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.

• Provide and communicate guidance, expertise, and support for youth, families, and/or any other natural supports one-on-one and in group settings
• Respond to urgent crisis calls across Pierce County with another Seneca staff member, including participation in a rotating overnight shift schedule
• Demonstrate high level engagement and alignment skills, to build trust and rapport with youth, families, and collateral supports
• Work as a “collaborative advocate,” helping youth, caregivers, and family members understand the mandates and perspectives of other team members while navigating through county systems
• Use 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 community
• Provide coaching and support related to safety planning/self-control plans as well as self-care plans for youth/families
• Attend and participate in mental health awareness activities in the community
• Participate in peer forums which may include public speaking engagements
• Maintain accurate and high-quality documentation and paperwork including but not limited to mental health notes, timesheets, expense reports, and mileage
• Utilize 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

REQUIRED

• Personal experience with relevant systems such as Child Welfare, Juvenile Justice, Mental Health, Special Education
• Paid or unpaid experience working with youth or families, or working in the social services field
• Minimum High School Diploma/GED
• Be part of a rotating overnight shift emergency on-call system across Pierce County, scheduled with supervisor ahead of time
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Willingness to respond to crisis calls  and participate in a rotating 
• Clearance of TB test, fingerprints, and any other state or federal requirements
• Own vehicle, Valid Washington driver's license and insurability with Seneca's automobile policy
• Must show proof of COVID-19 vaccinations

PREFERRED

• Experience or interest in working with youth and families
• Strong writing and organizational skills
• Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team

• Full-time
  • Four 10-hour shifts
  • 10am-8pm
  • Days will be assigned based on Program needs
• Flexible schedule with the ability to participate in the on-call system as needed

• Starting at $24.40 - $26.90 per hour
• Actual 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 exam
• Mileage reimbursement
• Salary increases each year
• Stipends provided to staff members participating in the emergency on-call shifts
• Comprehensive employee benefits package, including:
  • Medical, dental, vision, chiropractic, acupuncture, and fertility coverage
  • Long-term disability, family leave, and life insurance
  • 50% paid premiums for dependents
  • 403b retirement plan
  • Employer-paid Employee Assistance Plan
• 5 weeks of paid time off and 11 paid holidays
• Seneca is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness certified employer
• Scholarship opportunities, ongoing training, and professional development opportunities
• Promotional opportunities across the agency in California and Washington

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