Recovery Youth Leader

Overview

The Recovery Youth Leader helps address the needs and goals of the Transitional Age Youth (TAY) population and will participate in TAY seminars, training, or events. The Recovery Youth Leader will facilitate events and programs of the SERLC that will foster a warm and welcoming environment. TAY will communicate, represent, and promote the Youth Peer movement within the SERLC and facilitate Peer-run groups

Responsibilities

The essential job duties/responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to the information listed below:

• Shares personal experiences; provide support, education and advocacy to SERLC participants, especially as it pertains to Transitional Age Youth
• Facilitates groups and activities in the community
• Helps prepare participants to engage in a recovery process and to communicate their strengths, hopes, dreams and goals effectively
• Provides assistance in the development of reports and collection of data, especially as it pertains to Transitional Age Youth
• Attends and participatesin social events, trainings, and workshops within the mental health and addiction system, especially as it pertains to Transitional Age Youth
• Helps to facilitate events and training sessions within the SERLC, especially asit pertainsto Transitional Age Youth
• Actively publicizes logistics of group meeting times and locations
• Engages participants in non-directive and supportive relationships that promote empowerment and self-learning
• Maintains knowledge of current available resources and information through department communications, published literature, and other available sources. Assists in maintaining resource library stocked and up to date
• Creates a welcoming and helpful RLC environment in which participants, family, friends, and others important in the lives of participants are welcomed, respected, and valued
• Performs other related duties, as assigned

Knowledge and Skills:

• Willing to use and share their personal, practical experience of recovery process, wellness management, and the personal effort and commitment required for persons served to havea full and satisfying life in the community
• Ability to empathize with another person’s experience and practice compassionate listening
• Ability to comfortably share one’s experiences, challenges, and coping mechanisms
• Ability to enforce an agenda and time guidelines
• Ability to direct and re-redirect the flow of a group
• Respond in a timely manner via both phone and email to program director and RCC Coordinator
• Practice protocol for handling emergency or crisis situations
• Maintain confidentiality at all times
• Actively publicize logistics of groups meeting times and locations
• Strong commitment to the right and ability of people served by Vinfen to live, work, have meaningful relationships and receive the resources and supports needed in their community of choice
• Knowledge of recovery-oriented, person-centered and strengths-based values and principles and modalities
• Knowledge of psychiatric rehabilitation values, principles and techniques
• Knowledge of the effects of prejudice (including internalized negative attitudes about oneself), discrimination, and oppression of people with psychiatric disorders, and the effects of poverty
• Knowledge of motivational interviewing, stage of change and harm reduction techniques
• Knowledge of trauma-informed and culturally competent services
• Sensitivity to cultural, religious, ethnic, disability, and gender issues
• Knowledge of human, legal, civil rights, community, and other resources
• Skills and competence to establish supportive trusting relationships with program clients
• Knowledge of empowerment and self-advocacy techniques
• Knowledge of available community and mental health services, including equipment, therapies and service providers
• Knowledge of psychiatric advanced directives, self-management and crisis intervention techniques
• Knowledge of evidence-based practices and commitment to maintaining program’s fidelity to EBP standards and practices
• Knowledge and use of different communication and learning styles and supervisory techniques
• Knowledge of organizational, strategic, participatory, collaborative skills
• Knowledge of formal and informal assessment practicesKnowledge of data-driven decision-making processes and ability to encourage others to use data analysis as needed
• Ability to balance competing priorities
• Ability to make independent judgments and decisions
• Ability to work in a professional and confidential capacity

About Vinfen

Established in 1977, Vinfen is a nonprofit, health and human services organization and a leading provider of community-based services to individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges. Our services and advocacy promote the recovery, resiliency, habilitation, and self-determination of the people we serve. Vinfen's 3,500 dedicated employees are experienced, highly-trained professionals who provide a full range of supportive living, health, educational, and clinical services in over 550 sites throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. For more information about Vinfen, please visit

My Job. My Community. My Vinfen.

Vinfen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Qualifications

Typical Requirements:

• Personal, first-hand experience (not just having a friend or family member) being a recipient of the mental health system, which encompasses experiences such as psychiatric inpatient hospitalization, outpatient services/therapy, experience with psychiatric medications, and/or participating in mental health groups in the community. While a formal mental health diagnosis is not required, involvement with mental health services must be related to experience with mental health, emotional health and/or trauma resulting in significant life disruption

Bilingual/bicultural applicants are encouraged to apply.

Preferred /Required Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Bachelor’s degree preferred. In some cases, experience may be substituted for academic training. Certification as Peer Specialist (CPS) in state of service preferred.

Driving Requirements: Driving is a requirement for this position using either a Vinfen van or a personal vehicle. If using a personal vehicle, you must possess and maintain adequate insurance as well as maintain a safe driving record which is subject to annual checks. A valid driver's license must be presented at the time of employment. Incumbents must be at least 21 years of age, have maintained a valid US driver's license for at least six months, and must be able to pass a driver's screening background check.

Physical Effort: Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb as this is a very physically active position. Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or the use of a two-person lift. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer. Ability to sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways.

Ability to assist PS with tasks of daily living.

Ability to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time as needed.

Ability to bend, reach, file, sit, stand, and move around the facility.

Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with PS, staff, and external representatives.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Required Certifications: CPR required within the first two weeks of hire. First Aid required within two weeks of hire.

Required Credentials/Licenses: CPSS required

Pay Range

USD $18.02 - USD $18.02 /Hr.