Credible Messenger

TIDES FAMILY SERVICES INC•Pawtucket, RI

5d•$40,000 - $43,000

About The Position

Tides Family Services is hiring a Credible Messenger to support justice-involved youth at high risk for incarceration, reincarceration, or death. Credible Messengers are mentors who have overcome involvement in the juvenile or criminal justice systems and draw on lived experience to build credibility with youth. They provide guidance, support, and resources to help youth make positive choices, develop essential skills, and break the cycle of criminal behavior. Tides Family Services is a nonprofit whose mission is to provide services and supports that allow youth to live in community-based settings. As an “Agency Without Walls,” Tides delivers services in homes, communities, schools, and other settings where youth are. The role provides intensive mentoring in community-based settings, the Rhode Island Training School, or other out-of-home placements, and works collaboratively with TFS staff, families, and community stakeholders to support youth.

Requirements

Lived experience with the juvenile or criminal justice systems and demonstrated sustained rehabilitation.
Ability to build caring, authentic relationships with youth.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Commitment to promoting nonviolent conflict resolution and positive youth development.
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and on-call as needed.
Knowledge of or willingness to learn clinical philosophies, including Positive Youth Development, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Restorative Justice.
Cultural competence and sensitivity to the diverse needs of the youth served.
Understanding of trauma-informed care and its application in service delivery.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or GED preferred.
Bilingual or multilingual capabilities.
Experience working with high-risk youth populations.

Responsibilities

Establish and maintain caring, authentic relationships with youth.
Provide intensive mentoring, dedicating ten or more hours per week per youth.
Use lived experience to offer guidance, support, and resources.
Promote nonviolent conflict resolution techniques and peaceful alternatives to violence.
Implement Transformative Mentoring to improve social and emotional well-being.
Assist youth in increasing their educational and vocational opportunities.
Foster restorative justice by creating positive connections between youth and their communities.
Address trauma, build resilience, and promote positive self-identity.
Focus on real-time skill development and help youth navigate challenges.
Provide mentoring in community-based settings, the RI Training School, or other out-of-home placements.
Provide flexible scheduling, including day, evening, and weekend access, and participate in an on-call rotation.
Provide transportation when needed and assist with logistical needs so youth can access services.
Collaborate with clinical supervisors, case managers, and other TFS staff.
Engage with DCYF, Family Court, and other key stakeholders to provide holistic support.
Support family participation and help youth establish a network of natural supports in the community.
Participate in comprehensive training provided by TFS and collaborative partners.
Perform additional duties as assigned in support of the Tides Family Services mission.