What are the responsibilities and job description for the Youth Support Mentor position at Institute for Health?
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) helps people heal, strengthen their relationships with loved ones, and thrive. We support people navigating complex and intersecting challenges: substance use, trauma, mental health and medical needs, isolation, poverty and housing instability, and child welfare and justice system involvement. Our services are rooted in compassion and lived expertise—supporting people across all dimensions of identity and experience. We know that with hope, support, and meaningful connection to others, recovery and healing are possible for every person. At IHR, we are proud to offer an inclusive, recovery friendly, and supportive work environment. We welcome and value lived experience of recovery.
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, current auto insurance, good driving record, and regular access to a reliable vehicle. Travel between IHR work sites and training/community locations is required. Reimbursement for approved work-related travel is provided in accordance with the IHR's mileage reimbursement policy.
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.
Salary : $56,000 - $58,000