Peer Credible Messenger (52944)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

RiseBoro Community Partnership is seeking to hire a Peer Leader to serve as a Credible Messenger with The Brooklyn W.A.Y. Coalition. The Brooklyn W.A.Y. (Wellness Advocacy with Youth) works within Brownsville, East New York, Bed Stuy, Bushwick and East Flatbush to center youth and young adults, aged 16-24, in media creation, policy advocacy and program development. Our coalition seeks to disrupt the institutional, structural, and systemic confinement pathways that place the youth and young adults we serve at disproportionate risk for incarceration and/ or substance use at the individual, community and systems level.  This position is responsible for facilitating identified Evidence Based Program curricula, cocreating information awareness activities and media messaging, positive alternative activities, and engage in outreach for the coalition and DFC program to reduce risk factors, and strengthen protective factors.

Specific duties and responsibilities include:

• Supervising program participants at all times during program operation, in all locations where the program operates, including off-site trips;
• Utilize Evidence Based Practice (EBP) such as curriculum, early intervention and/or environmental strategies as indicated, to youth and young adults aged 16-24 years;
• Submit sufficient documentation in a timely manner on a monthly basis;
• Refer participants for support services internally or externally for appropriate services; 
• Participate in regular internal meetings. 
• Implement creative methods of expanding The Brooklyn W.A.Y. network and of promoting the work in the community.
• Co-develop educational materials such as flyers, fact sheets, brochures, posters, etc., on programs/policies that address the needs of those at risk of substance use.

Community Outreach

• Conduct outreach activities to promote awareness of The Brooklyn W.A.Y.;
• Participate in outreach strategic sessions for The Brooklyn W.A.Y.;
• Develop partnerships with community members and stakeholders invested in supporting youth and young adults.
• Participate in and co-facilitate coalition meetings and workgroups.

Youth Development

• Utilizing principles of positive youth development through use of behavior management and discipline techniques that foster social, emotional, and cognitive growth, and build self-esteem and civic responsibility in all participants;
• Building healthy relationships with and among participants, and acting as a role model.

Professional Development

• Participating in meetings and workshops that enhance professional skills, as assigned by program coordinator or Clinical Director.
• Applying skills and knowledge acquired in those trainings to improve program quality.

COMPETENCIES

• Must have a commitment to working with youth and young adults, and must want to serve as a mentor.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Canva, Wix Studio and social media preferred.
• Organizational and analytical skills which are informed by the priorities of the prevention program;
• Capability to communicate well verbally and in writing;
• Adaptability to meeting changing priorities and meeting deadlines;
• Successful experience providing services to the focus population
• Provide services in a manner sensitive to the characteristics and cultures of the population of the designated neighborhood
• Ability to understand the concepts of institutional and structural racism and bias and their impact on underserved and underrepresented communities.
• Demonstrated commitment to supporting communities who have experienced systemic oppression and bias (e.g., Black, Indigenous and people of color, LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, criminal legal system involved persons, etc.).
• Maintain a flexible schedule, including occasional weekend and evening hours
• Collaborate with other Clinical Team programs as needed
• Other duties as assigned by program coordinator and Clinical Director

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• High school/HSE diploma required;
• Peer/Credible Messenger certification preferred (eg. CRPA, NYSPA, YPA, FPA etc);
• Two years’ experience working with youth and young adults;
• Preference given to those with lived experience of substance use, criminal legal systems and/or other systems

It is the policy of RiseBoro to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment. No individual will be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, age, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, political or union affiliation, marital or partnership status, sex, sexual orientation or affectional preference, gender identity, familial status, genetic information or predisposition or characteristic, disability, status as a victim of domestic violence, status as a veteran or member of the U.S. military and related obligations, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, job placement, compensation, benefits, training and apprenticeship, employee development, promotion, demotion, discipline, transfer, lay-off, recall, and termination. RiseBoro makes reasonable accommodations based on religion and/or disability as required by law, and requests for accommodation are to be directed to the Human Resources Department.