Peer Support - Seneca Family of Agencies

Overview

Do you have lived experience receiving mental health or behavioral health services or with cross system involvement as a youth (Juvenile Justice; Mental and/or Behavioral Health treatment; Special Education; Substance Use Disorder Treatment), and are ready to use your experience to positively impact youth and families? Seneca Family of Agencies in Pierce County, WA is seeking for a Peer Support for the Wraparound with Intensive Services (WISe) team.

This role includes a $500 sign-on bonus and paid training to obtain your Certified Peer Counselor credential! 

The Peer Support provides peer support and advocacy to consumers of Seneca’s services. Peer support may include one-on-one peer support as well as in group settings. The Peer Support draws upon their own personal experience navigating systems to work individually with youth and/or family members to engage them in the process, increase their involvement, and assist them in achieving their care plan goals. This includes a wide range of activities in order to function as a member of the supporting team as well as provide individual support. The Peer Support may also be involved in community awareness and leadership activities.

ABOUT WISe PROGRAM

The Wraparound with Intensive Services (WISe) program provides comprehensive behavior health supports to youth with complex behavioral and mental health needs. The program's goal is to help youth thrive in their homes and communities and assist in helping them meet the goals they have identified.

ABOUT SENECA

Seneca 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 and strongly encourage people of color to apply. Our programs are deeply engaged in conversations and trainings on  Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 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
• 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
• Maintain accurate and high-quality documentation and paperwork including but not limited to mental health notes, timesheets, expense reports, and mileage
• Participate in on-call rotation, if applicable per program requirements
• Utilize crisis communication and de-escalation techniques as per Seneca's EQ-4 model training
  • This may include intervening with the clients' behavioral program through physical managementof the clients, if applicable. Training in additional crisis intervention modalities such as CPI maybe required

Qualifications

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 
• Previous paid or unpaid experience working with youth and families
• 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
• Proof of up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination

PREFERRED

• Previous paid or unpaid experience working with youth and families strongly preferred

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 
• Position will support the Pierce County, and Tacoma areas 

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
• $500.00 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
• Relocation assistance may be available
• Seneca is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness certified employer
• Scholarship opportunities, ongoing training, and professional development opportunities

Key Words: nonprofit, mental health, mental health agency, behavioral health, healthcare, counselor, youth advocate, family advocate, children advocate, peer counselor, certified peer counselor, adolescent, advocate.