Credible Messager

Tides Family Services (TFS) is introducing the Credible Messenger program to Rhode Island, aiming to support justice-involved youth at the highest risk for incarceration, reincarceration, or death. Credible Messengers are mentors who have overcome their involvement in the juvenile or criminal justice systems. They use their lived experience to establish credibility with youth, offering guidance, support, and resources to help them make positive life choices, develop essential skills, and break the cycle of criminal behavior. 

Essential Functions:

• Establish and maintain caring, authentic relationships with youth.
• Provide intensive mentoring, dedicating ten or more hours per week per youth.
• Use lived experiences to offer guidance, support, and resources.
• Promote non-violent conflict resolution techniques and peaceful alternatives to violence.
• Implement Transformative Mentoring to improve social and emotional well-being.
• Assist in increasing youth’s educational and vocational opportunities.
• Foster restorative justice by creating positive connections between youth and their communities.
• Address trauma, build resilience, and promote positive self-identity.
• Focus on real-time skill development and help youth navigate challenges.
• Provide mentoring in community-based settings, the RI Training School, or other out-of-home placements.
• Provide flexible scheduling, allowing for day, evening, and weekend access including participation in an on-call rotation.
• Provide transportation when needed and assist with logistical needs to ensure youth can access services.
• Collaborate with clinical supervisors, case managers, and other TFS staff.
• Engage with DCYF, Family Court, and other key stakeholders to provide holistic support.
• Support family participation and help youth establish a network of natural support in the community.
• Participate in comprehensive training provided by TFS and collaborative partners.

• Lived experience with the juvenile or criminal justice systems and demonstrated sustained rehabilitation.
• High school diploma or GED preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to build caring, authentic relationships with youth.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to promoting non-violent conflict resolution and positive youth development.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and on-call as needed. 
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn various clinical philosophies, including Positive Youth Development, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Restorative Justice.
• Cultural competence and sensitivity to the diverse needs of the youth served.
• Bilingual or multilingual capabilities.
• Experience working with high-risk youth populations.
• Understanding of trauma-informed care and its application in service delivery.

Compensation will be determined based on the candidate’s experience, education, language capacity, skills, and other qualifications relevant to the role, in alignment with organizational parity guidelines and market conditions.   The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to satisfactorily perform essential duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Tides Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values our diverse workforce and encourages all mission driven candidates to apply. We are a PBN Best Place to Work recipient, a Safe Zone Certified Employer, and a Veteran Friendly Employer. Join our team!