Kitsap Mental Health Services·Bremerton, Washington
Provide peer support and guidance to youth and families dealing with serious emotional disturbances using lived experience. Act as a liaison between clients and treatment teams to foster recovery, resiliency, and community integration.
Youth Peer Specialist – WISe Team This is a temporary assignment. Expected duration: 3-6 months.
$22.07 - $26.58 Per Hour (includes WISe Differential)
Kitsap Mental Health Services (KMHS) is hiring a Youth Peer Specialist to provide peer support services to youth and families dealing with serious emotional disturbances. As a key Child & Family Wraparound Intensive Services (WISe) team member, the Youth Peer Specialist will help youth identify goals that promote recovery and resiliency while fostering hope and empowerment. This role is vital in building a support network, advocating for youth and families, and serving as a liaison between clients and child and family service systems. If you have lived experience as a youth in the mental health system and want to use your insights to help others, we encourage you to apply
Use personal lived experience to validate clients' experiences, provide guidance, and encourage responsibility and participation in recovery. Assist clients with daily living skills, including hygiene, nutrition education, and access to healthcare. Provide social and interpersonal support, coaching, and engagement in community activities. Offer transition support from hospitalization to the community, including medication management and crisis intervention. Act as a liaison between clients and the treatment team, advocating for client needs and perspectives. Assist clients and families in identifying, understanding, and combating stigma and discrimination. Participate in Child and Family Team (CFT) meetings and additional support meetings as needed. Assist in developing self-directed recovery action plans using wraparound principles. Provide referrals and linkages to resources within the community. Transport clients and provide in-community support as needed. Complete all required training, maintain accurate documentation, and participate in agency development activities.
EDUCATION: High School Diploma or GED EXPERIENCE: Experienced (minimum 2 years of job-related experience) 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.
EDUCATION: Associate’s degree (Social Work, Psychology or Behavioral Health field) EXPERIENCE: Relevant experience working with clients with severe and persistent mental illness. Capacity to work well with children and families. Performance Requirements: KNOWLEDGE: Maintain a working knowledge of current trends in community mental health, including health care reform and automation of job tasks using computer technology. Maintain a certification as a Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths Assessor and administer this screening in person and over the phone as necessary to clients, caregivers, clinicians, social workers, and other community members Maintain a working knowledge of mental health rehabilitation standards. Working knowledge of the system of care and community resources. SKILLS: Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other employees, clients, organizations, and the public. Communication ‑ Communicates clearly and concisely. Computer skills - The ability to operate a personal computer, fax machine, printer, and copier proficiently.
Ability to maintain complete and timely documentation of clinical files and gather and maintain data information in accordance with agency policies and procedures. Demonstrated ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries while working with families. Demonstrated ability to meet or exceed productivity standards. Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively as a team member.
Equipment
Operated: Standard office equipment including computers, fax machines, copiers, printers, telephones, etc.
Work
Environment: Frequent mobility and/or sitting required for extended periods.
Mental/Physical
Requirements: While performing the job duties, the employee is required to walk, sit, use hands and fingers, reach with arms, talk, or listen. Peripheral vision is also required for this position.
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.
Requires a High School Diploma or GED and at least 2 years of job-related experience. Must possess a valid Washington driver's license and obtain Peer Counselor certification within six months of employment.
Market context
Behavioral health positions in Washington are typically supported by steady demand from outpatient, community, and telehealth settings. These roles are competitive because employers often look for a current unrestricted clinical license, experience with evidence-based therapy, and the ability to work from a HIPAA-compliant home office. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to quickly confirm fit, then verify your license status and prepare examples of your therapy approach before applying.
