Mentor (Jyf/ Next Steps)

Rising Ground provides caring support and proven paths to positive change, helping children, adults, and families rise above adversity, and each year, Rising Ground is a positive force in the lives of more than 25,000 individuals. We do this through 50 programs in 70 locations throughout New York City and Westchester. Our strong belief and commitment to diversity shows not just through our work with supported persons, but is integral to the building of a strong staff that reflects the communities we serve.

Next STEPS (Striving toward Engagement and Peaceful Solutions)

With a partnership between Rising Ground, the NYC Dept. Of Probation, and DYCD Office of Neighborhood Safety formerly MAP, Mayors Action Plan. A collaborative network servicing the Patterson Community. Individual and group mentoring by “credible messengers,” adults who have successfully navigated challenges like those experienced by participating youth, including neighborhood of residence, poverty, and/or justice involvement. Will use of the evidence-based Journaling mentoring curriculum with linkages to Rising Ground employment and mental health treatment services and to other appropriate community providers.

Next Steps Mentoring will provide intervention serving high-risk youth aged 16-24 residing in or near the Patterson NYCHA housing in the South Bronx.

• Participate in therapeutic groups per week in the Bronx on Monday and Tuesday from 600 PM to 800 PM. During this time, the mentors will greet the group participants, prepare for dinner, facilitate group, clean up and process the group/individual progress.
• Model professionalism and respectful behavior in both the community and in group.
• Mentors will be available during these hours and will be available outside of group hours to provide crisis intervention or additional mentoring support to youth, by phone and in person, as needed, for up to 8 hours total per week.
• Model reliable, supportive, and positive relationships to help youth navigate challenges and achieve their goals. Build and maintain supportive relationships with the youth that focus on improving problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Collaborate and communicate with the Plus team members regarding case planning services and safety/risk concerns.
• Work in partnership with Probation, schools, and other community-based organizations to ensure the safety of the youth and to follow through with their participation.
• Participate in as many group team-building and family engagement activities as possible, such as recreational outings, community-service activities, etc. The mentors will be included on a rotating on-call list to provide 24 hours/7days a week support for youth.
• Work Environment Groups will be facilitated at the Rising Ground office located at 500 Bergen Street Bronx, NY. On occasion, the mentors may be required to travel, to navigate NYC roads/public transportation system and complete home and school visits, and visits to other service providers’ offices (i.e., Court, Probation, resource center, pro-social activity, etc.).
• Position Type/Expected Hours of Work This is a part-time position involving 6-8 hours per week. The mentors that are expected to participate in the Bronx groups are to be present every Monday and Tuesday from 400 PM to 800 PM.
• Participate in individual supervision and treatment team meetings to review youth’s progress/challenges and service plan goals.
• Participate in all Rising Ground and Department of Probation related training.

Additional hours will fluctuate to meet the needs of the team and clients. As a team, we are available to clients 24/7/365 and can respond to crises that may emerge. The per diem mentors might be called upon to respond to a crisis/need of a youth and need to be flexible/available to meet the needs of the group members.

• The ability to intervene decisively, when necessary, to protect youth and family members.
• Willingness and flexibility to work with youth/families in their own homes and in the community.
• Commitment to empowering youth and families to solve their own problems.
• Belief in the capacity of people to grow and change.
• History of criminal/juvenile justice involvement and familiarity with the Bronx community is preferred.
• High School/equivalent diploma is required.
• Strong interpersonal/communication skills.
• Familiarity with Bronx and knowledgeable about the major culture groups within the neighborhoods served.
• Ability to work with respect for cultural diversity.
• Experience with group facilitation and experience working with adolescents.
• Bilingual Spanish/English speaking is a plus.
• Must be able to work cooperatively and collaboratively with the team

Per Diem $22/hr.

EOE