Pierce, WA, US
1 day ago
Peer Support Specialist
Welcome page Returning Candidate? Log back in! Peer Support Specialist Job Locations US-WA-Tacoma | US-WA-Pierce Job ID 2025-9205 Category Direct Care Job Type Regular Full-Time Overview

Do you have personal lived experience navigating systems of behavioral health? ( (i.e. Child Welfare, Juvenile Justice, Mental Health, Special Education, etc.)  If you want to support others with your knowledge and experience, Seneca believes you may be the right person for the role.

$1,000 sign-on bonus for new Seneca employees in this position!

 

As a Peer Support Specialist, you will provide case management, mental health, and crisis interventions as needed and work collaboratively with the members of the Mobile Response Team (MRT) and the Short-Term Assessment of Resource and Treatment (START) teams to complete risk screening and safety planning. The Peer Support Specialist's personal experience as a consumer of mental health services is critical to building rapport and trust with youth, and advocating for their needs when necessary. The Peer Support Specialist may also work with assigned youth for up to 8 weeks as part of the START Program, assisting the youth in exploring community resources, safety planning and developing coping skills to manage challenging behaviors and feelings. 

 

 

ABOUT THE PROGRAMS

The Mobile Response Team (MRT) is a short-term program that supports youth and their families in crisis when there are concerns for immediate safety. The Mobile Response service is intended to offer families, schools, and providers an alternative to calling 911 when law enforcement may not be necessary for the level of presenting concerns.  The goal of MRT is to provide proactive, early intervention before crises escalate, to divert youth from more restrictive interventions, and to reduce the criminalization of mental health for young people.  MRT Crisis Response Staff provide these same-day crisis intervention services in homes, schools, and community locations in Pierce County.  Crisis Response Staff complete a comprehensive risk assessment and work with youth and caregivers to develop a safety plan. Crisis Response Staff collaborate with existing treatment team members and/or can provide linkage and advocacy to support youth in connecting to other mental health services.

 

The Short-Term Assessment of Resources and Treatment (START) Program provides stabilization services following a crisis involving a youth within the Pierce County community. The primary goals of the START Program are suicide prevention and safety planning, ongoing crisis management and development of coping skills for youth and their families along with collaboration with other treatment team providers serving the youth. The goal is to provide crisis stabilization and linkage to long-term services while providing same-day crisis services in the home or community.

 

ABOUT SENECA

Seneca Family of Agencies has been nominated among the Bay Area’s Top Workplaces for several consecutive years. We’re committed to providing traditionally marginalized communities with a network of excellent mental health, community-based, and educational services. We are committed to building a diverse staff and strongly encourage people of color to apply. Our programs deeply engage in conversations and training on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to bring equity and justice to the youth and families we serve.

Responsibilities Provide and communicate guidance, expertise, and support for youth, families, and/or any other natural supports one-on-one and in group settingsRespond to urgent crisis calls across Pierce County with another Seneca staff member, including participation in a rotating overnight shift scheduleDemonstrate high level engagement and alignment skills, to build trust and rapport with youth, families, and collateral supportsWork as a “collaborative advocate,” helping youth, caregivers, and family members understand the mandates and perspectives of other team members while navigating through county systemsUse knowledge of community resources, school systems, or other mental health services to help youth and families identify and connect to a family safety network and/or natural support team in the communityProvide coaching and support related to safety planning/self-control plans as well as self-care plans for youth/familiesAttend and participate in mental health awareness activities in the communityParticipate in peer forums which may include public speaking engagementsMaintain accurate and high-quality documentation and paperwork including but not limited to mental health notes, timesheets, expense reports, and mileageUtilize crisis communication and de-escalation techniques as per Seneca's crisis response training. This may include intervening with the clients' behavioral program through physical management of the clients, if applicable. Training in additional crisis intervention modalities may be required Qualifications

REQUIRED

Personal experience with relevant systems such as Child Welfare, Juvenile Justice, Mental Health, Special EducationPaid or unpaid experience working with youth or families, or working in the social services fieldMinimum High School Diploma/GEDBe part of a rotating overnight shift emergency on-call system across Pierce County, scheduled with supervisor ahead of timeMust be at least 21 years of ageWillingness to respond to crisis calls  and participate in a rotating Clearance of TB test, fingerprints, and any other state or federal requirementsOwn vehicle, Valid Washington driver's license and insurability with Seneca's automobile policyMust show proof of COVID-19 vaccinations

PREFERRED

Experience or interest in working with youth and familiesStrong writing and organizational skillsAbility to work as part of a multidisciplinary team Schedule Full-timeFour 10-hour shifts10am-8pmDays will be assigned based on Program needsFlexible schedule with the ability to participate in the on-call system as needed Benefits Starting at $24.40 - $26.90 per hourActual salary is dependent on creditable experience above the minimum qualifications for the role $1,000 sign-on Bonus Additional compensation provided upon passing bilingual language proficiency examMileage reimbursementSalary increases each yearStipends provided to staff members participating in the emergency on-call shiftsComprehensive employee benefits package, including:Medical, dental, vision, chiropractic, acupuncture, and fertility coverageLong-term disability, family leave, and life insurance50% paid premiums for dependents403b retirement planEmployer-paid Employee Assistance Plan5 weeks of paid time off and 11 paid holidaysSeneca is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness certified employerScholarship opportunities, ongoing training, and professional development opportunitiesPromotional opportunities across the agency in California and Washington

Keywords: Crisis Counselor, Crisis Support Specialist, Certified Peer Counselor Credential

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