Crisis Peer Support Specialist (Youth)

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
• 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.