What are the responsibilities and job description for the At-Risk Youth Parent Mentor position at St. Clair County, MI?
POSITION SUMMARY
Under the supervision of the Day Treatment/Night Watch Administrative Team, the At-Risk Youth Parent Mentor works directly with parents of youth involved in Day Treatment/Night Watch Program to assist in creating sustained change to allow their child to be successful. This position works collaboratively with the clinical team to teach parenting skills through evidence-based programming, including de-escalation techniques and assist in the coordination of other services. Although the At-Risk Youth Parent Mentor works primarily with the parents, it is imperative that these positions understand the youth’s behaviors or mental health diagnoses, and to work in cohesion with other Day Treatment Program staff.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
This list may not be inclusive of the total scope of job functions to be performed. Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted or modified at any time.
- Work collaboratively with parents of court involved youth to build a positive working relationship to support and assist behavioral change with the use of evidenced-based programs.
- Being an active part in the creation and implementation of the family treatment plan.
- Assist parents in working effectively with other community agencies or treatment providers.
- Attend, contribute, and advocate in Program team meetings.
- Encourage parental participation in their child’s mental health treatment, educational needs, or other areas.
- Provide in-home and community-based supports such as crisis intervention in attempts to mitigate ongoing conflict amongst the family.
- Assist parents in navigating educational, state, and community resources. Physical transportation or the coordination of transportation may be necessary.
- Work in cohesion with At-Risk Youth Workers to best treat the dynamics within the family home.
- Other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Reports directly to the Program Director, Program Manager, and the Assistant Program Manager. May receive directives from a Mental Health Therapist, as needed.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
No direct supervision is exercised.
EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, EDUCATION:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required to perform the essential functions of the position. Applicants may be required to take written and/or other examinations. An employee in this classification, upon appointment, must have the following training and experience:
- Graduation from an accredited high school (GED acceptable) supplemented by college coursework in the following areas: Child Development, Criminal Justice, Education, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work or a closely related field required.
- Associates degree with a major in Child Development, Criminal Justice, Education, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work or a closely related field preferred.
- 1 to 3 years of responsible work experience required; experience working with at-risk or delinquent youth preferred.
- An equivalent combination of relevant professional work experience supplemented by technical training, and/or certification may substitute for education requirement.
- Ability to remain calm and appropriately manage emergencies.
- Writing, reading, mathematical principles; proficient computer skills-Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook; exercise sound judgment and decision making in accordance with policies and procedures; ability to research and problem solve independently; knowledge of County operations and functions; ability to prioritize and time manage; handle stressful situations, provide effective and friendly customer service; support the County's mission and values; ability to think critically where necessary.
- Knowledge or understanding of basic administrative tasks: operate standard office equipment; document management; prepare and maintain records, various correspondences and reports; answer general inquiries and refer as necessary; answer telephone calls, process mail, order supplies/equipment; prepare meeting agendas, attend meetings, record/transcribe/distribute minutes; entering, transcribing, recording, storing or maintaining information in written or electronic form with speed and accuracy; maintain calendars, arrange meetings, schedule rooms and equipment as necessary.
- Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with management, co-workers and clients; obtain and communicate accurate information; apply common sense understanding to complex instructions and respond accordingly; communicate complex ideas through graphs, charts, presentations, reports or other professional correspondence.
ESSENTIAL ABILITIES FOR ALL ST. CLAIR COUNTY JOB CLASSIFICATIONS:
- Ability to demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance.
- Ability to read, write & communicate in English; follow written and verbal instruction and understand basic mathematics and figure checking.
- Ability to interpret and apply procedures, rules, technical information, instructions, manuals to complete tasks accurately and on schedule.
- Ability to learn from directions, observations, and mistakes; and apply procedures using good judgement.
- Ability to use discretion and maintain sensitive and confidential information.
- Ability to work independently or part of a team; ability to interact appropriately with others such as County officials, employees, vendors and the general public.
- Ability to work under supervision, receiving instructions/feedback, coaching/counseling and/or action/discipline.
- Adaptability to change in the work environment, managing competing demands and ability to deal with frequent changes, delays or unexpected events.
- Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction
- Proficient skills using Microsoft Office programs including, but not limited to: Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook as required. Proficiency may be tested.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
- Prior to starting employment, the candidate must complete a satisfactory background check. The background check is understood to encompass all forms of pre-employment screening, including but not limited to: drug screen, physical, criminal background, driving record, sex offender registry, education, training and licensing verification, employment history, credit check, and professional and personal references.
- Possess a valid State of Michigan Operator’s License and maintain eligibility to drive as per the County’s vehicle policy throughout employment in this position.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job with or without accommodations. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:
- Speak to others to convey information effectively.
- Read, interpret and understand procedures, rules, technical information, instructions and manuals.
- Hear and understand information presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Specific vision requirement includes close vision, distance vision, color and depth perception.
- Use hands to operate a computer, handle materials and operate equipment.
- Push or pull carts, reach with hands and arms forward, above and below shoulder level.
- Lift, move or carry objects, equipment and supplies weighing up to 25 pounds.
- Sit, bend, stoop, crouch, crawl and kneel in an ergonomically correct manner.
- Stand and walk, climb stairs.
- Normal office hours are from 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m.
- Generally works in a normal office environment.
- The noise level in the work environment is moderate with many interruptions.
Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job requirements or duties performed. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: It is the policy of St. Clair County not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, disability that does not prevent performing essential job functions or because he or she is a protected veteran.