ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW: At Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, your knowledge and service in areas such as immigrants and refugees, mental health, social work, employment and adult education, legal and financial services, health care, food assistance, shelter and housing, developmental disabilities and prison outreach can make a profound difference in the lives of many. Through more than 50 programs across the district and five surrounding counties, Catholic Charities is opening doors to help and hope. At CCADW, we continue to build an inclusive culture that celebrates a diverse workforce. We offer so much more than just a job. We offer careers. We take pride in our “promote from within” culture. We offer professional development, a comprehensive benefits package, a hybrid work model with both remote and in-office work, and a passion for building and motivating world class, high performing teams. Explore your career opportunity with Catholic Charities. Join us in Inspiring Hope and Building Futures.
Our Benefits:
- Medical, prescriptions, dental and vision insurance
- Retirement savings plan with company match
- Company-paid and supplemental life insurance
- Flexible spending accounts
- Paid vacation, sick and personal leave
- 11 paid holidays
- Professional development and training
- Tuition reimbursement
- Employee referral bonus program
- Flexible work arrangements
- Clinical supervision for licensed social workers and counselors
JOB SUMMARY: The Peer Specialist (Youth) works closely with master's level Crisis Specialists providing services to children, youth and their caregivers. The position participates in crisis intervention with youth and families; supports youth to engage in services that address their mental/behavioral health needs; and helps promote a culture that recognizes, understands, and respects the client’s point of view and preferences.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Participate in crisis intervention and assist in the stabilization of children and youth in the community who are in crisis under the direction of the Crisis Specialist assigned to the deployment.
- Collaborate respectfully and responsively with children and youth and their families.
- Assist youth in navigating systems to connect with referral sources and constructively engage with entities serving the youth and family.
- Interact with youth as a peer, sharing common positive experiences that would be beneficial to their engagement in services.
- Participate in case reviews regarding the care of the youth.
- Communicate with youth and families regarding youth’s adjustment and crisis plan.
- Participate in weekly individual supervision/consultation and debriefings as required.
- Assist with face to face follow ups along with a Crisis Specialist.
- Attend in-service, mandatory trainings, staffing and other meetings as required.
- Maintain confidentiality of clinical records in conformity with District of Columbia and federal law and regulations.
- Respect and protect the human rights of consumers.
- Document all services in the electronic database within 24 hours of service.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:
- High School Diploma or equivalency.
- Peer specialist certification or a person with lived experience.
- Experience navigating the child and family serving systems.
- Experience accessing community resources to address the needs of youth, particularly youth with mental health needs.
SKILLS and COMPETENCIES:
- Oral, written and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to work effectively with clients in a diverse community.
- Ability to respond and work with consumers, staff, managers and external parties in a professional and respectful manner.
- Skill in the use of computer systems (preferably in a PC, Windows-based operating environment) and MS Office products.
