Youth Support Specialist

Youth Support Specialist
Wednesday - Saturday
Litchfield, CT 06759
$20.40 per hour


About This Job:
The Youth Support Specialist (Youth Mentor) provides flexible, on-call support to adolescents in a structured program setting. This role supports the youth's individualized treatment plans through therapeutic consistent role modeling. This position is ideal for those looking to contribute on a part-time, as needed basis while making a meaningful impact. Sensitivity to subjects such as mental health, suicide, and contraband is essential.

• Ensure the physical safety of youth, including conducting safety checks, routine counts, and bed checks, and providing crisis intervention as needed.
• Respond promptly and effectively to behavioral, health, or safety emergencies, maintaining calm and professionalism.
• Maintain proper physical and professional boundaries, fostering respectful relationships with youth.
• Support youth with personal hygiene, self-care routines, and daily living skills.
• Plan, lead, and facilitate organized daily activities, therapeutic groups, and programming such as Restorative Justice Practices and DBT-Lite.
• Reinforce youth’s individual treatment and needs plans through role modeling and consistent support.
• Interpret program goals and plans to youth and their families to promote understanding and engagement.
• Complete all required documentation, reports, and incident reports accurately and timely.
• Monitor youth during meals, snacks, recreational activities, and other scheduled events to promote safety and positive engagement.
• Assist with transportation for youth and families, ensuring safety during travel.
• Maintain certification in medication administration and oversee proper medication management for youth with health needs.
• Be aware of and address the safety and needs of youth with physical or emotional disabilities or special needs.
• Participate in team meetings, debriefings, and case discussions to coordinate care and share updates.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe environment, including tidying activity and living areas.
• Respect youth confidentiality and privacy at all times.
• Support youth in developing life skills, independence, and positive coping strategies.
• Demonstrate flexibility in shift hours, including evenings and weekends, to ensure consistent support.
• Attend regularly and maintain consistent presence to provide reliable care and supervision.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent and experience working with at-risk or court-involved adolescents - Required
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• A valid driver’s license - Required
• Flexible hours/weekends and evenings
• Ability to respond calmly and effectively in emergency situations
• Strong communication and conflict resolution skills
• Experience working with diverse populations or culturally responsive practices
• Demonstrated understanding of adolescent development and mental health issues
• Reliable transportation and flexibility to work varying shifts, including evenings and weekends

Shift and Rate of Pay:

• $20.40 per hour
  • Wednesday 2pm-midnight
  • Thursday 2pm-midnight
  • Friday 2pm-midnight
  • Saturday 2pm-midnight
• Additional shifts may be offered as they become available
• Turn down shifts if you're not available
• Time and a half/ overtime eligible

Benefits:
At CJR, we pride ourselves on creating a compassionate, culturally responsive work environment and offering a comprehensive benefits package that encourages and supports a healthy work/life balance. Joining our team, full-time employees will enjoy the following benefits:

• Free daily nutritious meals
• Low-cost Medical Insurance Plan option
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance offered after 30 days of employment
• Company Paid Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Generous Paid Vacation Package (unused time eligible for carry over)
• Generous Paid Sick Time (unused time eligible for carry over)
• Paid Holiday Time (separate from vacation time)
• Floating Holidays (separate from paid vacation time and paid holiday time)
• Annual monetary incentives
• Tuition Assistance
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match
• Career Growth Opportunities
• Company Celebrations & Employee Recognition Program
• Employee discounts (cell phone, computer)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Qualified Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Employer Federal Student Aid
• 10%-20% tuition discount at many local educational institutions, including those listed by the CT Nonprofit Alliance

About CJR:
A career at CJR is focused on working to ensure that every young person has an opportunity to thrive! CJR reaches across the state of Connecticut to deliver a broad continuum of care through our residential, education, wellness, and community-based programs. At CJR, you will experience a fulfilling career with an employer that encourages advancement, respects diversity, and rewards excellence!
CJR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. We welcome everyone to apply, especially those individuals who are underrepresented in the industry. We embrace the competitive advantage of diversity.