Youth Peer Support Specialist

Our Mission: Lutheran Community Services Northwest partners with individuals, families and communities for health, justice and hope.

About Us Lutheran Community Services Northwest is a non-profit human services agency that improves lives of people in communities throughout Washington, Oregon and Idaho. We provide a wide variety of services to adults, adolescents, children, families, schools and communities. We are privileged to touch lives of all ages, cultures and faiths.

MISSION IMPACT: All LCSNW team members will contribute to our mission of partnering with individuals, families and communities for health, justice and hope. Provides a wide range of supports, services, and advocacy that contribute to individuals/families affected by mental health and/or substance use disorders to engage in treatment and pursue recovery goals. Assists youth in accessing needed resources, addressing barriers related to mental health and/or substance use disorders, and engaging in activities that promote recovery. These services may include but are not limited to: individual and/or skills training, self-help support groups, drop-in centers, outreach services, education and advocacy.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• A Peer Support Specialist/Youth Partner has many responsibilities, working with youth & family members to address mental health conditions, participating in various meetings (program-related and client meetings), and ensuring timely completion of all program required progress notes and documentation. Additionally, they identify and collaborate on solutions to remove participation barriers, such as transportation and work schedule issues.
• Provide peer support on a one-to-one basis, in peer support groups, in the community such as the peer's home, meetings, courtrooms, hospitals, schools, etc.
• Manage an active caseload in accordance with LCSNW and applicable contract guidelines.
• Demonstrate awareness and sensitivity in the delivery of client services as it relates to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of the populations served.
• Model and encourage direct, professional communication among staff members and facilitate the development of a positive staff support network.
• Participate in and implement individual, family, and community activities and functions that model healthy and empowering outcomes for clients. Maintain relationships with other service providers and provide appropriate referrals.
• Ensure youth/families are present when decisions about them are made and encourage them to take an active role in their care planning. Role(s): Role-specific responsibilities for this job are outlined as follows.
• Team Member. All LCSNW team members are responsible for upholding and encouraging LCSNW values: compassion, integrity, interdependence, inclusion and stewardship; communicating openly and effectively; building collaborative relationships in balance with working independently; and strictly adhering to confidentiality and HIPAA standards.
  
  

REQUIREMENTS:

• No professional experience; specific areas of focus or knowledge are required
• You must self-identify as a person with lived experience with mental health services, and be in mental health recovery for at least one year. Excels in serving and fiercely advocating for diverse and marginalized populations
• Adheres to and applies established operational processes in a timely, appropriate way
• Thrives in a diverse and multicultural environment
• HS diploma or equivalent
• Certified Peer Counselor Certification is required upon start or within 90 days of hire.
• Counselor Agency Affiliated is required upon start or within 60 days of hire.
• Fluency in English, both spoken and written
• Basic mastery of Google Suite and Microsoft 365 applications; document to data management systems (such as an EHR)
• Demonstrates resilience, awareness and self-regulation in navigating challenges, conflict and obstacles/barriers.
• Works with cross-functional teams to develop and implement strategies to enhance end-user experiences throughout the service lifecycle
• Successfully completes tasks in a moderately noisy environment
• Interacts with others and performs tasks in-person and through the use of technology, with moderate periods of stationary activity and moderate periods of increased physical activity including and not limited to participating in activities with individual, family, and or community activities
• Moves equipment/materials weighing up to 20 pounds
• Responsible for transporting clients in personal and/or agency vehicle, which requires valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and motor vehicle records clearance
• Works in a variety of settings, including and not limited to LCSNW office locations, partner agency and community-based settings, client home/community settings, outdoor settings in varying weather conditions, and faith-based settings such as churches
• Participation in holiday events and activities organized for the benefit of our youth and families enrolled in the program may be required as part of this position's responsibilities.
• Meets LCSNW criminal background clearance requirements; SAM/OIG healthcare sanctions; ORCHARDS
  
  

THE PERKS: We offer a full benefits package with options for medical, dental, prescription and vision coverage; employer-paid short and long-term disability, as well as life insurance. Vacation includes up to 2 weeks in the first year. Up to 2 weeks of Sick leave for you or to take care of your immediate family (based on hours worked). 12 Paid Holidays plus 2 Floating Holidays each year. A 403(b) Retirement plan, with employer matching after meeting eligibility requirements. Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is designed to help and support you. Staff potentially eligible for Student Loan Forgiveness program as a 501(c) 3 employer.

We thank all candidates in advance for their interest in joining the Lutheran Community Services Northwest team. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

LUTHERAN COMMUNITY SERVICES NORTHWEST IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND COMMITTED TO CULTURAL COMPETENCY.