AFTERCARE PEER COUNSELOR/MENTOR

Specific Responsibilities

• Assigned to a designated cottage and caseload.
• Build and maintain rapport with youth in the program.
• Work shifts as needed on an emergency basis and during team meetings. When on shift, provide 24/7 supervision, ensuring compliance with the daily schedule and maintaining program structure.
• Attend debrief sessions following weekly team meetings.
• Supervise youth during family visits in the program and during supervised two-hour home visits.
• Participate in program trips and outings to provide additional support.
• Adhere to and actively support the Missouri Approach, the therapeutic model utilized in the C2H program.
• Develop and model effective relationships and behaviors with youth, co-workers, and the treatment team.
• Enroll youth in pro-social activities and monitor attendance during aftercare.
• Conduct AWOC (Absent Without Consent) searches as required.
• Collaborate with the Educational/Vocational Coordinator to enroll youth in school and monitor school attendance.
• Assist youth with resume writing and conduct mock interviews.
• Document all youth and family contact in Connections in a timely manner.
• Complete youth behavioral contracts.
• Submit monthly ACS aftercare tracking paperwork.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum possession of a High School Diploma required.
• Previous experience working with justice-involved youth.
• Prior experience in a residential group-home setting.
• Previous experience in the Close to Home program preferred.
• Successful completion of Safety Crisis Management (SCM) training, including passing a written test and demonstrating the ability to perform all approved SCM physical restraints as required by program regulations. Staff must also complete all required SCM refresher courses to maintain employment.
• Ability to work varied hours as required.
• A valid driver’s license from NY, NJ, or CT is required.
• Must be able to provide excellent professional references.

Relationship with Others

• Must be a team player and collaborate effectively with colleagues.
• Serve as a credible messenger to youth, building trust and positive influence.
• Maintain a strength-based attitude, focusing on youth’s potential and growth.
• Be supportive of families and able to partner with them to help their child succeed.
• Demonstrate strong sensitivity to cultural differences, including sexual orientation and identity, among staff and clients within the organization.
• Possess a strong belief in people’s ability to grow and change and foster mutually respectful partnerships with youth and their families.
• Exhibit the ability to set appropriate limits, maintain a professional helping role, and intervene effectively when necessary.

Working Conditions

• Work in a residential and community setting with juveniles.
• Must be able to work effectively and efficiently within a demanding environment.

Scope of Responsibility

• Participate in Aftercare Team Meetings.
• Attend ACS Release Conferences and Elevated Risk Conferences as needed.
• Complete Safe Crisis Management (SCM) training and required refreshers.
• Join bi-weekly aftercare calls.

Organizational Structure

• Will be responsible to work within a collaborative partnership.