Peer Support Specialist , CCORS Parent Partner

YMCA of Greater Seattle•Auburn, WA

42d•$22 - $27•Onsite

About The Position

Provides culturally competent, and strength-based peer support to families to decrease crisis, increase in-home stabilization, and assist families in decreasing negative contact with law enforcement and the juvenile justice system. Identifies natural supports and coaches parent/caregiver skills to effectively navigate community resources to meet priority needs. Provides services in client homes, schools or other convenient community locations. The goals of Parent Partner Peer Support include identifying parenting resources and supports, coaching parents/caregivers to effectively and peacefully resolve conflict in the home, and assist in navigating systems that impact family, such as the educational system, mental health, substance use, or juvenile justice. Collaborates effectively with co-workers, supervisors, outside professionals and others involved in delivering care to meet safety plan needs and action plan goals. This may include collaborating with law enforcement with the goal of reducing harm to youth and family. Supports the family and acts as a bridge between the youth, family and system representatives. Willing to self-identify as a parent. Because of life experience, such persons have expertise that professional training cannot replicate. This position is on site at our South King County - Auburn office. 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. CCORS (Children's Crisis Outreach and Response System) serves families in crisis throughout King county. It is a free program to youth 3-18 y/o. Families and youth participate voluntarily. Their participation is private and CCORS adheres to HIPPA privacy & consent policies.

Requirements

MUST have personal experience as a parent or legal guardian to a child or youth who has experienced any of the following challenges and/or systems: mental/behavioral health needs, developmental delays, substance use, domestic violence, trauma, housing or food insecurity, trafficking, institutional and systemic racism, sexism, classism, transphobia, homophobia, ableism, foster care, family court, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, etc.
Ability to work independently and as a part of a team
Ability to effectively communicate with others
Ability to effectively use virtual platforms, such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, to communicate with team and youth and families.
Ability to set priorities and manage time effectively
Ability to use a computer and work with Microsoft Windows Outlook and electronic health records data system.
Trained in and familiar with recovery model and able to assist families and youth to focus on their strengths, utilize their voice and partner with their team.
Demonstrated ability to engage youth and their families in a structured process to verbalize their needs, develop an individualized care plan, and transition to reliance on natural supports.
Knowledge of community services and resources including: support groups, mental health, substance abuse, child welfare, juvenile justice, developmental disabilities, special education programs, etc.
Experience with crisis de-escalation and crisis stabilization practices.
The following physical and mental abilities are required: frequent lifting or carrying up to 15 pounds, must be able to hear, frequent standing/walking going up and down stairs due to community outreach basis, ability to communicate effectively in person and/or phone, the ability to read, analyze and interpret information, ability to write reports, correspondence and procedures, ability to maintain notes/records, ability to define and solve practical problems, collect data
WA State Peer Counselor Certification preferred and required within one year of employment.
Possession of a high school diploma or equivalence preferred
Possession of valid driver's license and have access to a private vehicle for day-to-day job performance and Ability to transport self and youth in a safe and effective manner, and to meet youth and families at their home or in the community. (Proof of adequate vehicle insurance coverage is required.)
Knowledge of and previous experience with, diverse populations and ability to speak another language in addition to English strongly preferred.
Current State-approved first aid certification, state-approved CPR certification, BBP (HIV/AIDS) training certification.
Washington State Agency Affiliated Counseling Credential.

Nice To Haves

WA State Peer Counselor Certification preferred and required within one year of employment.
Knowledge of and previous experience with, diverse populations and ability to speak another language in addition to English strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides both immediate and scheduled community outreach services to families in South King County - Auburn and additional coverage as needed.
Flexes schedule to include evenings and possible weekends to meet the needs of families.
Assist parent/caregiver in developing self-determination and empowerment skills through self-advocacy.
Identify family stresses, instability and provide appropriate support.
Identifies community resources and natural supports and works with the parent/caregiver to effectively navigate resources.
Collaborates effectively with co-workers, supervisors and outside professionals to create and meet action plan goals.
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.

Benefits

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)
Full-time employees qualify for a 50% discount, and part-time employees qualify for a 25% discount, on eligible Childcare Services.
Some benefits only available to full-time staff

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