Peer Support Specialist/Counselor (English, Arabic and/or Dari )

Our Mission: Lutheran Community Services Northwest partners with individuals, families and communities for health, justice and hope.

About Us Lutheran Community Services Northwest is a non-profit human services agency that improves lives of people in communities throughout Washington, Oregon and Idaho. We provide a wide variety of services to adults, adolescents, children, families, schools and communities. We are privileged to touch lives of all ages, cultures and faiths.

MISSION IMPACT: All LCSNW team members will contribute to our mission of partnering with individuals, families and communities for health, justice and hope.

The Multicultural Counseling Department is dedicated to serving culturally diverse populations with outpatient mental health support. The Family Peer Support Specialist offers emotional and adjustment support, along with case management services, to both LCSNW clinical participants and community members. Our goal is to enhance self-efficacy, support family functions and dynamics, reduce social isolation, and foster greater integration within families and the community. This role will varying services to provide engagement support, parenting education, connections to mental health services and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment, case management services, and the recruitment and facilitation of emotional support and cultural adjustment groups within the community.

**Please note this position requires fluency in English and Arabic or Dari***

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Case Management services by coordinating community services, provide referrals, monitor progress, and advocate for clients.
• Co-lead adjustment, parenting, and youth-focused support groups.
• Guide clients in accessing educational and job opportunities support.
• Access to Essential Services – Assist clients in enrolling in Medicaid and other essential services.
• Encourage adherence to treatment plans and monitor medication compliance.
• Conduct outreach, build connections, and offer culturally responsive support.
• Provide mental health education, participate in training, and advocate for client needs.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum of 1 year of related experience; working with refugee/immigrant youth and families, coordinating treatment teams, strengths-based planning, or similar.
• Lived experience that enhances relatability to clients being served
• HS diploma or equivalent
• Certified Peer Support Specialist (PSS) or Family Peer Support Specialist (FSS) is required upon start.
• Fluency in English and Dari or Arabic, both spoken and written
• Basic mastery of business applications and productivity suites
• Demonstrates resilience, awareness and self-regulation in navigating challenges, conflict and obstacles/barriers.
• Thrives in a diverse and multicultural environment; works with cross-functional teams to develop and implement strategies to enhance end-user experiences throughout the service lifecycle
• Demonstrates exceptional commitment to serving and advocating for diverse and marginalized populations
• Successfully completes tasks in a low / moderately noisy environment
• Interacts with others and performs tasks in-person and through the use of technology, with moderate periods of stationary activity and moderate periods of increased physical activity including and not limited to sitting, walking, standing
• Moves equipment/materials weighing up to 25 pounds
• Travels between worksites regularly; responsible for transporting clients in personal and/or agency vehicle, which requires valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and motor vehicle records clearance
• Works in a variety of settings, including and not limited to LCSNW office locations, partner agency and community-based settings, client home/community settings, outdoor settings in varying weather conditions, and faith-based settings such as churches
• Meets LCSNW criminal background clearance requirements and other job-relevant clearances as required by the State or program

The Perks:  We offer a full benefits package with options for medical, dental, prescription and vision coverage; employer-paid short and long-term disability, as well as life insurance.  Vacation includes up to 2 weeks in the first year.  Up to 2 weeks of Sick leave for you or to take care of your immediate family (based on hours worked). 12 Paid Holidays plus 2 Floating Holidays each year.  A 403(b) Retirement plan, with employer matching after meeting eligibility requirements.  Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is designed to help and support you. Staff potentially eligible for Student Loan Forgiveness program as a 501(c) 3 employer.

We thank all candidates in advance for their interest in joining the Lutheran Community Services Northwest team.  Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

LUTHERAN COMMUNITY SERVICES NORTHWEST IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND COMMITTED TO CULTURAL COMPETENCY.