Teaching Assistant, Youth Recovery

Jefferson Center for Mental Health • Lakewood, CO

1d

About The Position

The YRR Teaching Assistant works collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to oversee and coordinate the educational needs of youth ages 13–18.5. The role provides tutoring and mentoring, supports students in completing assignments, and coordinates with school districts and GED programs to meet consumers’ needs.

The position also supports youth through guidance, safety, stability, and structure; engages consumers and appropriate family members in strength-based, trauma-informed treatment and goal-setting; identifies risks; coordinates care and referrals; and maintains professional boundaries and standards. The role includes documentation, supervision, required training, and collaboration with internal and external providers. It is an awake position for the entire shift, and may involve transporting admitted clients to approved services as directed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college in a related field.
• Two or more years of related experience and/or training.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification, or ability to obtain it within two months of hire.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable motor vehicle record.
• Must be at least 25 years old to be covered by the center’s driver insurance.
• Staff working with youth must be in good medical, mental, physical, and emotional health, free from communicable diseases, and current on immunizations routinely recommended for adults.
• Ability to lift, push, or pull objects weighing up to 25 pounds; in rare and extreme CSU situations, may be required to assist in safely holding a youth for up to 60 seconds.

Nice To Haves

• CAT/CAS addictions certification is preferred; if not already held, must be willing to obtain it within 18 months of hire.
• Bilingual English/Spanish skills.
• Skills or experience in integrated health approaches.

Responsibilities

• Interact with clients to provide guidance, safety, stability, and direction, including de-escalating potentially dangerous situations.
• Assist and provide instruction to YRR students in completing assignments.
• Contact client school districts and coordinate aftercare plans.
• Engage consumers and appropriate family members in strength-based, trauma-informed treatment and goal-setting.
• Identify client risk factors, work with consumers toward agreed-upon outcomes, and coordinate care with internal and external providers.
• Maintain appropriate professional standards and provide follow-up for consumers.
• Complete initial assessments of support and engagement needs; collaborate with consumers in accordance with clinical practice guidelines and agency policies.
• Respond to client needs and requests, maintain positive interactions, and respond promptly to phone calls, email, and other requests.
• Build knowledge of Jefferson Center and community resources and relationships with providers to support seamless referrals.
• Adhere to Jefferson Center policies and procedures.
• Provide structure through predictable, fair limit-setting and appropriate boundaries.
• Attend mandatory in-services and comply with individualized training plans when required.
• Participate in supervision, arrive prepared with an agenda, report high-risk or problematic cases, use problem-solving approaches and feedback, and attend at agreed times and intervals.
• Document practice in accordance with regulatory requirements and clinical guidelines.
• Submit 90% of Progress-to-Date forms before the end of the shift and complete 95% of paperwork by its due date.
• Maintain effective interpersonal relationships and use language and behavior that promote dignity and respect.
• Develop therapeutic alliances and work effectively and with cultural competence with consumers from diverse backgrounds.
• Participate in staff development activities and training programs, including education on trauma-informed care and trauma recovery.
• Address clients’ whole-health needs by ensuring appropriate releases are in place for physical health providers and making referrals when needed.
• As directed by the Program Manager or Program Coordinator, assist in transporting admitted clients to hospitals, aftercare, or other approved services.
• Use appropriate clinical and recovery-focused interventions according to clinical need, or make referrals to trauma-specific treatment, wellness classes or coaching, co-occurring or substance-use services, and employment services.
• Ensure service delivery is guided by trauma-informed care and reduces the possibility of re-traumatization.
• Maintain professional and ethical behavior.
• Complete required paperwork for substance-use treatment licenses and billing to Medicaid and other funding sources, including Substance Abuse ROI and Discharge Plan.
• Participate in and promote a positive, supportive, cooperative team environment.
• Remain awake throughout the entire shift.
• Perform other assigned duties, including temporarily covering another role when qualified and credentialed.

Benefits

• New-hire bonus of $1,500 at the one-month anniversary, $1,500 at the six-month anniversary, and $2,000 at the one-year anniversary, for a total of $5,000, subject to eligibility and continuous-employment conditions.

What This Job Offers

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