Peer Counselor - Bridge Pointe at Friends of Youth – Kirkland, Washington

Starting Salary: $24.00

Salary Range: This position is represented by a Union. Annual increases occur each year, with the current cap at 8 years or $32.85.

The Peer Counselor in the Post-Intensive Behavioral Health Treatment Facility (Bridge Pointe) Discharge Housing program provides strength-based, person-centered support to individuals experiencing behavioral health challenges. Drawing from their own lived experience in recovery, the Peer Counselor supports young adults in building life skills, accessing community resources, and achieving wellness goals.

The Peer Counselor is a key member of the behavioral health team and plays a vital role in empowering individuals in a supportive housing environment.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, hourly

Union Status: Non-Union 

Reports To: Supervisor, Mental Health

Schedule: Sunday-Thursday, 10am-6:30pm

essential duties   

Direct Support Services Tasks

1. Provide peer-based recovery support and mentorship to young adults experiencing mental
   health and/or co-occurring challenges in 1:1 and group settings.

1. Support young adults in navigating systems such as behavioral health care, public benefits, transportation, and employment services.

1. Assist young adults in identifying and achieving personal goals related to recovery that include building self-advocacy and coping skills.

1. Collaborate with the clinical and housing teams to support care plans.

1. Represent peer perspective in internal planning and service coordination discussions.

1. Maintain a person-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approach to services.

Administrative Tasks

1. Attend regular supervision with designated supervisor and participate in team meetings.

1. Maintain accurate and timely documentation of services provided in accordance with agency and regulatory standards.

1. Participate in ongoing training and development, including continuing education related to peer support and recovery.

1. Ensure all services are delivered in alignment with state WACs, HCA requirements, and program guidelines.

Other Duties  

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.  

job requirements  

a. Education and Experience 

1. High school diploma or equivalent required.
2. Must be a Washington State Certified Peer Counselor or eligible to complete certification within 6 months of hire.
3. Lived experience with mental health recovery, substance use recovery, or co-occurring disorders.
4. Experience working in supportive housing or behavioral health settings preferred.
5. Demonstrated knowledge of MS365 Power Platform.

b. Additional Requirements

1. Must be 21 years or older.
2. Must satisfactorily pass criminal history check.
3. Must pass a DCYF background check.
4. Must satisfactorily pass tuberculosis (TB) test.
5. Must have reliable transportation and a Washington State driver’s license (or be able to obtain one by date of employment)
6. Employees and volunteers who operate their own or Friends of Youth vehicles on Friends of Youth business, must have a safe driving record as defined by Friends of Youth.
7. Must successfully complete the following health certification requirements within 30 days of employment: Food Handler’s Card, CPR, First Aid and Bloodborne Pathogens.

We offer:

1. Generous time off including 15 vacation days per year, paid sick leave, 11 paid holidays, 2 social justice leave days per year for full-time employees
2. Health insurance package including medical, dental, vision, 24/7 access to telehealth, long term disability and life insurance
3. Retirement plan with match
4. Transgender Health Benefits

Friends of Youth is committed to equity and creating a diverse and inclusive work environment as an equal opportunity employer. We welcome, honor, and celebrate our clients, colleagues, and communities’ diverse identities and cultures. For more information, email hr@friendsofyouth.org.