I. PURPOSE/FUNCTION OF PROGRAM

The Youth Link Mentoring Service is a program for LGBTQIA+ youth ages 14-18 or 21 years of age who have been referred by DCF. The focus will be to provide mentoring services to DCF committed youth who are residing in the state of Connecticut. The program seeks to create a supportive long-term relation with a caring adult for all adolescents, but particularly for LGBTQIA+ youth who may have experienced significant rejection based on their identity. This service will provide the basis for that relationship.

II. POSITION OVERVIEW

Provides support services and advocacy to LGBTQ youth of diverse identities and communities. These services would be in-home or in the community. The RSS will utilize tools to screen for treatment needs in the areas of substance abuse and mental health. The RSS will then provide brief intervention inclusive of referral to community providers for longer term needs.

III. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct SBIRT and GAIN screening tools to identify substance abuse and mental health treatment needs
• Provide brief intervention services
• Refer program participants to appropriate community providers
• Address client homelessness and vocational support including job coaching and interviewing/ soft skills
• Increase awareness of substance abuse
• Responsible for maintaining documentation, paperwork and record keeping in accordance with state, federal and BGV policies
• Provide follow-up outreach and engagement to individuals needing follow-up for behavioral health related issues.
• Facilitate groups for people in early recovery and provide a listening ear.
• Provide appropriate positive self-disclosure and act as a role model.
• Advocate on behalf of individuals served
• Work a flexible schedule that includes some evening and weekend hours to accommodate individual family needs and routine appointments.
• Provide in-home or in the community services, as well as virtually when appropriate and approved.
• Attend Connecticut Community for Addition Recovery (CCAR) coach academy for young adults and will be fully certified as a Recovery Coach.
• Could be assigned cases and required to drive to any of our catchment areas (Norwalk, Bridgeport, New Haven, Waterbury)

IV. ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS

• 2 or more years of professional experience in the field of behavioral health for adolescents and/or LGBTQIA+ and/or transitional age youth
• Case management experience.

V. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bi-lingual English/Spanish desired
• Persons with lived experience preferred
• CCAR Recovery Coach Academy completion preferred.
• Experience with data entry

VI. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• N/A

VII. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Must be able to work with clients in a variety of settings
• Must be able to climb several flights of stairs

VIII. WORKING CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENT

• Valid Driver’s License and ability to drive off site to statewide meetings
• Flexible work schedule to include occasional nights and weekends