Certified Wellness Coach I - GRANT FUNDED

Five Peaks Youth Solutions is seeking a Certified Wellness Coach I (CWC I) to join our team. This state-certified role, established by California’s Department of Health Access and Information as part of the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, focuses on offering prevention and early intervention services to support the behavioral health and well-being of children and youth. CWCs provide essential services such as psychoeducation, system navigation, crisis de-escalation, safety planning, coping skills, and motivational interviewing. The position involves engaging with youth through culturally, linguistically, and age-appropriate services and referring them to higher levels of care when necessary. This role is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in supporting youth mental health and provides a career pathway for entry-level employees without requiring a master’s degree.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Curriculum Implementation:

o Deliver Five Peaks Youth Solutions’ structured wellness and life skills curricula to small groups or classrooms, focusing on:

§ Wellness Promotion and Education: Facilitate sessions on building positive relationships, bullying prevention, and the impact of nutrition and exercise on behavioral health.

§ Mental Health Literacy: Educate youth on recognizing mental health symptoms, seeking help, and providing peer support.

§ Life Skills Training: Conduct workshops on stress management, time management, and problem-solving.

2. Screening and Assessment:

o Assist youth in completing behavioral health screenings, including answering questions and referring screenings to behavioral health professionals.

o Support and coordinate universal screening programs in schools or community-based organizations, following SAMHSA guidelines under the direction of qualified professionals.

o Identify and refer youth with behavioral health needs to appropriate providers within the school or broader organization.

3. Care Coordination and Resource Connection:

o Connect youth and families to internal and external behavioral health resources as needed.

o Facilitate communication among care team members, ensuring collaborative and effective support for each youth.

o Provide additional support to caregivers, school personnel, and other staff, including handling behavioral health-related administrative tasks and extending non-clinical or clinical support.

4. Emotional Support and Goal Setting:

o Conduct brief check-ins and scheduled meetings to offer emotional support and implement Five Peaks Youth Solutions’ curricula on wellness, goal setting, and life skills.

o Assist individuals in setting and achieving goals related to behavioral health, stress management, and overall well-being.

5. Crisis Response and Referral:

o Respond to crisis situations following standardized protocols, identifying risks and referring youth to on-site behavioral health providers as needed.

o Provide emotional support and facilitate warm handoffs to ensure continuity of care for youth awaiting crisis services.

Minimum Qualifications:

· Certifications: Certified Wellness Coach I or Registered-Certified Wellness Coach I certification through the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI). This certification may be applied for after employment at Five Peaks.

· Education: Associate degree or higher in Social Worker, Substance Abuse Addiction, Child Welfare, Mental Health, Psychology, or related field. A minimum of 400 hours of school-related job experience required.

· Knowledge:

o Certified Wellness Coach Code of Ethics, relevant laws, and regulations.

o Practices that advance social, economic, and environmental justice.

· Skills:

o Ethical decision-making and cultural humility.

o Empathy, reflection, and strong interpersonal skills.

o Self-awareness and management of personal biases.

o Professionalism in communication and demeanor.

o Understanding of cultural diversity in psychological contexts.

Additional Skills (Preferred):

· Interest: Passion for working with children, youth, families, and staff.

· Career Aspiration: Commitment to supporting youth mental health.

· Experience: Prior experience working with children and youth.

· Language Skills: Proficiency in a language other than English for effective communication and engagement.

Expected hours: No more than 40 per week

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday