Crisis Peer Support Specialist (Youth)

Kitsap Mental Health Services; Bremerton (WA); On-site; USD 27,648 - 33,861; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health benefits

Generous paid time off

Student loan assistance

403(b) Retirement Plan

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

A regional mental health organization in Bremerton, WA is seeking a Peer Support Specialist for its Youth Mobile Crisis Outreach Team. The role involves using personal experience to support youth facing mental health challenges, offering guidance, managing recovery goals, and collaborating with healthcare professionals. Candidates should have experience in behavioral health, a valid driver's license, and must complete Peer Counselor training shortly after hire. This full-time position offers $20.07 to $24.58 per hour plus benefits.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience with behavioral health/substance use populations.
• Valid driver's license in Washington and ability to drive clients.
• Completion of Peer Counselor Training within six months.

Responsibilities

• Utilize personal experience to validate clients' experiences.
• Provide guidance and support for clients' recovery goals.
• Collaborate with medical professionals and crisis responders.

Skills

Experience with behavioral health

Communication skills

Empathy

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Peer Support Specialist – Youth Mobile Crisis Outreach Team – Full-Time
Hiring Range: $20.07- $24.58 per hour

Additional Pay With Shift Differentials (as much as $1.25 per hour)

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health & Wellness Coverage: Enjoy extensive health, dental, and vision benefits to support your well-being, with access to top-tier care and services.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Take advantage of up to 19 days of paid time off (PTO), plus 2 mental health days and 10 paid holidays in your first year, giving you the time you need to recharge and take care of yourself. (Pro-rated for part-time employees.)
• Company-Paid Life & Disability Insurance: We’ve got you covered with short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance, all provided at no cost to you, so you can feel secure in every situation.
• Student Loan Assistance & Professional Development: Benefit from student loan repayment assistance and a commitment to your growth with extensive training and development opportunities to advance your career.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan: Take control of your future with a wide range of investment options in our 403(b) plan. Depending on eligibility, you could also receive generous company contributions to help grow your retirement savings.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access confidential support through our EAP, offering resources for personal and professional challenges, including counseling, financial advice, and more.
• Pets Best Pet Insurance: Keep your furry family members healthy with comprehensive pet insurance for your cats and dogs, covering a variety of treatments and services.
• 2MorrowHealth Behavioral Change App: Improve your mental and physical well-being with free access to 2MorrowHealth, a powerful app designed to support healthy behavior changes and wellness goals.
• Home Support Services: Whether you’re buying, selling, or refinancing, we offer valuable resources to assist with your home journey, helping you navigate the process with confidence.
• Dynamic, Collaborative Team Environment: Join an incredible team that thrives on collaboration, creativity, and support, where every voice is heard and every idea valued.

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of youth facing mental health challenges? Join Kitsap Mental Health Services as our Youth Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (YMCOT) as a Peer Support Specialist and use your personal experience to provide guidance, hope, and empowerment to clients, families, and community partners. Be part of a dynamic team that promotes recovery and independence even during periods of instability.

Primary Responsibilities

• Utilize personal experience as a peer to validate clients' experiences and offer guidance for their recovery journey.
• Promote hope and empowerment to help clients achieve recovery goals and maintain independence, even in challenging times.
• Share experiences related to involuntary treatment to provide support and inspire hope during the recovery process.
• Provide information and referrals for housing, job training, vocational rehabilitation, and reliable transportation.
• Encourage clients' socialization and leisure activities, offering coaching and support.
• Maintain effective communication with clients, families, and medical professionals for discharge planning and referrals.
• Collaborate with Designated Crisis Responders for alternative placements.
• Combat stigma, support clients' rights awareness, and connect them with self-help and advocacy groups.
• Assist in ongoing assessments and services for challenges such as suicidality and substance abuse.
• Help clients access healthcare, legal services, housing subsidies, and funding alternatives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED.
• Experience: Two years of experience working with behavioral health/substance use populations and experience working in crisis or inpatient settings.
• Driving: This position requires driving clients in a personal vehicle on behalf of the agency; therefore, the incumbent must meet agency driving requirements, including minimum age 21, motor vehicle history check, current valid driver's license in Washington, and reliable insured transportation.
• Licensure: Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration.
• Certification: Completion of the Washington State Mental Health Division’s Peer Counselor Training and the subsequent certification as a Peer Counselor within six months of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant experience working with clients with severe and persistent mental illness.
• Capacity to work well with children and families.

Our recruitment processes are designed to prevent discrimination against our people regardless of gender identity or orientation, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, disability status, citizenship, or any aspect which makes someone unique.