Youth Recovery Coach

Center for Community Alternatives•Rochester, NY

About The Position

Center for Community Alternatives (CCA) supports and builds power with people across New York State who have been affected by mass incarceration, criminalization and community disinvestment. Through a statewide network of direct services, advocacy and organizing, and by supporting the leadership of directly-impacted people, we advance civil and human rights for all New Yorkers. CCA works to build a world where everyone has what they need to thrive. Why Join the Team? At CCA, we are committed to fair transparent pay, and we strive to provide competitive market-informed compensation. The successful candidate's salary is determined by the combination of knowledge, skills, competencies, experience, and geography. Our goal is to continue to make CCA one of the most desirable nonprofit places at which to work, and in part, recognize the importance of work-life balance. Job Summary : The SOR Youth Recovery Coach will coordinate Peer Recovery Supports Services (PRSS) to youth within the Rochester City School District as well as reaching out to youth subjected to school discipline or returning from detention or incarceration. The project will also give special attention to children of incarcerated parents, providing a dedicated support group for such youth that we identify. The CORE Center will provide Clubhouse Socialization and Recovery Support Services to complement any youth within the Rochester City School District that self-Identify as having a history of a substance use disorder. The project will address the need for stronger peer recovery support services for youth, Specific needs include engagement of youth, need for clubhouse/socialization services, and bridging the digital divide. The project will create an afterschool enrichment program, violence prevention program and leadership development program using SMART Recovery’s 4-Point Program as well as Positive Youth Development Principles (PYD). The SOR Youth Recovery Coach will provide workshops on the key elements of Recovery, on success in the core areas of life (employment, housing, relationships, mental health/self-esteem), and on other topics as determined by the Advisory Committee and SOR community stakeholders. This employment opportunity requires evening and weekend hours, as determined by CCA/CORE Center key project staff. Applicants must possess a valid NYS driver’s license, a reliable vehicle able to transport participants, and appropriate levels of auto insurance, as required by CCA.

Requirements

Bachelors or Associate degree in Human Services or related field with two (2) years relevant experience preferably in mental health and/or behavioral health field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience providing group education, mentoring people individually in self-help and advocacy is necessary.
Candidates must identify as someone in recovery with at least two years of success in personal recovery and wellness.
Knowledge of peer support and strength-based peer practices.
Understanding of natural supports (e.g., personal associations and relationships).
Knowledge of computer systems and computer operations, proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, MS Word, and MS Excel.
Customer and Engagement skills.
Proficient in oral and written communication skills, including presentation skills.
Knowledge of mental health/substance use services, community resources (service systems).
Ability to operate office equipment: fax, copier, scanner, printer, telephone.
Ability to relate with respect to persons from diverse ethnic, social-cultural, lifestyle, and educational backgrounds.
Ability to work well with a team.
Ability to maintain clear ethical boundaries between self and participants.
Ability to travel to meetings and other sites.
Applicants must possess a valid NYS driver’s license, a reliable vehicle able to transport participants, and appropriate levels of auto insurance, as required by CCA.

Nice To Haves

Preferred lived experience with substance use and/or mental health.
Relevant personal experience in terms of recovery and/or justice involvement, a plus.

Responsibilities

Implement program-wide awareness about recovery in Rochester and throughout Monroe County through community educational forums and other social events.
Promptly respond to requests for service information from consumers, community, and potential referral sources;
Enroll and engage at least 25 youth in recovery services over a 1-year period; enrolled youth will attend CORE Center activities at least 4 times per month.
75% of the youth enrolled will complete a Personalized Recovery Plan.
Work in collaboration with team members, managers, directors, and the administrative team.
Help identify new and existing resources for youth.
Coordinate with outside Recovery Support Services, including treatment centers and 12 Step communities.
Meet regularly with youth in the Center and community to develop their personal recovery tool kit.
Create and maintain opportunities to assist youth in discovering their passions and exploring areas of health & wellness, employment, education, life skills and spirituality to achieve a meaningful life.
Collect and maintain databases for weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports;
Create opportunities and linkages to social inclusion opportunities in Monroe County and beyond.
Maintain guidelines, policies and procedures established by funding source, and Advisory Committee.