JOB DESCRIPTION
Title: Mental Health Advocate

Quick Info: The CDC reports that 44% of youth are experiencing persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness. With you in this position, our Clubs aim to make a positive hopeful impact in our young people's lives. The Mental Health Advocate will teach staff about mental health practices, using their education and experience in positive behavior management and trauma informed care. They will support our youth by working directly with those who have challenges, connecting them and their families to resources in the community as needed. Use your experience to help our youth reach their full potential by sharing best practices with staff, coping strategies to youth, and area resources to our families. Read details below and then send resume and cover letter today to squigg@bgchr.org!

Description
Boys & Girls Clubs of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County (BGCHR) seeks a qualified Mental Health Advocate to help expand mental health support in their afterschool and summer programs in Harrisonburg, VA. The Mental Health Advocate will offer group programming for Club participants, provide individual support for participants and their families (case management), and act as a resource for existing Club staff. This is a two-year grant funded position, with continuation dependent upon future funding.

Reports to: Task supervision and guidance will be provided by the BGCHR CEO, with clinical oversight provided by Harrisonburg City Public Schools Student Support Coordinator.

Compensation: Full-time, exempt position, with benefits. $60,000-$70,000 (inclusive of benefits offered)

Qualifications

• Be a Licensed Social Work (or other relevant field) graduate student or hold a Bachelors of
• Social Work (or appropriate field) with significant experience in behavioral health, or a Qualified Mental Health Professional-C or QMPH-c eligible. Board Certified BehaviorAnalyst a plus.
• Have prior experience in positive youth development, mental health, and trauma-informed practices.
• Preferred experience in working with diverse individuals, engaging families within the school or community setting, and knowledge of community resources.
• Proficiency in clear verbal and written communication to express and/or exchange ideas.
• Proficiency in the use of software and other standard workplace technology.
• Leadership qualities and personal characteristics necessary for working effectively and positively with youth, families, colleagues, and the community.
• Emotionally mature, objective, and sensitive to people and their concerns. Able to handle responsibility, work independently, show initiative, and maintain collaborative working relationships with students, families, staff, and community agencies.
• Spanish language proficiency a plus.

Essential Functions

• Help staff facilitate existing group programming and supplement Club curricula to promote positive social emotional development and address youth needs.
• Model positive group management, address challenging youth behavior during groups and other club activities.
• Case management for our parents and youth. Screen participants to identify risk and protective factors and provide individualized services to youth who exhibit signs of poor mental health.
• Work with parents and caregivers to assess needs and refer youth and their families to mental health and wrap-around services.
• Assist with developing and promoting family engagement and education opportunities.
• Engage in and develop professional development opportunities for agency staff.
• Oversee grant implementation timeline and ensure timely completion of goals and objectives.
• Report to grant funder monthly for reimbursements and quarterly for grant stewardship.
• Collaborate with program evaluators to identify appropriate assessment tools and collect program data.
• Assist in grant writing for continued position funding and program sustainability.

Other responsibilities
Include but are not limited to:

• Model non-discriminatory practices in all activities. Respects the worth, dignity and individual differences of others.
• Follow appropriate safety procedures in working with youth.
• Respond to telephone, email, and in-person requests, inquiries and questions in a professional, polite, and responsive manner.
• Demonstrate good attendance and punctuality.
• Comply with and support Club policies, regulations, and procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the CEO.

All employment is dependent upon a successful background check. Rolling application process

EEO STATEMENT: Diversity is core to the success of BGCHR--it is a reflection of who we are and who we serve. BGCHR is an equal employment opportunity employer and all employment decisions are based on relative qualifications, ability, performance, merit and organizational needs. Employment decisions will be made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, traits historically associated with race or any other characteristic protected by law.

Send resume and cover letter to squigg@bgchr.org

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work setting:

• In-person

Work Location: In person