Youth Peer Mentor

Job Description

Job Description

Educational Alliance brings together and partners with diverse communities in Lower Manhattan, offering individuals and families high-quality, multi-generational programs and services that enhance their well-being and socioeconomic opportunities. We are a place where everyone is welcome and where progress is powered one relationship at a time. We are proud of our legacy as a Jewish organization and we provide high-quality, transformational services and programs to all New Yorkers through our network of community centers on Manhattan’s Lower East Side and East Village. As we have for 130 years, we offer best-in-class programming–now across 15 sites—focusing on a mix of education, health and wellness, arts and culture, and civic engagement.

The Center for Recovery and Wellness takes a holistic, strengths-based approach to recovery and wellness that responds to the distinct needs of each individual.  Programs include residential and outpatient addiction treatment, recovery services, prevention education, and community programming.  CRW offers culturally competent, evidence-based programs and services that strengthen individuals and communities, enhance resiliency, and foster lasting recovery.

We are seeking a Youth Peer Mentor who will deliver youth-focused, culturally responsive, and trauma informed recovery services to ACS-involved youth and families. The YRM will focus on building rapport, assessing the youth’s stage of change, exploring change goals, and offering tailored interventions to promote motivation and readiness for change.   

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide orientation to youth regarding the process of Project ENTER and build motivation for and facilitate access to SUD treatment/recovery services.
• Engage youth around preventing an increase in use, staying motivated, and accessing youth development resources.
• Explore potential change goals, offer tailored interventions to promote motivation and readiness for change, address barriers to care, and explore treatment and recovery options in the youth’s local community.
• Assist youth to identify their goals and interests regarding recovery and develop strategies for achieving these goals.
• Escort individuals to appointments with agencies, self-help groups, and other community resources as needed.
• Identify and support linkages to community resources that support the recovering person’s goals and interests. 
• Promote self-advocacy by assisting youth to have their voices fully heard; their needs, goals, and objectives established as a focal point of rehabilitation and clinical services.
• Conduct a session with the youth and their parent(s)/guardian to identify support needed to foster holistic recovery. 
• Promote and participate in outreach to inform community members about the Center’s services.
• Connect youth (and families) to specialized educational and employment services as needed.
• Make referrals for family members to the Center for prevention programming, peer, and family support.
• Maintain information database pertaining to peer activities.
• Accurately and efficiently document interactions with individuals in appropriate files and electronic databases.
• Provide advocacy services to ACS and juvenile justice involved participants.
• Facilitate meetings for family members.  
• Develop relationships with community groups/agencies.
• Attend staff meetings, trainings, and other pertinent events as recommended by supervisors.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma/GED required
• Must be 18 to 30 years old and identify as a person who has first-hand experience with social, emotional, medical, developmental, substance use, and/or behavioral challenges.
• NYS Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) or (CPRA-P)- preferred
• Ability to use lived experiences to support youth in their resiliency/recovery and wellness.
• Familiarity of HCBS Behavioral Health “peer service” model.
• Experience with culturally diverse populations in an addiction service setting.
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience in electronic database systems preferred.
• Availability to work flexible schedule including weekends.

Benefits:

• Generous PTO Policy
• Competitive Salary
• Medical & Dental Insurance
• Pension Plan
• 403b Retirement Plans
• Discount Perks for Movies, Broadway Shows, and Amusement Parks, Etc.
• Free Gym Membership to our MCC Fitness & 14Y Gym
• Discounts to programs at Educational Alliance

Limitations and Disclaimer

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position

EEO Info

Educational Alliance is committed to workplace diversity and inclusion. We are equal opportunity employers and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity and expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Educational Alliance takes affirmative action in support of its policy to employ and advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Educational Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For further information about Educational Alliance, please visit