Credible Messenger Mentor

Overview

Credible Messengers are individuals who have faced similar challenges to our youth and/or families and have overcome them and now are inspired to work and lend guidance to those that are in a similar need as they once were. The work of Credible Messengers provides a message of resiliency, credibility and voice that can directly connect to each youth’s inner thoughts and experiences. The Credible Messenger Mentor Program (CMM) is a group-based mentoring program that helps young adults transform the attitudes and behaviors that led to their involvement with the criminal justice system by developing positive and appropriate relationships and supporting them in making safe decisions once back in the community. Youth come together twice weekly as a cohort of up to 12 youth, ages 12-18, with the CMM team supporting them. Mentors utilize Interactive Journaling and Motivational Interviewing and CBT techniques (ReWire) to support the youth to examine their feelings, evaluate their own behaviors and develop strategies for change. Mentors are also available throughout the week for one-on-one mentoring as well as for support with various activities such as going to get a driver’s license or preparing for a job interview.

Rising Ground 

Founded as an orphanage in 1831, Rising Ground has been at the forefront of evolving community needs. Driven by the belief that each of us can thrive when life has hope and opportunity, Rising Ground provides caring support and proven paths to positive change, helping children, adults, and families rise above adversity, and each year, Rising Ground is a positive force in the lives of more than 25,000 individuals. We do this through 50 programs in 70 locations throughout New York City and Westchester. Our strong belief and commitment to diversity shows not just through our work with supported persons but is integral to the building of a strong staff that reflects the communities we serve. Rising Ground is headquartered in downtown Brooklyn. 

Benefits

At Rising Ground, we encourage everyone to live a healthier life. When you enroll in health care benefits — medical, dental, and vision care, you and your family can take advantage of each plan’s preventive services, which will help everyone to stay well. Another way to remain healthy is to eat right and keep active. Ultimately, we all benefit when we make the right choices, whether through diet and exercise or health care services. You can also take advantage of other important benefits, including life and accident, disability benefits, the retirement savings plan, and the employee assistance program.

Responsibilities

The CMM peer mentor will co-facilitate two therapeutic groups per week (4PM-7PM), and work together with the CMM team to prepare for dinner, group, clean-up and process the group/individual progress. They will be available during these hours to provide one-on-one mentoring to the youth, as needed. Mentors will be available to provide crisis intervention and assistance for youth in following through with the goals they have identified for themselves and/or any aftercare/court-mandated services. The mentors will be included on a rotating on-call list to provide 24 hours/7days a week support for youth.

Qualifications

Work Environment: The Bronx NSP Aftercare program will be based out of Thompson House NSP in Hunts Point, Bronx, and CMM groups will be facilitated at 2250 Ryer Avenue, Bronx. The Brooklyn NSP Aftercare program will be based out of Bensonhurst Scholars NSP in and CMM groups will be facilitated at 151 Lawrence St Brooklyn.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This is a part-time position involving 4-6 hours per week. The per diem mentors are expected to participate in groups twice weekly during the evening hours, 4 PM to 7 PM. (During COVID-19, 1 group a week is offered virtually and 1 group a week is offered in-person.)  Additional work hours may fluctuate to meet the needs of the team and youths supported and can include evening and weekend hours.

Required Education and Experience: A high school diploma/equivalent is recommended but not required. 

• Familiarity with the boroughs of NYC and knowledge about the major culture groups within the neighborhoods served.
• Willingness and flexibility to work with youth/families in their own homes and in the community.
• Strong interpersonal/communication skills.
• Ability to work with respect for cultural diversity.
• Commitment to empowering youth and families to solve their own problems.
• Belief in the capacity of people to grow and change.
• Ability to intervene decisively, when necessary, to protect youth and family members.
• Must be able to work cooperatively and collaboratively with the team.

• Participate in all Credible Mentor-related training.
• Participate in biweekly individual supervision as well as team meetings to review youth’s progress/challenges and service plan goals.
• Collaborate and communicate with the CMM team members regarding updates on youth’s goals and safety/risk concerns.
• Help the youth take steps towards their goals, including but not limited to obtaining Driver’s permits/ License, enrolling in education/vocational programs, gaining employment, etc.
• Model reliable, supportive and positive relationships to help youth navigate challenges and achieve their goals. Build and maintain supportive relationships with the youth that focus on improving problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Model professionalism and respectful behavior in both the community and in group.
• Support the youth and team by being available to stand in to represent My Next Move and advocate for the youth during Close to Home conferences, meetings, etc.

$20.00 Per Hour

Salary : $20