WISe Youth Partner

• Coaching, Skill Building & Empowerment
• Coach youth to develop communication, self-advocacy, and self-regulation skills that help them take an active role in their own treatment and goal-setting
• Model effective ways to engage with systems, services, and team members
• Share de-escalation strategies for managing difficult moments, developed and reinforced collaboratively with the whole team
• Help youth understand their rights within the systems they are involved in and how to exercise those rights
• Encourage youth to give feedback to team members and celebrate progress toward their goals

• System Navigation & Community Connection
• Draw on lived experience to help youth navigate complex systems — including mental health, education, child welfare, and juvenile justice — in practical and empowering ways
• Participate in Child and Family Team (CFT) meetings, providing youth-centered perspective and supporting youth participation and voice in those meetings
• Connect youth to community resources, activities, and natural supports that align with their interests and goals
• Brainstorm and co-develop strategies with youth that build on their strengths and expand their sense of possibility
• Participate in rotating after-hours crisis on-call coverage, providing timely response and support to youth and families outside of regular business hours

• Team Collaboration & Documentation
• Collaborate with CFT members and complete assigned tasks on the care plan relevant to this role
• Communicate with the team about progress and completion of assigned tasks
• Provide a range of supportive interventions and activities as agreed with the youth and documented in the cross-system care plan
• Coordinate strategies and approaches with clinicians and other team members to ensure consistency
• Maintain productivity standards for direct service as established for the position
• Ensure timely collection of statistical information for funding sources and program evaluations
• Ensure compliance with all Akin policies, applicable contracts, and Federal, State, and local confidentiality requirements
• Perform documentation reviews and self-audits as required by the WISe Coach or as needs arise
• Participate in scheduled supervision, team meetings, and administrative meetings; utilize reflective supervision to support professional growth and quality client care
• Remain current with all professional development and licensure requirements

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Lived experience as a young person who has navigated trauma and/or significant emotional or behavioral health challenges, with personal involvement in at least one child-serving system (e.g., mental health, child welfare, juvenile justice, special education)
• A demonstrated ability to connect authentically with youth who may feel unheard, distrustful, or disengaged from services
• The ability to draw on your own story to build hope and trust without centering your experience over the youth’s
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with warmth, patience, and genuine enthusiasm for young people’s growth
• Commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and belonging; demonstrated openness to learning and contributing to an equitable workplace
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook and Word; strong typing skills

Working environment

• This position requires a flexible work schedule, including evenings and weekends to accommodate families’ needs
• Services are performed throughout the community including in family homes, schools, and Akin offices

Hybrid work arrangements

Hybrid work is a benefit of Akin’s flexible workplace but cannot be offered for all positions. Some positions require daily presence in the office. Hybrid work arrangements may be adjusted or rescinded based upon business needs.

Physical demands

• While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard; occasionally to reach, stoop and kneel
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer work
• Regular, predictable attendance is required

Minimum Qualifications

• Have or obtain the Peer Counselor Certification from the State of Washington within 6 months of hire (Akin will support with the process to obtain this certification)
• Proof of CPR and First Aid Certification is required within 30 days
• A one-step Mantoux TB skin test prior to start of employment. For those who have previously tested positive, documented proof of treatment from a doctor, or a negative chest x-ray must be provided
• HIV/AIDS and blood borne pathogens training required within 30 days
• A valid driver’s license and a favorable driving record, with no more than three violations within the past three years

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in a peer support role

Salary Range: And benefits:

We provide a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive pay, medical, dental and retirement benefits and paid time off. As required by various pay transparency laws, we share a competitive range of compensation for candidates hired into each position.

The target starting pay for this position is $23.636 - $27.7685 per hour, typically within the first half of these ranges. Actual offers will be based on individual qualifications relevant to the role and will not take an applicant’s pay history into account.

The range above allows our employees room for growth during their tenure in the position.

Why join akin?

• Make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families
• Work in a collaborative, mission-driven environment
• Access ongoing professional development and growth opportunities
• Be part of a team committed to inclusion, belonging, and community

Commitment to equity and inclusion

Akin is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage individuals who bring lived experience and diverse perspectives to apply.