Family Peer Specialist

Community Youth Services; Olympia (WA); Hybrid; USD 43,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

HSA contributions

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Paid holidays

Personal holidays

Vacation and sick leave

Job summary

Community Youth Services in Olympia, WA seeks a Family Peer Specialist to support caregivers of youth ages 15-24 across Thurston and Mason counties with home and community-based services.

The role uses Certified Peer Counselor training to connect with families, participate in Wraparound with Intensive Services teams, and document care in EHR, with both in-person and telehealth options. Starting pay ranges $31.27–$34.92 per hour.

Qualifications

• Be a person with lived experience as a caregiver of a youth with emotional or behavioral health challenges.
• Must have completed the HCA-approved Certified Peer Support Specialist Training.
• Must qualify for and maintain Certified Peer Specialist credential and Agency Affiliated Counselor credential.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one peer support to caregivers based on the participant's care plan.
• Use Certified Peer Counseling training to foster trust, normalize challenges, and inspire hope.
• Help families engage meaningfully care planning and team meetings.
• Share resources and connect caregivers to community supports and services.
• Collaborate with therapists, care coordinators, and youth peer specialists in Wraparound with Intensive Services (WISe).
• Document services using Electronic Health Records (EHR) and contribute to data-driven care.
• Offer flexible scheduling to meet families’ needs.
• Promote cultural humility, emotional safety, and non-judgmental support across all interactions.

Skills

Lived experience

Certified Peer Counselor

Peer counseling training

Education

Associate degree

Job description

Community Youth Services is seeking a Family 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 have completed the HCA-Approved Certified Peer Support Specialist Training. As a Family Peer Specialist, you’ll serve as a key member of a treatment team, using your training as a Certified Peer Counselor to connect with caregivers. You’ll meet families at a variety of settings, including homes, schools, and the community. You have an important role in helping families support youth in navigating their mental health journey.

Starting pay is $31.27 to $34.92 per hour. (Non-exempt) (Full-time). This position will be split between Mason and Thurston counties and provide both in-person and telehealth services.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one peer support to caregivers based on the participant's care plan
• Use Certified Peer Counseling training to foster trust, normalize challenges, and inspire hope
• Help families engage meaningfully care planning and team meetings
• Share resources and connect caregivers to community supports and services
• Collaborate with therapists, care coordinators, and youth peer specialists in Wraparound with Intensive Services (WISe)
• Document services using Electronic Health Records (EHR) and contribute to data-driven care
• Offer flexible scheduling to meet families’ needs
• Promote cultural humility, emotional safety, and non-judgmental support across all interactions

Requirements

• Be a person with lived experience as a caregiver (biological, adoptive, step, kin, or "forever" person) of a youth with emotional or behavioral health challenges
• Must have completed the HCA-approved Certified Peer Support Specialist Training
• Must qualify for and maintain Certified Peer Specialist credential and Agency Affiliated Counselor credential
• Associate degree and 2 years of experience working with at-risk youth or families
• Experience supporting youth in community or home-based settings

About CYS: 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.

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.

Additional Benefits & Agency Qualifications are detailed on the Career Page on the agency website.

CYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, creed, religion, age, marital or nursing mother status, pregnancy, national origin, citizenship, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.