Peer Support Specialist

Our Mission: Lutheran Community Services Northwest partners with individuals, families and communities for health, justice and hope.
About Us Lutheran Community Services Northwest is a non-profit human services agency that improves lives of people in communities throughout Washington, Oregon and Idaho. We provide a wide variety of services to adults, adolescents, children, families, schools and communities. We are privileged to touch lives of all ages, cultures and faiths.
THE ROLE: The Youth Program Specialist Identify, connect and engage young people (24 years old and younger) experiencing housing instability with services and resources. Assist in making system improvements through participation in local, regional and state-wide decision-making bodies by being the conduit for the varying needs and different voices of young people in the region.
The ideal candidate will display a compassionate nature, have the ability to demonstrate and implement creative thought processes, and provide exceptional service. Communication, confidentiality and professionalism are essential parts of this position. The ability to work flexible hours including evenings, and managing your work time effectively within 37.5 hour work weeks is essential.
RESPONSIBILITIES: The primary duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Conduct outreach and provide support to young people accessing housing and support services.
• Collaborate with other teams and providers to ensure young people are connected to appropriate services.
• Coordinate and assist with facilitation of Regional Youth for Youth (Y4Y) Meetings.
• Partner with regional peers and the Office of Homeless Youth (OHY) staff to lead Statewide Y4Y Meetings.
• Participate in on-going program data collection efforts.
• Analyze and make recommendations to improve the local, regional, and state homeless youth systems based on personal experience, and from feedback from youth and young people in their region.
• Advocates for young people within the community, as well as, internally to ensure that needs are being recognized, represented and addressed.
• Educate the community about issues related to young people experiencing homelessness.
• Participate in the Balance of State (BoS) Steering Committee and other relevant community and statewide meetings.
• Participate in training volunteers and staff to use youth centered approaches.
• Attend staff meetings and other regular scheduled meetings as assigned.
• Demonstrate respect for and build on the values, preferences, beliefs, culture, and identity, of the young people and family, and their community
• Travel throughout countywide service area with mileage reimbursement allocated monthly

QUALIFICATIONS:
- Ability to participate in effective team meetings and group discussions
- Ability to read, write and speak fluently in English are required;
- Proficient in the use of personal computer and corresponding programs; preferred experience with Microsoft Office, Gmail and Google Calendar or similar web-based and computer programs.
- Dependable, flexible, punctual, strong work ethic and service-oriented
- Must have a current driver license, car insurance, and consistent access to a reliable vehicle
- Clearance through the Washington State Patrol (background check) and verification of ability to work around vulnerable populations is required
- GED or High School Diploma.
- Understands the experiences of young people who have been and are currently experiencing homeless and/or housing instability through direct lived experience.
- Recognizes the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization; is sensitive to socio-economic and cultural norms, expectations and ways of communicating.
- Takes on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy and enthusiasm.
- Gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity and authenticity.
- Ability to share lived experiences in a helpful, inspirational way; model healthful behaviors.
- Ability to plan, organize and conduct presentations.
- Must not be prohibited from entering school grounds or classrooms for any reason.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: High School Diploma or GED and personal, recent experience of housing instability and/or homelessness.
The Perks: We offer a full benefits package with options for medical, dental, prescription and vision coverage; employer-paid short and long-term disability, as well as life insurance. Vacation includes up to 2 weeks in the first year. Up to 2 weeks of Sick leave for you or to take care of your immediate family (based on hours worked). 12 Paid Holidays plus 2 Floating Holidays each year. A 403(b) Retirement plan, with employer matching after meeting eligibility requirements. Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is designed to help and support you. Staff potentially eligible for Student Loan Forgiveness program as a 501(c) 3 employer.
We thank all candidates in advance for their interest in joining the Lutheran Community Services Northwest team. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
LUTHERAN COMMUNITY SERVICES NORTHWEST IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND COMMITTED TO CULTURAL COMPETENCY.
Other details

• Job Family LCS General
• Pay Type Hourly
• Min Hiring Rate $16.79
• Max Hiring Rate $23.35

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