Youth Support Mentor

Job Title: Youth Support Mentor

Program/Department: Project YESS

Position Type: Non-Exempt, Full-Time 40 hours/ week – Hybrid Position (remote and on-site)

Location: Worcester

Reports to: Program Manager

About IHR : The Institute for Health and Recovery (IHR) is a statewide service, research, policy, program development and capacity building agency. IHR designs its services based on an understanding of the impact of trauma. IHR’s CARF accredited treatment programs provide holistic interventions for hard to reach and high-risk individuals and families. IHR’s mission, since our founding in 1990, has been to develop and support a comprehensive continuum of care for families, individuals, youth, and pregnant and parenting people affected by alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, violence/trauma, mental health challenges and other health issues, while advancing principles of health equity and social justice. Our work is focused on addressing and eradicating inequities in our health care, economic, and justice systems, especially as they disproportionately affect women and people of color. We are committed to providing services and creating communities that mitigate the effects of substance use, mental illness, and trauma.

Summary Statement : The Youth Support Mentor is a young adult with lived experience of long-term recovery from substance use, mental health conditions, and/or navigating challenges in education, child welfare, or legal systems. The Youth Support Mentor will provide brief intervention and counseling to at-risk youth by using iDECIDE drug education curriculum and Project Amp substance use prevention/mentorship program to participants.

Essential Functions:

• Complete training to provide iDECIDE and Project Amp curriculum to youth
• Actively engage in outreach to increase awareness of prevention, intervention, and treatment services for youth facing substance use-related risks
• Collaborate with youth, families, and community collaterals to enhance motivation and reduce barriers to program participation
• Build rapport with enrolled youth and their families/caregivers (as appropriate)
• Review and/or conduct assessments of needs, values, and strengths in full partnership with the enrolled youth and family
• Identify and build relationships with partner agencies and community resources
• Collaborate with local agencies and supports to connect youth with pro-social supports and opportunities
• Participate in all required program/agency meetings, training, supervision, quality management and related activities
• Work in collaboration with the Program Manager, youth team, and referral sources
• Maintain all written reports and records (including electronic health records and required evaluation documentation) accurately and in a timely manner
• Use cloud-based systems for communication with IHR’s site office, including shared calendars, timesheets, and supervisor check-ins.
• Attend team and agency staff meetings.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, family therapy, substance abuse or related human service field.
• Lived experience of long-term recovery from substance use, mental health conditions, and/or navigating challenges in education, child welfare, or legal systems.
• Previous experience working with transition-age youth, young adults, families who are at risk of or impacted by SUDs/CODs.
• Previous experience working in multi-cultural environments and organizations with community-based, non-profit organizations.
• Ability to establish a relatable and approachable connection with adolescents.
• Good organizational and communication skills, both oral and written.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse cultural groups.
• Self-starter with ability to work independently.

Other Requirements: (If Applicable)

• Valid driver’s license, good driving record, and regular access to a reliable vehicle.
• Business Class Rider on Motor Vehicle Insurance, if transporting clients.

(Reimbursable; required within one month of start of job).

Competencies:

• Clear Communication
• Highly organized
• Strong Teamwork
• Self-Motivation, Independence
• Problem Solving Skills
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Development and Continual Learning
• Value efforts of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Regular attendance and punctuality are required

Physical Requirements: The physical demands of this position include talking, hearing, sitting, standing, walking, lifting, and using hands for activities such as grasping, handling, and reaching. These physical and mental demands are essential for the successful execution of job responsibilities. Reasonable accommodation will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.