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.

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington values the safety of our employees, our clients, and our visitors. In support of these values, if you are selected for this job, you must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, except when vaccination is not medically advised or violates your sincerely held religious beliefs. If you are invited to join our team, you must submit proof that you are up to date with your COVID vaccinations, including the booster dose or you must request an exemption from your representative. New employees must either provide proof of vaccination or be granted a medical or religious exemption before working with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington.

JOB SUMMARY: The Peer Specialist works closely with master's Level Crisis Specialist to provide services to children and their caregivers. The position assists with engaging
families to understand the steps necessary for the stabilization of their child(ren) and help promote a culture that recognizes, understands, and respects the client's point of view and preferences.

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

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 caregivers in navigating systems to connect with referral sources and constructively engage with entities serving the youth and family.
• Interact with caregivers as a peer, offering perspective and common positive experiences that would be beneficial to promoting engaging their child's in services.
• Participate in case reviews regarding the care of the consumer.
• Communicate with families regarding consumer's adjustment and crisis plan.
• 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.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or equivalency.
• Peer Specialist Certification.
• Completion of the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) Peer Specialist training program.
• Experience as a caregiver of a youth with special needs, preferably a youth with mental health needs.
• Experience navigating the child and family serving systems.
• Driving is required. Must have valid local driver's license and clean driving record.

SKILLS and COMPETENCIES:

• Oral, written and interpersonal communication skills. Skill in the use of computer systems (preferably in a PC, Windows-based operating environment) and MS Office products.
• 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.