Program Specialist 3 (Peer Support Services) - Snoqualmie

Our vision is to ensure that “Washington state’s children and youth grow up safe and healthy—thriving physically, emotionally and academically, nurtured by family and community."

Job Class: Certified Peer Counselor (PS3)
Location: Snoqualmie, WA. There may be on-site multiple days a week, with sporadic telework option.
Closes: Friday, January 16, 2026
Salary: $58,584.00 - $78,912.00 Yearly. The salary does not include an additional 5% premium pay for employees working in King County or an on-site 24/7 facility 5% premium.

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is looking for a Certified Peer Counselor (PS3) to provide and advocate for increased access to peer support, peer mentoring leadership development opportunities for residents, and other relevant services for young people with behavioral health needs. The ideal applicant has lived experience with the behavioral health or justice system and is willing to use and share that personal and practical experience, knowledge, and first-hand insights with residents.

Click here to learn more about DCYF.

The Opportunity:
In this role, you will provide support in the continuing development of peer mentor training and quality assurance for residents who show interest and ability to serve a leadership role with their peers, and for the potential of the CPC career pathway. Through the lens of lived experience, you will support youth engagement with reentry and transition services, and community-based programs and resources, and enhance the presence and participation of Certified Peers in the process of reentry. Your peer-centered coaching in the therapeutic living environment supports a “warm hand-off” to community providers and partners.

Some of what you'll do:

• Develop and deliver peer/mentoring-focused future planning and reentry support programs/classes for individuals with behavioral health needs.
• Coach youth and young adults in planning, attending, and skillfully self-advocating in meetings that prepare for re-entry.
• Provide information about peer-focused programs and services to residents, staff, volunteers contractors, and community.
• Intentionally share your recovery story as appropriate to assist youth and young adults to support positive goals and behaviors.
• Develop and deliver peer/mentoring-focused leadership and self-advocacy programs/classes.
• Collaborate with young people on awareness of residents’ rights.
• Learn about and discover tools, activities, events and culturally responsive ways to educate, facilitate growth and development and to build rapport with youth and young adults.

Required Qualifications:
Four years of experience in a related field, OR a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university involving major study in social services.
AND
Two years of experience working in a counselor role.
AND
Certification as a Peer Support Counselor from the Department of Health OR qualifications AND commitment to achieve certification within the first 6 months of employment.

AND

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following demonstrated Knowledge, Skill, or Experience in:

• Experience with adapting treatment and recovery materials to reduce perceived stigma and increase cultural responsivity and sensitivity.
• Experience in working with communities of color and individuals from the LGBTQ community.
• Experience working with individuals and families involved in the criminal justice system.
• Experience developing and delivering peer/mentoring related training and providing professional consultation.

How do I apply?
Complete your applicant profile and attach the following documents:

• Letter of interest describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.
• Current resume detailing experience and education.

Supplemental Information:

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) was created to be a comprehensive agency exclusively dedicated to the social, emotional, and physical well-being of children, youth, and families regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other socioeconomic factors. We believe our workforce should reflect the communities we serve and are actively searching for candidates that reflect that diversity.

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability.

Applicants selected for an interview are required to pass a national fingerprint background check and complete a questionnaire mandated by the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) inquiring about any sexual misconduct. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but is considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job.

This position is in a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information: https://wfse.org/.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

Benefits eligibility for this position may be different than what’s listed in the benefits tab of this recruitment announcement, for more information on employee benefits eligibility visit Public Employee Benefits Board (PEBB).

If you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment or if you would like to request an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, contact the Talent Acquisition Specialist. If you're experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at (855)524-5627 or email support@neogov.com.

Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 360-664-1960.

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Salary : $58,584 - $78,912