POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT – PLEASE POST
POSITION TITLE:
PROGRAM:
OPENING DATE:
CLOSING DATE:
HOURS/WEEK:
STATUS:
Mental Health (MH) Support Specialist
Runaway & Homeless Youth Services Programs
November 9, 2015
Open Until Filled
40
Regular, Benefit-eligible, Non-exempt
SCHEDULE: Wednesday 3 p.m. - 12 a.m.; Thursday 9 a.m. - 12 a.m.; Friday 5 p.m. - 12 a.m.; and Saturday 3 p.m. - 12
a.m. However, this schedule may be adjusted according to the needs of the program.
WAGE/BENEFITS: $15.00 per hour. Janus offers an excellent benefits program including medical, dental, life & longterm disability insurance; EAP; 401(k) and paid time off (varied eligibility waiting periods apply). Voluntary optional
coverages are also available.
TO APPLY: Submit resume and cover letter to Dennis Lundberg, at dlundberg@janusyouth.org.
Due to the volume of applications received, we regret that we can contact only those applicants who are invited to
interview. If it happens that you are not contacted to arrange an interview, please know that we are grateful for
your interest in employment opportunities at Janus Youth Programs.
Janus Youth Programs, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Find out more about Janus at our website,
www.janusyouth.org!
SUMMARY: The primary role of the Homeless Youth Continuum (HYC) Mental Health (MH) and Alcohol and Drug
(AOD) Specialist is to support transition age homeless youth (aged 16-24) who are experiencing crisis in the Janus
Youth homeless shelter facilities. The MH Specialist will work with other HYC MH/AOD Specialists as part of a
system of care to develop the program and services in a manner that assist the Homeless Youth Continuum in
fulfilling its mission of improving engagement and support of street-dependent youth considering or involved in drug
and alcohol recovery or youth who need additional mental health support to maintain and/or engage in HYC services.
The MH Specialist will utilize Motivational Interviewing and Stages of Change models to assess and provide
appropriate supports and referrals to ongoing counseling and care.
This position (1 of 6 in the HYC) provides primary support to the homeless youth shelters (Short Term and Crisis
Shelters) staff and youth accessing shelter. The MH Support Specialists will provide crisis intervention services to
youth in shelter and support shelter staff in maintaining a safe environment in shelter. The MH Support Specialists
will work for Janus Youth Programs but will also have work responsibilities throughout the other HYC agencies via
engaging with youth in drop-in programs, facilitating and/or coordinating recreational and/or group activities, or
participating in outreach services.
QUALIFICATIONS Any combination of education, experience and training that demonstrates the ability to perform
the duties of the position is qualifying. This would typically include:
 Certified Alcohol and Drug Credentials (CADC I, II or III) and additional licensure/qualification
(QMHA/QMHP/LCSW/LPC) preferred (or willingness to work towards licensure).
 A minimum of 2 years working in any of the following: case management, mental health and/or substance
abuse treatment or counseling experience (dual diagnosis experience preferred), and experience working with
homeless populations, preferably for at-risk youth.
 Must value working in a multicultural/diverse environment.
 Preference may be extended to current employees of Janus Youth Programs, Inc.
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Required Abilities:
Ability to work effectively within: Culturally diverse populations; team-dependent models; crisis management;
systemic theory; strength based theoretical orientation; adolescent and youth development; and family
reunification. Ability to work effectively may be demonstrated through academic experience, job experience,
references, and interview responses.
A Bi-lingual skill (Spanish) is preferred.
Must value working in a multicultural/diverse environment.
Must be able to project confidence when interacting with individuals or groups of high-risk homeless youth
and engage in conversation to further develop trusting and professional relationships with youth, including
youth in shelter and/or while engaging youth in outreach services.
Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
Ability to accurately write, read, record and interpret information.
Ability to climb at least two flights of stairs.
Ability to provide visual and auditory supervision of clients.
Ability to stay calm and emotionally available in an environment serving at-risk and emotionally troubled
youth.
Ability to exercise tact, discretion, and judgment in working with a variety of people.
Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries in working with others and in handling confidential
information.
Ability to effectively monitor safety and demonstrate group management skills and effectively de-escalate
potentially chaotic or volatile situations.
Ability to regularly attend and be punctual for scheduled work commitments and meetings, and be in a
condition suitable for assuming responsibilities of position.
Manual/physical dexterity allowing for performance of routine office functions, including phone use,
computer use, faxing, filing, copying, etc.
Good basic counseling skills.
Knowledge and understanding of adolescent development, stages of change theory, harm reduction and
motivational interviewing.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION:
 Valid driver’s license for state of residency and driving record meeting criteria permitting coverage under the
Agency’s driving policy is required. Although this position does not require driving a personal vehicle, any
employee who drives a personal vehicle for work-related purposes must also have and maintain personal auto
liability coverage ($100,000/$300,000 level strongly recommended). All employees driving for work purposes,
regardless of whether driving a personal or agency vehicle and regardless of whether driving with or without
clients, must complete the Agency’s driving approval process before driving for work purposes.
 First-Aid Certification Required.
 TB clearance
 Must pass criminal history record check.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
 May involve exposure to communicable diseases which can encompass a variety of infections and illnesses,
including the common cold, TB, Hepatitis A, B & C, and HIV.
 May involve exposure to upset, angry, severely traumatized or emotionally disturbed children, adolescents and
families.
 Will involve some flexibility in scheduling and adjusting work hours in order to attend staff meetings and or meet
other performance expectations of position.
DIVERSITY SPOKEN HERE - JANUS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
WWW.JANUSYOUTH.ORG