Overview
Rising Ground provides caring support and proven paths to positive change, helping children, adults, and families rise above adversity. Each year, Rising Ground is a positive force in the lives of more than 25,000 individuals through 101 programs in 138 locations throughout New York City and Westchester. Our strong belief and commitment to diversity shows not just through our work with supported persons, but is integral to building a strong staff that reflects the communities we serve.
The “My Next Move” Credible Messenger Mentor Program is a group-based mentoring program that helps young adults transform the attitudes and behaviors that led to their involvement with the criminal justice system by developing positive relationships and supporting them in making safe decisions once back in the community. Youth come together twice weekly as a cohort of up to 12 youth, ages 12-18, with the My Next Move team supporting them. The mentors will utilize journaling and Rewire CBT techniques to support the youth in examining their feelings, evaluating their behaviors, and developing strategies for change.
My Next Move supports youth transitioning out of JYF residential facilities (NSP and LSP) and into the community. They assist youth on Aftercare in applying the tools learned in placement, meeting their conditions of release, and making safer decisions in the community. Mentors are responsible for handling critical incidents that occur on aftercare, responding to youths when they are dysregulated, attending court, visiting youths at the precinct or hospital, or working with families during challenging moments, such as assisting families during emergencies. Mentors will be included on a rotating on-call list to provide 24/7 support for youth.
Responsibilities
The My Next Move mentor will facilitate two therapeutic groups per week (4PM-7PM) and work together with the team to prepare for dinner, group, clean-up, and processing group/individual progress. They will be available during these hours to provide one-on-one mentoring to the youth as needed. The mentors will organize relevant group activities, including group building activities, educational activities, anger reduction strategies, motivational speakers, recreational outings, group-based community service activities, and family events based on the risk/needs/interests of the individuals and group.
In addition to groups, the mentors will meet with youth for individual sessions, averaging one hour per week and more as needed. They will utilize Rewire CBT techniques to engage youth and support them in setting individual goals and taking appropriate steps to meet their goals. They will also provide crisis intervention and assistance in following through with the goals identified for themselves and/or any aftercare/court-mandated services. Mentors are also responsible for the following tasks:
* Following up and stabilizing situations as needed, including providing support, guidance, mediation, referral, and implementation of action plans. Make all reasonable efforts to conduct a face-to-face response with youth/family within 24 hours of being notified of a situation where youth’s safety/permanency is at imminent risk, or has experienced acute emotional/physiological distress, suicidal ideations, homicidal ideations, fatality, serious injury, domestic violence, arrest, or whereabouts unknown.
* Participate in weekly individual supervision as well as treatment team meetings to review youth’s progress/challenges and service plan goals.
* Collaborate and communicate with the My Next Move and Aftercare team members regarding case planning services and safety/risk concerns.
* Model reliable, supportive, and positive relationships to help youth navigate challenges and achieve their goals. Build and maintain supportive relationships with the youth that focus on improving problem-solving and decision-making skills starting at the time they are placed in LSP/NSP.
* Model professionalism and respectful behavior in both the community and in group.
* Participate in Release Conference and all Family Team Conferences while youth is on Aftercare to advocate for the youth’s progress and any safety concerns. Accompany youth to check-ins with PPS and/or Probation when necessary.
* Collaborate with other service providers as needed/appropriate for the youth on aftercare, including but not limited to PPS, school staff, therapists, coaches, etc. Support youth in making/following through with vocational and prosocial activities as needed.
* Maintain clear and concise documentation that includes engagement, assessment, child well-being, and group progress. Include documentation of incidents, safety plans, and follow-up tasks. Enter progress notes in Connections within 5 business days.
* Participate in all Juvenile Justice and Credible Mentor-related training.
Qualifications
* A High School/equivalent diploma.
* Valid NYS driver’s license is required.
* Experience with group facilitation and experience working with adolescents.
* A Credible Messenger with familiarity with the boroughs of NYC and knowledge of the major cultural groups within the neighborhoods served. Spanish-speaking preferred.
* Willingness and flexibility to work with youth/families in their own homes and in the community.
* Strong interpersonal/communication skills.
* Ability to safety plan and intervene decisively during crises to protect youth and family members.
* Must be able to work cooperatively and collaboratively with the team.
Pay rate: $22.00/hr.
Job type: Per Diem
Location: Brooklyn/QNS
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT It is the policy of Rising Ground that the Agency wholly complies with equal treatment of all employees and applicants for employment without unlawful discrimination as to an individual’s perceived or actual race, creed, color, national origin, alienate, citizenship status, gender, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, partnership status, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, or veteran status in all employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training and apprenticeship, promotion, upgrading, demotion, downgrading, transfer, layoff, and termination and all other terms and conditions of employment.
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