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Peer Support Specialist

Seneca Family of Agencies
place Tacoma, 98401
local_atm $22.28 - 24.78 USD /HOUR
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Full Time

About Job

Description :Are you passionate about using your personal journey and lived experiences to support and guide others? Do you have experience navigating mental health or behavioral health services, juvenile justice, special education, or substance use treatment as a youth? Seneca Family of Agencies is looking for a compassionate and dedicated Peer Support Specialist to join our Mobil Response (MRT) / Short-Term Assessment of Resources and Treatment (START) team in the Pierce County Tacoma area. Join Our Caring Team and Make a Difference in the Lives of Youth and Families!This role includes a $1000 sign-on bonus and paid training to obtain your Certified Peer Counselor credential!As a Peer Support Specialist, you will play a vital role in providing emotional support, advocacy, and guidance to youth and families engaged in our services. Drawing from your own experiences, you’ll offer one-on-one and group support to help individuals and families navigate complex systems, strengthen their involvement in their care plans, and work towards achieving their goals. Your insights will help build trust, empower families, and encourage positive outcomes. This is more than a job – it’s an opportunity to make a lasting difference while being part of a caring, supportive team. The Peer Support Specialist will also engage in community outreach and leadership activities, sharing your knowledge and fostering a culture of understanding and connection.ABOUT THE PROGRAMSThe Mobile Response Team (MRT) is a 24/7 youth mobile crisis response program which supports youth and their families in crisis when there are concerns for immediate safety. The MRT service is intended to offer families, schools, and providers an alternative to calling 911 when law enforcement may not be necessary for the level of presenting concerns. The goal is to provide early intervention before crises escalate, to divert youth from more restrictive interventions, and reduce criminalization of mental health for youth.The Short-Term Assessment of Resources and Treatment (START) Program provides stabilization services following a crisis involving a youth within the Pierce County community. The primary goals of the START Program are suicide prevention and safety planning, ongoing crisis management and development of coping skills for youth and their families along with collaboration with other treatment team providers serving the youth. The goal is to provide crisis stabilization and linkage to long-term services while providing same day crisis services in the home or community.ABOUT SENECASeneca Family of Agencies is committed to providing traditionally marginalized communities a network of outstanding mental health, community-based, and educational services. We are committed to building a diverse staff. Our programs are deeply engaged in conversations and trainings on to bring equity and justice to the youth and families we serve.Responsibilities
  • Provide and communicate guidance, expertise, and support for youth, families, and/or any other natural supports one-on-one and in group settings
  • Demonstrate high level engagement and alignment skills, to build trust and rapport with youth, families, and collateral supports
  • Participate in the after-hours on call support for our mobile response team. Approximately 4-6 on-call shifts per month
  • Work as a “collaborative advocate,” helping youth, caregivers, and family members understand the mandates and perspectives of other team members while navigating through county systems
  • Use knowledge of community resources, school systems, or other mental health services to help youth and families identify and connect to a family safety network and/or natural support team in the community
  • Provide coaching and support related to safety planning/self-control plans as well as self-care plans for youth/families
  • Participate in peer forums which may include public speaking engagements
REQUIRED
  • Lived experience receiving mental or behavioral health treatment; OR lived experience with cross system involvement (Juvenile Justice, Mental and/or Behavioral Health treatment, Special Education, Substance Use Disorder Treatment) required
  • High school diploma/GED
  • Previous paid or unpaid experience working with youth and families
  • Willing to respond to crisis situations and be part of a rotating on call system for our mobile response team. Approximately 4-6 on-call shifts per month
  • At least 18 years of age
  • Flexible schedule to meet client and family needs is required
  • TB test clearance, fingerprinting clearance, and any other state/federal licensing or certification requirements
  • Valid driver's license, clean driving record, and insurability through Seneca Family of Agencies’ insurance policy
SKILL OF AN IDEAL CANDIDATE
  • Ability to work as a part of a multidisciplinary team in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong writing and organizational skills
Schedule
  • Full-time.
  • Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm
  • Must maintain a flexible schedule, which includes evenings and weekends as needed
  • Willing to respond to crisis situations and be part of a rotating on call system
Benefits
  • Starting salary at $22.28 - $24.78 hourly
  • Actual salary is dependent on creditable experience above the minimum qualifications for the role
  • An additional compensation upon passing the bilingual language proficiency exam
  • $1000 Sign-on Bonus
  • Mileage reimbursement
  • Stipends provided to staff members participating in the emergency on-call shifts
  • Salary increases each year
  • Comprehensive benefits package:
  • Medical, dental, vision, chiropractic, acupuncture coverage, and fertility coverage
  • 50% paid premiums for dependents
  • Long-term disability, family leave, and life insurance
  • 403b Retirement Plan
  • Employer-paid Employee Assistance Plan
  • 5 weeks of Paid Time off and 11 Paid Holidays
  • Seneca is a
certified employer * Scholarship opportunities, ongoing training, and professional development opportunitiesKey Words: nonprofit, mental health, mental health agency, behavioral health, healthcare, counselor, youth advocate, family advocate, children advocate, peer counselor, certified peer counselor, adolescent, advocate.Licences & certifications Driver's License