Youth Peer Specialist

Community Youth Services • Olympia, WA

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

Community Youth Services is seeking a Youth Peer Specialist to join the Transitional Age Youth (TAY) team. This role is vital in providing home and community-based services to individuals aged 15-24 in Thurston and Mason counties. Candidates should be certified peer counselors with a background in mental illness or substance use recovery. CYS has been a cornerstone in downtown Olympia for over 50 years, offering a wide range of services to at-risk youth and their families. As the largest child welfare agency in southwest Washington, we pride ourselves on a staff-driven culture that values our team as our greatest asset. As a TAY Peer Youth Specialist, you will provide crucial behavioral health services to youth aged 15 to 24, helping them become active agents in their care and building healthy relationship connections. Your role is designed to work with youth to empower them in their mental health journey, ensuring they have the support and resources needed to thrive. This position is an opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of young people by using lived experiences to foster resilience and success in their transition to adulthood.

Requirements

• Be a person with lived experience as a participant in Behavioral Health (mental health) services or with multiple-system involvement who is confident in their recovery.
• A lived experience letter with a brief synopsis of your lived experience and a focused explanation of how you maintain your recovery is required with application.
• Must qualify for and maintain certified peer counselor certification and Agency Affiliated Counselor license.
• Successfully clear a thorough background check with no history of causing harm, particularly to children or vulnerable adults.
• Maintain a clean criminal record, demonstrating professional and personal integrity.
• Hold a valid Washington State Driver's License with at least five years of driving experience and a good driving record for the past three years.
• Provide proof of auto insurance with coverage of $100,000 or more.
• Show cultural sensitivity and the ability to respond to the diverse needs of the organization’s community.
• Acquire CPR/1st Aid/Bloodborne Pathogen certification within 30 days of employment (required before starting some positions).
• Possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively within a team.

Nice To Haves

• Associate Degree with 2 years of experience working with at-risk youth or families preferred.
• High school diploma and experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Mentorship: Guide and support young people as they learn to navigate adult responsibilities.
• Experience Sharing: Use personal recovery experiences to inspire hope and empowerment in participants.
• Engagement: Maintain active involvement with participants throughout their treatment and conduct outreach to engage new and disengaged clients.
• Collaboration: Work closely with therapists to offer comprehensive support to TAY participants.

Benefits

• Competitive salary starting at $30.36 to $38.93 per hour
• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, HSA contributions, dental, vision, life insurance, and more paid by the agency.
• Generous vacation, sick leave, 11+ paid holidays, and 4 personal holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED