirements of 49.94.010 and the WA attorney general's Washington fair chance act guide for employers and job applicants: https://seattleymca.icims.com/icims2/servlet/icims2?module=AppInert&action=download&id=251099&hashed=1503034877, https://seattleymca.icims.com/icims2/servlet/icims2?module=AppInert&action=download&id=251100&hashed=74689660 If you need assistance with the application process, please contact recruiting@seattleymca.org.

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