Youth Wellness Advocate (Peer Specialist)

Children's Home Society of WA; Washington; On-site; USD 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

AKIN is seeking a WISe Youth Partner, a Certified Peer Specialist who draws on lived experience to advocate for youth across the care process. You will bridge youth voices with the WISe team, ensuring voice and choice are respected in CSCP and CANS.

You will work in homes, schools, and community settings with a flexible schedule, meeting youth where they are, safeguarding PHI/CII as needed, and supporting families through the wraparound process.

Responsibilities

• Amplify Family Voice & Choice: Serve as the primary champion for the voice and choice of each WISe participant, ensuring their perspective is articulated and honored throughout every phase of the WISe process.
• Build trusting relationships with youth who may be reluctant to share their views, especially those who have been marginalized or dismissed in previous system experiences.
• Ensure each young person’s hopes, concerns, strengths, and goals are captured respectfully and clearly in the Cross-System Care Plan (CSCP) and the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) tool.
• Assess and support the youth’s ability and confidence to communicate their own perspective and preferences, and actively work to strengthen that capacity over time.
• Advocate for the youth’s needs, interests, and goals within the Child and Family Team and the broader community.

Job description

AKIN is seeking a WISe Youth Partner, a Certified Peer Specialist who draws on lived experience to advocate for youth across the care process. You will bridge youth voices with the WISe team, ensuring voice and choice are respected in CSCP and CANS.

You will work in homes, schools, and community settings with a flexible schedule, meeting youth where they are, safeguarding PHI/CII as needed, and supporting families through the wraparound process.