Job Information
YMCA of Greater Seattle Peer Support Specialist - Parent Partner in Seattle, Washington
Job Summary
Provides culturally competent, and strength-based peer support to families to decrease crisis, increase in-home stabilization, and assist families in decreasing negative contact with law enforcement and the juvenile justice system. Identifies natural supports and coaches parent/caregiver skills to effectively navigate community resources to meet priority needs. Provides services in client homes, schools or other convenient community locations. The goals of Parent Partner Peer Support include identifying parenting resources and supports, coaching parents/caregivers to effectively and peacefully resolve conflict in the home, and assist in navigating systems that impact family, such as the educational system, mental health, substance use, or juvenile justice. Collaborates effectively with co-workers, supervisors, outside professionals and others involved in delivering care to meet safety plan needs and action plan goals. This may include collaborating with law enforcement with the goal of reducing harm to youth and family. Supports the family and acts as a bridge between the youth, family and system representatives. Willing to self-identify as a parent. Because of life experience, such persons have expertise that professional training cannot replicate.
This position is with the Y Social Impact Center, the social services division of the YMCA of Greater Seattle (YGS), serving around 5,000 youth, young adults, and families every year in communities across King County, Pierce County, and various counties across WA. Through our programs we aim to strengthen young people's ability to develop to their fullest potential through four strategies: reducing risk factors; navigating systems towards successful life transition; establishing stability, safety and wellness in times of crisis; and building competencies and social capital. The Social Impact Center's programs include homelessness prevention, housing, behavioral health, crisis response, foster care licensing, violence prevention, and employment. Since many of the young people we serve have been involved in the foster care, criminal justice, behavioral health, and/or homelessness systems, we truly value relatable lived experience of our staff and those applying for our positions as an asset.
What you'll get from working at The Y
- Membership to the YMCA of Greater Seattle for you and your household
- Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance
- Retirement with generous employer contributions
- Free access to mental health resources
- Rapidly-accruing paid time off (PTO)
- Discounts on qualifying YMCA of Greater Seattle childcare and day camp programs
Expected Hours of Work
This position is anticipated to be Monday-Friday with variable hours.
Hiring range: $22.00-$24.20/hour
Responsibilities
Provides both immediate and scheduled community outreach services to families in South King County (Auburn, Kent, Renton, Federal Way and other potential locations) and additional coverage as needed
Flexes schedule to include evenings and possible weekends to meet the needs of families.
Assist parent/caregiver in developing self-determination and empowerment skills through self-advocacy.
Identify family stresses, instability and provide appropriate support.
Identifies community resources and natural supports and works with the parent/caregiver to effectively navigate resources.
Collaborates effectively with co-workers, supervisors and outside professionals to create and meet action plan goals.
Works with families to build their own "Child & Family Team". Attends wrap around and other team meetings to support youth and ensure that their voice is heard. Acts as a role model f