Youth Peer Counselor: Empowerment & Crisis Support

YMCA of Greater Seattle; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 46,800 - 57,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Membership to YMCA of Greater Seattle

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Retirement with 12% employer contrib.

Paid time off

Wellness days

Discounts on programs

Full-time staff benefits

Job summary

YMCA of Greater Seattle is seeking a Youth Peer Support Specialist to provide culturally competent, strength‑based outreach to youth and families in the Snoqualmie Valley and surrounding communities. You will help youth connect to resources, develop self‑determination, and navigate systems with supportive mentorship.

Role requires living experience with mental health services, ability to engage families, and flexibility to work days with occasional evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• Young adults ages 21–30 with lived experience in youth systems preferred.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong communication and time-management skills.
• Familiarity with recovery model and youth empowerment.

Responsibilities

• Provide crisis outreach and scheduled crisis support.
• Assist youth in developing self-determination and empowerment.
• Identify community resources and navigate them with youth.
• Collaborate with staff and outside professionals to meet goals.
• Transport youth to appointments when needed and attend team meetings.

Skills

Lived experience as youth

Independence & teamwork

Effective communication

Time management

Crisis outreach ability

Navigating community resources

Education

WA State Peer Counselor Certification Trainee or Certified Peer Support Specialist credential within 1 year

High school diploma or equivalence

Tools

Outlook

Electronic health records system

Job description

YMCA of Greater Seattle is seeking a Youth Peer Support Specialist to provide culturally competent, strength‑based outreach to youth and families in the Snoqualmie Valley and surrounding communities. You will help youth connect to resources, develop self‑determination, and navigate systems with supportive mentorship.

Role requires living experience with mental health services, ability to engage families, and flexibility to work days with occasional evenings and weekends.