AFTERCARE PEER COUNSELOR/MENTOR

SCO Family of Services•New York, NY

14h•Onsite

About The Position

This role involves working with justice-involved youth in a residential and community setting, providing supervision, support, and guidance to help them succeed after their program involvement. The Aftercare Peer Counselor/Mentor will be assigned to a designated cottage and caseload, building rapport with youth and ensuring compliance with daily schedules and program structure. The position requires active participation in team meetings, debrief sessions, and program trips, while adhering to the Missouri Approach therapeutic model. Key responsibilities include assisting youth with educational and vocational pursuits, documenting interactions, and collaborating with families and the treatment team.

Requirements

Minimum possession of a High School Diploma required.
Previous experience working with justice-involved youth.
Prior experience in a residential group-home setting.
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.
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.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in the Close to Home program preferred.

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.
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.