Alba Youth Mentor- BIPOC Specialization [015] [017]

$22.50 an hour. Full-time. Monday through Friday 9am until 5:30pm.

470 SE 165th Ave, Portland, OR, 97233

Transform Lives, Transform Yourself:

Are you ready to ignite your passion for social change and empowerment? Do you have a lived experience that could be a beacon of hope for young people facing homelessness, substance use, and mental health challenges? New Avenues for Youth seeks a compassionate and resilient Peer Support Specialist to join our Treatment & Harm Reduction Oriented Resource Network (THORN) team.

Our Commitment to Equity:

At New Avenues for Youth, we envision a community where all young people thrive. We recognize that historical inequities and intersecting forms of oppression have created barriers for many. We are unwavering in our commitment to dismantling these barriers and fostering a truly equitable space where every voice is heard and valued.

Your Journey, Their Inspiration:

The Alba Youth Mentor- BIPOC Specialization provides community- and site-based engagement and case management services to youth (ages 9-17) who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness. The responsibilities of this position include intake and assessment; housing placement and stabilization; individual mentoring and case management; skill building and recreation; crisis intervention; case planning and contracting; resource brokerage and referral; coordination and advocacy; follow-up and after care; provision of clinical and financial and other record keeping related to job duties. The mentor will act as a Culturally-Specific Specialist on three levels: 1) working with predominantly Black, as well as Indigenous, and POC (BIPOC) youth, 2) acting as one of the team leaders on BIPOC culturally-specific issues for program youth/staff/interns, and 3) serve as a point person for BIPOC culturally-specific advocacy and education for Alba with our community partners.

What You'll Do:

Be a Mentor and Guide: Develop and maintain professional and trusting relationships with youth that encourage positive social and emotional development.
Empower Through Advocacy: Help young people navigate complex systems, access resources, and make informed decisions.
Document the Journey: Maintain accurate and timely records, ensuring that our programs have the data they need to thrive and continue serving those who need it most.
Work Collaboratively: Work with a team and with the youth to address their full range of needs.

Who You Are:

Lived Experience: You have faced and overcome challenges. Your journey is a source of strength and wisdom.
Compassionate Listener: You offer empathy without judgment, creating a safe space for young people to share their stories and struggles.
Reliable Advocate: You are committed to showing up consistently, building trust, and following through on your promises to young people.
Growth-Oriented: You embrace continuous learning, seeking new knowledge and skills to better support yourself and the youth you serve.
Equity Champion: You are passionate about dismantling systemic oppression and creating a more just and equitable community for all.

Why Join Us:

Make a Profound Impact: Witness firsthand the transformative power of your support and guidance.
Thrive in a Supportive Team: Join a collaborative and inclusive environment where your contributions are celebrated.
Grow as a Professional: Receive ongoing training, mentorship, and opportunities for career advancement.
Holistic Benefits Package: We value your well-being and offer a robust benefits package that includes:
100% employer-paid premiums for comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance to ensure your physical and mental health are prioritized.
Generous holiday, personal, and paid time off (PTO) allowances to support your work-life balance and personal needs.
Discounted gym memberships encourage a healthy and active lifestyle.
Access to free counseling services to help you manage stress and maintain your emotional well-being.

Qualifications:

* Relevant prior work experience, lived experience, or both. A bachelor's degree in social work, psychology or related human services field a plus

* Minimum of two years' experience working with high-risk youth and/or families required, case management experience preferred

* Understanding of the issues of substance abuse, mental health, trauma, abuse and adolescent development including brain development

* Proven ability and commitment to working with BIPOC as well as LGBTQ and other culturally diverse youth, staff, and community

* Must have access to an automobile, a valid driver's license, and active auto insurance on that vehicle

* Must be willing to be CPR trained and certified

Any candidate deemed viable for this position based on resources and resume submission will be contacted to participate in a screen interview to discuss interest and job compatibility. Of those screened, advancing candidates will be asked to participate in a subsequent interview or interviews to evaluate job qualifications and interest further. From this process, a hiring selection will be made. New Avenues for Youth is an equal opportunity employer.

This position requires a high level of mobility, meaning the successful candidate must be able to swiftly move and adapt to different situations and tasks. This may or may not also include different agency locations or locations within the community being served. A person in this position must be able to perform with or without accommodation the essential functions of this job including any physical requirements associated with this role. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be routinely exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. If the position may require the use of any personal protective equipment, New Avenues will have such equipment on hand for the employee's use.

Apply Today:

If you're ready to use your lived experience to ignite hope and inspire change, we encourage you to apply today by simply clicking on the 'Apply for Job' button at the bottom of this screen and attach your resume and cover letter.