Alba Youth Mentor

New Avenues for Youth; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

New Avenues for Youth is seeking a compassionate youth advocate to mentor high-risk youth and families in Portland, ME. Use lived and professional experience to support recovery, navigate systems, and build trust with participants.

You will lead group and individual sessions, coordinate with partners, and maintain clear documentation to help our programs serve more youth effectively. A valid driver's license and reliable transportation are required.

Qualifications

• Two years minimum of experience working with high-risk youth and/or families.
• Experience with case management preferred.
• Valid driver’s license, access to an automobile, and active auto insurance.

Responsibilities

• Be a Mentor and Guide: Build genuine connections with youth, share relevant experiences to instill confidence and trust.
• Empower Through Advocacy: Help youth navigate complex systems, access resources, collaborate with providers, and support recovery decisions.
• Support Growth and Learning: Lead group sessions, recreational activities, and individual support meetings to foster connection and development.
• Document the Journey: Maintain accurate records to ensure programs have data to thrive.

Skills

Empathy

Active listening

Advocacy

Cultural competence

Relationship building

Job description

Who You Are:

• Experienced: You have faced and overcome challenges related to substance use, mental health, and/or houselessness. Your experience is a source of strength and fuels your compassion and care.
• 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.
• Equitable: You understand how systemic oppression impacts the lives of youth in programs and the systems that you will support youth in navigating. You approach this world with humility and a deep sense of growth and learning.

What You’ll Do:

• Be a Mentor and Guide: Build genuine connections with youth, share relevant and intentional experiences to instill confidence and build trust.
• Empower Through Advocacy: Help young people navigate complex systems, access resources, collaborate and coordinate with other providers, and make informed decisions about their own recovery journey.
• Support Growth and Learning: Lead and participate in group sessions, recreational activities, and individual support meetings that foster connection and personal development.
• 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.

Qualifications:

• Relevant prior work experience, lived experience, or both
• Minimum of two years of experience working with high-risk youth and/or families, case management experience preferred
• Ability and commitment to working with sexual minorities and culturally diverse staff, participants, and community partners
• Valid driver’s license, access to an automobile, and active auto insurance.
• understanding of the issues of substance abuse, mental health, trauma, abuse and adolescent development

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.

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.