Crisis Peer Support Specialist (Youth)

Job description

Peer Supp ort Specialist – Youth Mobile Crisis Outreach Team Full-Time, On-Site (includes community outreach) Hiring Range: $20.07 - $24.58 per hour Additional Pay With Shift Differentials (as much as $1.25 per hour) Benefits at a Glance Health, Dental & Vision Coverage Generous PTO : Up to 19 days + 2 mental health days + 10 holidays (pro-rated for part-time) Fully Paid YMCA Membership for you and eligible family members Company-Paid Life & Disability Insurance Student Loan Assistance & Professional Development 403(b) Retirement Plan with Company Contributions Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Pet Insurance Free Wellness App (2MorrowHealth) Collaborative, Supportive Team Environment Kitsap Mental Health Services (KMHS) is seeking a compassionate Peer Support Specialist to join our Youth Mobile Crisis Outreach Team. In this role, you will use your lived experience to support youth and families during periods of crisis by promoting hope, recovery, and connection to resources. You’ll work alongside clinicians and crisis responders to help individuals navigate challenging situations, access services, and build stability in the community. If you’re driven to make a meaningful impact and support youth through a recovery-oriented lens, we encourage you to apply. Primary Responsibilities: • Use lived experience to validate client experiences and provide peer-based support throughout the recovery process. • Promote hope, empowerment, and self-determination for youth experiencing behavioral health crises. • Share recovery experiences, including involuntary treatment experiences, to offer support and encouragement. • Provide information and referrals related to housing, employment, vocational services, transportation, and community resources. • Encourage social connection, skill-building , and engagement in meaningful activities. • Communicate effectively with clients, families, and medical professionals to support discharge planning and referrals. • Collaborate with Designated Crisis Responders to support alternative placement options. • Advocate for client rights, reduce stigma, and connect individuals to self-help and peer advocacy resources. • Support ongoing assessment and intervention related to suicidality, substance use, and crisis stabilization. • Assist clients in accessing healthcare, legal services, housing subsidies, and other funding supports. Minimum Qualifications : EDUCATION: High School Diploma or GED EXPERIENCE: Two years of experience working with behavioral health/substance use populations and experience working in crisis or inpatient settings This position requires driving clients in a personal vehicle on behalf of the agency. Therefore, the incumbent must meet all agency driving requirements, including being at least 21 years old, having been licensed for a minimum of three years, successfully completing a motor vehicle history check, possessing and maintaining a current, valid driver’s license in the state of Washington, and having reliable, insured transportation . LICENSURE: Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration. Completion of the Washington State Mental Health Division’s Peer Counselor Training and the subsequent certification as a Peer Counselor within six months of employment. Preferred Qualifications: EXPERIENCE: Relevant experience working with clients with severe and persistent mental illness. Capacity to work well with children and families. Our recruitment processes are designed to prevent discrimination against our people regardless of gender identity or orientation, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, disability status, citizenship, or any aspect which makes someone unique.