WISe Youth Peer Counselor

Youth Eastside Services

Kirkland (WA)

Hybrid

USD 32,000 - 39,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work opportunities

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid time off

Job summary

Youth Eastside Services (YES) is seeking a Youth Peer Counselor to join the WISe program. You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide an individualized, strength‑based approach within wraparound and to support youth in maintaining the least restrictive, community‑based environment.

The Youth Peer Counselor will collaborate with a Mental Health Therapist, Care Coordinator, and Parent Partner Counselor to identify goals, assess needs, and connect families with community resources.

Qualifications

High School Diploma or equivalent required.
AA or BA Degree in a behavioral science‑related field preferred.
Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team and maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

Provide comprehensive peer support to children and youth with complex behavioral health needs.
Collaborate with Mental Health Therapist, Care Coordinator, and Parent Partner Counselor to identify goals and coordinate services.
Assist with monthly Child and Family Team (CFT) meetings and treatment-planning activities.
Conduct outreach to clients and families in homes, schools, and community settings.
Maintain documentation and participate in supervision, training, and team meetings.
Support engagement and participation in wraparound processes and community resources.

Skills

Cross-cultural communication

Diversity engagement

Strong communication

Team collaboration

Customer service mindset

Adaptability

Independent work

EHR proficiency

CANS certification readiness

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

AA/BA in behavioral science

Tools

EHR systems

Telehealth platforms

Job description

About YES

Youth Eastside Services (YES) is a leading provider of behavioral health services for children, youth, young adults, and families across East King County. Through school-based, clinic-based, and community-based programs, we provide mental health counseling, substance use treatment, psychiatric services, prevention education, and family support.

At YES, we believe young people thrive when they have access to the care, connection, and support they need in the places and communities where they live, learn, and grow. Each year, we serve more than 4,000 children, youth, and families, partnering with schools, caregivers, and community organizations to promote well‑being and resilience.

Our work is grounded in trauma‑informed care, collaboration, equity, and the belief that every young person deserves to feel safe, supported, respected, and connected. Our mission is to help youth reach their full potential, strengthen families, and build a healthier, more equitable community through behavioral health services, intervention, outreach, education, and advocacy.

To learn more, visit YouthEastsideServices.org.

Our Mission

YES is a lifeline for kids and families coping with challenges such as emotional distress, substance abuse, and violence. Through intervention, outreach, and prevention. YES builds confidence and personal responsibility, strengthens family relationships, and advocates for a safer community that cares for its youth.

Our Vision

The future is bright, and the potential of our youth lights it. We envision a community where our youth can feel safe, taken care of, respected, and loved. And where our young people make choices that enhance their well‑being and lay the foundation for a solid future.

Program Summary

Wraparound with Intensive Services (WISe) is a new approach to helping Medicaid‑eligible children, youth, and their families with intensive behavioral and mental health care. The program's goal is to help youth thrive with their natural supports such as homes and communities and assist in helping them meet the goals they have identified. Services are available in home and community settings and offer a system of care based on the individualized need of the child or youth.

Job Summary

Youth Eastside Services is currently looking for a Youth Peer Counselor to join the Children’s Wrap Around with Intensive Services (WISe) program. We are looking for someone who can work as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team to provide an individualized, creative, and strength‑based approach within the wraparound model. Additionally, this position will support youth to maintain the least restrictive and community‑based environment.

The WISe Youth Peer Counselor provides comprehensive support services assisting children, youth, and families in coping with complex behavior and mental health needs. In a team framework, the Youth Peer Counselor works in close collaboration with a Mental Health Therapist, Care Coordinator, and Parent Partner Counselor to identify goals, assess needs, and coordinate access to community resources. In addition, the Youth Peer Counselor will conduct outreach to clients and families in their homes, school, and community.

This position requires a flexible schedule with evening and weekend hours in the office, the client's home, and the community. The Youth Peer Counselor works with the client to help support their engagement and active participation in making informed decisions to drive the wraparound process. The Youth Peer Counselor ensures each client is heard and their individual needs are addressed and met. Youth Peer Counselor have their own life experience of living with a behavioral health disorder as a young person, which helps them connect with and provide hope to youth in the program.

Reporting to the WISe Program Manager, the Youth Peer Counselor will carry out the position's responsibilities as defined below.

Primary Job Functions

The Youth Peer Counselor provides comprehensive peer support to children and youth with complex behavioral health and mental health needs. Using lived experience, the Youth Peer Counselor serves as a mentor and advocate for youth, helping them build hope, identify strengths and goals, develop self‑advocacy skills, and connect with natural and community supports.
The Youth Peer Counselor works as part of a team in close collaboration with the Mental Health Therapist, Care Coordinator, Parent Partner Counselor, and other providers to identify goals, assess needs, coordinate services, and provide holistic care.
Supports children and youth in preparing for and participating in monthly Child and Family Team (CFT) meetings and other treatment‑planning activities, ensuring their voice, preferences, and goals are represented.
Provides crisis intervention and participates in the after‑hours phone/in person coverage rotation on a weekly basis.
Participates in activities with children and youth that support their goals and interests, including recreational, creative, educational, and community‑based activities.
Helps children and youth connect with community resources, leadership opportunities, advocacy activities, and other supports that promote independence and participation.
Supports children and youth during challenging situations by helping them identify coping strategies, communicate their needs, and access appropriate supports.
Provides services in homes, schools, and other convenient community locations throughout the East of King County (Redmond, Bellevue and Kirkland).
Maintains required documentation and participate in supervision, consultation, training, and team meetings.

Knowledge & Skills

Ability to work effectively in cross‑cultural situations
Strong ability to work with a diverse Eastside community, including race, ethnicity, gender, LGBTQ+, religious, socio‑economic status, etc.
Experience working with vulnerable children, youth, and families
Strong verbal, written communication, and interpersonal skills
Customer service mindset
Aptitude to work in a fast‑paced environment, prioritize workload, complete assigned tasks, and maintain poise under pressure.
Dependable, receptive to change, willing to learn, cooperative approach to problem‑solving, flexible team player, etc.
Effectively work in both a team environment and independently.
Computer literate and able to use Electronic Health Records (EHR), telehealth, and other software programs with basic training.
Ability to get certified in CANS to utilize the CANS results to support and educate the youth and family.
Other work‑related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

High School Diploma or equivalent required; AA or BA Degree in a behavioral science‑related field.
Minimum of 18 years of age
Certified Peer Counselor credentialed (training available)
Washington State Patrol background check and Finger Print Clearance, and any other state or federal requirements that may be issued
Own vehicle; valid Washington Driver's License w/ proof of auto insurance
Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team
Robust organizational, coordination, writing, verbal, and interpersonal skills
Bilingual and bicultural skills are a plus!
Experience in WISe or other WRAP programs is a plus!
Must maintain a flexible schedule to work some evenings and weekends
Creativity and flexibility are essential in assuming significant responsibility.
Experience working in racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse urban communities preferred
Ability to exercise discretion and maintain both client and employee confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA, contract requirements, or other applicable laws and regulations.
Must provide own transportation and meet clients/families throughout King County.

Physical / Working Requirements

Pursuant to the State mandate, all employees must be fully vaccinated
Work in general office and home‑visiting conditions
Travel throughout East King County w/ mileage reimbursement
Frequent sitting, standing, walking, and driving (HV)
Ability to use hands and handle objects
Adequate vision and hearing is necessary for duties
Occasional pushing/pulling/lifting/carrying up to 25 pounds
Speaking/talking on the telephone, telehealth, and in‑person
Ability to travel and work in multiple settings
Ability to work evening/weekend hours and adjust work schedule as necessary to meet business needs.

The requirements described represent those that the employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In addition, YES provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Benefits

At YES, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package to support health, financial well‑being, and work‑life balance.

Benefits Include