POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT – PLEASE POST
POSITION TITLE:
PROGRAM:
OPENING DATE:
CLOSING DATE:
HOURS/WEEK:
STATUS:
Mental Health (MH) Support Specialist
Runaway & Homeless Youth Services Programs
May 28, 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 & long-term 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.
website, www.janusyouth.org!
Find out more about Janus at our
SUMMARY: The primary role of the Homeless Youth Continuum (HYC) Mental Health (MH) and Alcohol
and Drug (AOD) Specialist is to provide services as part of a system of care to address the mental health
and alcohol and other drug needs of transition age homeless youth (aged 16-24). The MH Specialist will
work with the other HYC MH/AOD Specialists 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 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.
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:
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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.
Required Abilities:
Ability to work effectively within: Culturally diverse populations; team-dependent models; crisis
management; systemic theory; strength based theoretical orientation; adolescent and youth
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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 deescalate 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:
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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.
DIVERSITY SPOKEN HERE - JANUS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
WWW.JANUSYOUTH.ORG