Youth Mentor-Per Diem

Community Partners in Action (CPA), one of the oldest organizations of its kind in the country, champions criminal justice reform and advocates for preserving the dignity of those in and out of prison. Through programs that include reentry and housing, youth initiatives, a nationally recognized Prison Arts Program, and holistic alternatives to incarceration, CPA provides a long-term impact that positively transforms individuals and society. Annually serving over 4,000 individuals throughout Connecticut, CPA is guided by its BEDI (Belonging, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) culture.

About the Program

The REGIONS Site Secure Program is a secure residential treatment program for up to 16 male youth. The mission is to provide a home-like, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, gender-specific, linguistically appropriate, strengths-based, and relationship-driven environment to help youth improve their social, physical, and emotional well-being. The program aims to therapeutically intervene in the cycle of offending, reduce risk factors, and prevent transition into the adult justice system.

The youth in this program are high-risk, likely with a history of violence and significant risk for future violence. They may pose a risk to public safety, demonstrate chronic patterns of violent offenses, and present with complex needs that are challenging to treat. Youth may exhibit escalating antisocial behavior, high AWOL risk, and low treatment amenability.

Responsibilities

• Provide mentorship and support to male youth in a secure residential treatment program.
• Engage youth in a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and strengths-based milieu.
• Transport clients to appointments and into the community, including in mechanical restraints as needed.
• Respond to crises and manage behavioral challenges using effective decision-making and crisis management skills.
• Work additional hours and/or overtime as required.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree or higher with experience working with at-risk or court-involved adolescents in residential treatment programs. A Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a related internship may substitute for work experience.
• Understanding of gender-specific, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and linguistically appropriate care.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, emotional intelligence, and crisis management skills.
• Ability to interact effectively with a multicultural population.
• Belief in the capacity for change and commitment to providing quality services to individuals in need.
• Willingness to work in a hardware-secure environment.
• Valid CT driver’s license, reliable transportation, and ability to transport clients.
• Capacity to become medication and Safe Crisis Management (SCM) certified.
• Bilingual ability (Spanish/English) preferred.
• Candidates with lived experience are encouraged to apply.

Training

• Complete and pass a mandatory 120-hour training curriculum within the first year of employment (conducted during standard hours, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM).
• Complete a minimum of 40 hours of annual training thereafter.
• Required trainings include Ethics and Boundaries, Suicide Prevention, First Aid/CPR/AED, and Safe Crisis Management.

Schedule

• Per diem position covering all shifts, including weekends and holidays.
• Must commit to working a minimum of 24 hours per month.

Pay

$20.00 per hour.