Job Title: Youth and Young Adult Trauma Specialist

Program/Department: Youth and Young Adult Services

Position Type: Exempt, Full-Time 40 hours/ week – Hybrid Position (remote and on-site)

Location: Watertown with some statewide travel

Reports to: Director or Youth and Young Adult Services

About IHR: The Institute for Health and Recovery (IHR) is a statewide service, research, policy, program development and capacity building agency. IHR designs its services based on an understanding of the impact of trauma. IHR’s CARF accredited treatment programs provide holistic interventions for hard to reach and high-risk individuals and families. IHR’s mission, since our founding in 1990, has been to develop and support a comprehensive continuum of care for families, individuals, youth, and pregnant and parenting people affected by alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, violence/trauma, mental health challenges and other health issues, while advancing principles of health equity and social justice. Our work is focused on addressing and eradicating inequities in our health care, economic, and justice systems, especially as they disproportionately affect women and people of color. We are committed to providing services and creating communities that mitigate the effects of substance use, mental illness, and trauma.

Summary Statement: The Youth and Young Adult Trauma Specialist will be responsible for providing technical assistance and training to staff at youth serving systems and state agencies on addressing trauma and trauma informed care. The position will provide technical assistance and trainings both virtually and in person, throughout the state of Massachusetts. The trainer develops evidence-based trainings (including online self-paced modules); and aids in identifying resources for adolescents and transitional age youth in the community.

Essential Functions:

• Provide in person and online training and consultation to staff at adolescent and transitional age youth substance use treatment programs, state agencies, and programs that are a part of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Services (a division BSAS) to create a trauma informed care environment.
• Support programs by developing trainings and providing consultation that focus on the impact of trauma experiences, substance use, and co-occurring disorders on youth and young adults.
• Research, develop, and maintain live and online web-based content that incorporate evidence-based approaches to support those impacted by trauma.
• Staying abreast in current trends and approaches that includes the use of a diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) lens.
• Provide trainings and technical assistance that integrates a DEIJ trauma informed lens.
• Identify each program’s needs for trauma informed care training(s) and assess ways to enhance trauma informed services.
• Act as a resource to state agency offices, juvenile courts, Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI) providers, schools.
• Assist treatment program staff in identifying resources in their communities.
• Coordinate training(s) and technical assistance services that meet the needs of youth serving systems and agencies.
• Compile evaluations from trainings and feedback from staff.
• Maintain and update, quarterly, a guide on trauma resources for youth services.
• Work closely with the Youth and Young Adult Training Coordinator to develop additional trainings addressing current research and best practices.
• Work closely with the Director of Youth and Young Adult Services and the Director of Trauma Integration Services.
• Coordinates with the DYS Director of Substance Use Services to support youth involved with the MA justice system.
• 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:

• Master’s degree in social work, Psychology, or similar field; or bachelor’s degree with 5 years’ experience working with youth and trauma issues.
• Previous experiences working with youth and young adults impacted by trauma, substance-use and co-occurring disorders
• Previous experience developing and facilitating live and web-based resources (preferred)
• Experience in trauma interventions and trauma informed care.
• Strong understanding of the impact of substance use on youth, young adults, and families.
• Familiarity with child welfare issues
• Experience providing training and consultation, particularly on the implementation of evidence-based practices and staff professional development. Requirement can be met through experience providing evidence-based practice services, co-occurring services, social justice, and/or restorative justice services.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups.
• Awareness of youth resources in Massachusetts.
• Energetic and flexible; ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent writing and reporting skills.
• Regular travel throughout the State.

Other Requirements: (If Applicable)

• Valid driver’s license, good driving record, and regular access to a reliable vehicle;

Travel between sites (reimbursed).

Competencies:

• Clear and effective communication
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to work effectively in teams
• Self-motivated and independent
• Problem-solving skills
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Commitment to ongoing development and learning
• Dedication to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice

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.

Acknowledgement: I confirm that I accept the terms outlined in the job description and agree to perform the duties as described. I understand IHR retains the right to modify duties as necessary, and this job description may be updated as needed.