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.

ARCHES

To create a safer NYC, the Department of Probation developed Arches, a transformative mentoring program provided to young adults on probation by community-based organizations. Arches is designed to support high-crime neighborhoods to reduce recidivism and decrease violations among young adults, ages 16-24, who reside in the target neighborhood of Harlem, NY. The Rising Ground Arches Harlem team is composed of one Program Coordinator and 4 Credible Messenger Mentors. Together, they will deliver a cognitive behavioral curriculum to a group of up to 15 young adults twice a week in Harlem NYC. Through the group mentoring and Interactive Journaling sessions, mentors work with participants to address their attitudes, knowledge and skill in key areas including relationships and communication, responsible behavior, handling difficult feelings, and individual change planning.

The Arches team provides services to young adults who reside in Harlem NYC.

• Co-facilitate two therapeutic groups per week in Harlem. During this time, the mentors will greet the group participants, prepare for dinner, facilitate group, and process the group/individual progress. Mentors will be available during and outside of group hours to provide crisis intervention or additional emotional support, guidance, and advice to youth by phone and in person, as needed, for a total of 5 hours per week.
• Participate in biweekly individual supervision and team meetings to review youth’s progress/challenges, service plan goals and safety/risk concerns.
• Work in partnership with Probation Officers, schools and other community-based organizations to ensure the safety of the youth and to follow through with their participation in court-mandated services.
• 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.
• Model professionalism and respectful behavior in both the community and in group. Contribute to the creation of a safe space and establish behavioral norms to keep all participants feeling safe and respected in the program. Maintain clear expectations and support in a non-judgmental approach.
• Perform outreach and attempts to re-engage participants who fail to show up for multiple group sessions.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the minimum number of hours per week of service to the program.
• Participate in all Justice for Youth & Family and Credible Messenger Mentor-related training, including but not limited to Roca Rewire CBT training.

• High School/equivalent diploma is required.
• Must have experience with group facilitation using cognitive behavioral therapies, motivational interviewing, positive youth development theories.
• Experience working with adolescents/young adults who are justice-involved. 
• Must be culturally competent with a strong understanding of the target population and be familiar with the unique challenges faced by young adults who live there.
• May have own history of justice or system involvement.
• Spanish-speaking is a plus.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal/communication skills.
• Ability to work with respect for cultural diversity.
• Commitment to empowering youth and families to make positive change.
• Belief in the capacity of people to grow and change.
• Relatable and genuine; can engage young adults to participate in the program while also maintaining appropriate boundaries.
• Ability to intervene decisively, when necessary, to protect youth and family members.
• Must be able to work cooperatively and collaboratively with the team.

Per-Diem $22/Hourly

EOE