Plus Credible Messenger Mentor (Per-Diem Brooklyn)

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 137 locations throughout New York City and Westchester. Our strong belief and commitment to diversity is integral to building a strong staff that reflects the communities we serve.

The Plus Mentoring program is designed to help juvenile clients make safe decisions and avoid further involvement in the juvenile justice system. The Plus Mentoring team works with the Department of Probation to provide an alternative to detention group program for high-risk youth, ages 13-18 in Brooklyn and the Bronx.

The Plus Mentoring team 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 in the community. The team consists of a full-time Program Coordinator and 3 part-time Credible Messenger Mentors. Youth will come together twice weekly as a cohort of up to 16 youth, ages 13-18, with the Plus Mentoring team supporting them. The mentors will utilize the Powersource Curriculum and ROCA Rewire CBT to help the youth examine their feelings, evaluate their behaviors, and develop strategies for change. Group activities will include group builders, educational activities, anger reduction strategies, recreational outings, community service activities, and family events. Youth will also meet with mentors and the Program Coordinator on an ad hoc basis throughout the week for one-on-one mentoring and case management support.

Responsibilities

• Participate in two therapeutic groups per week in Brooklyn on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM, including greeting participants, preparing dinner, facilitating group sessions, and processing individual progress.
• Engage in group team-building and family engagement activities, including recreational outings and community service activities. Mentors will be included on a rotating on-call list for 24/7 support.
• Participate in all Juvenile Justice and Credible Messenger Mentor-related training.
• Attend individual supervision and treatment team meetings to review youth’s progress and service plan goals.
• Collaborate with Plus team members regarding case planning services and safety/risk concerns.
• Work in partnership with Probation Officers, schools, and community-based organizations to ensure youth safety and participation in court-mandated services.
• Model reliable, supportive, and positive relationships to help youth navigate challenges and achieve their goals.
• Exhibit professionalism and respectful behavior in the community and in group settings.

Work Environment: Groups will be facilitated at the Rising Ground office located at 151 Lawrence Street 5th Floor, Brooklyn NY. Mentors may need to travel for home and school visits and to other service providers’ offices.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: This is a per-diem position involving 6-8 hours per week. Mentors are expected to be present every Tuesday and Thursday from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM, with additional hours fluctuating to meet team and client needs.

Travel: The Plus team provides services to youth and families in Brooklyn and the Bronx. Mentors will provide their own transportation for field work, home visits, or school visits, and work-related travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Qualifications

• High School/equivalent diploma is required.
• Experience with group facilitation and working with adolescents.
• History of criminal/juvenile justice involvement and familiarity with the Brooklyn community is preferred.
• Bilingual Spanish/English speaking is a plus.
• Knowledge of major cultural groups within the neighborhoods served.
• Willingness to work with youth/families in their homes and communities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Respect for cultural diversity.
• Commitment to empowering youth and families.
• Belief in the capacity of people to grow and change.
• Ability to intervene decisively to protect youth and family members.
• Collaborative team player.

Pay rate: $22/Per Hour

Job Type: Per Diem

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT It is the policy of Rising Ground to comply with equal treatment of all employees and applicants for employment without unlawful discrimination as to race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship status, gender, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, partnership status, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, or veteran status in all employment decisions.