Forensic Peer Mentor - Muscogee YDC - Midland, GA (CCR)

Georgia Department of Revenue • Midland, TX

2d

About The Position

The Forensic Peer Mentor (FPM) mentors youth and offers hope for wellness and resiliency. The program aims to break the cycle of incarceration, reduce the number of youth involved in the juvenile justice system who enter the criminal justice system, and support youth and families in recovery. The role collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to develop and maintain supportive community resources and services, promote recovery and wellness, encourage self-advocacy, build trust and safety, empower families, and help youth returning from secure confinement reconnect with their communities. FPMs provide additional treatment support and help ensure service connectivity for justice-involved youth. The role is intended for an individual with a history of criminal justice involvement who helps youth leaving a Youth Development Campus (YDC) or Regional Youth Detention Center (RYDC) successfully reenter the community.

The FPM provides mentoring, peer support, care coordination, and service linkage to juveniles with behavioral health needs, including substance use disorders, mental illness, trauma histories, and extensive juvenile justice involvement. The mentor engages youth before release, participates in transition and release planning, and supports reentry. The FPM connects youth with treatment, medical care, and responsive community services, follows up, and engages family members in preparation for the youth’s return. Work with a youth may continue for up to one year after release. Mentors meet with youth on their peer list at least weekly, with a caseload of no more than 20 individuals.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation counseling, social work, or a closely related behavioral or social science field, plus one year of relevant professional experience, or one year of experience at the lower-level Rehabilitation Counselor 1 or an equivalent position. Within six months after starting, the employee must complete specified peer specialist and forensic peer mentor training. The FPM also completes 12 hours of continuing training annually.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation counseling, social work, or a closely related behavioral or social science field from an accredited college or university, plus one year of professional experience in social work, counseling, or equivalent areas; or one year of experience at the lower-level Rehabilitation Counselor 1 (SSP060) or an equivalent position.
• Lived experience involving personal participation in the criminal justice system and receipt of behavioral health and/or substance abuse treatment services.
• Complete 40 hours of Certified Peer Specialist Training – MH or 40 hours of Certified Peer Specialist Training – CARES, CPS-Y Training, and 40 hours of Forensic Peer Mentor Training within six months after starting; also complete Certified Peer Specialist Youth training covering mental health and substance use, and DJJ pre-service training.
• Complete 12 hours of continuing training each year.
• Pass applicable reference and criminal background checks.
• Some positions may require specialized certification.

Nice To Haves

• Effective oral and written communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to maintain confidential communications and protect the confidentiality of records.
• Commitment to integrity and ethical conduct; ability to maintain appropriate boundaries with returning citizens and collaborative working relationships with correctional facility staff.
• Ability to work independently.
• Proficiency with electronic devices, including a cell phone or smartphone, computer, and databases; working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Valid Georgia driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Provide mentoring, peer support, service linkage, and care coordination to juveniles with behavioral health needs.
• Use lived experience to engage youth before release, participate in transition and release planning, and support reentry.
• Connect youth with treatment, medical care, and responsive community services and supports, and provide follow-up.
• Engage family members in preparation for the youth’s return and work with youth and family during the transition back to the community, potentially for up to one year after release.
• Meet at least weekly with youth on the peer list; maintain a caseload of no more than 20 individuals.
• Provide individual supportive peer counseling as needed, using appropriate evidence-based practices such as motivational interviewing.
• Educate returning youth about their rights and instill hope.
• Complete required documentation, including progress notes and significant data, in accordance with documentation policies.
• May provide education and information to promote public interest and advocacy for services for returning youth with behavioral health needs.
• May assist with program evaluation and research activities.
• Attend relevant job-related seminars, meetings, conferences, trainings, and conference calls when offered.
• Attend approved continuing education opportunities to meet the required 12 CEUs per calendar year for CPS/CARES certification.
• Complete other related duties as required by GMHCN supervisory staff.
• Complete required peer specialist and forensic peer mentor training within six months after the start date and 12 hours of continued training each year.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement and savings plan options
• Paid holidays
• Vacation leave
• Sick leave
• Eligible employer for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Total Rewards programs intended to improve work environment, job satisfaction, and work/life balance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level