Group Leader (Justice for Youth & Family Services) - Rising Ground, Inc

Rising Ground provides caring support and proven paths to positive change, helping children, adults, and families rise above adversity, and each year, Rising Ground is a positive force in the lives of more than 25,000 individuals. We do this through 50 programs in 70 locations throughout New York City and Westchester. Our strong belief and commitment to diversity shows not just through our work with supported persons, but is integral to the building of a strong staff that reflects the communities we serve.

The Group Leader will work to provide the opportunity for JFY youth to ameliorate criminogenic needs and gain /learn life skills through groups as well as coaching and direct interaction in the milieu. The Group Leader will also provide opportunities for youth to exercise, socialize and share common interests with peers through organized recreational and cultural activities. The work requires the application of specialized skills, training and planning to meet the needs of the youth being served. The Group Leader monitors check-ins, engages the youth in group process throughout the day and leads five skills group each week at a regularly scheduled time. The Group Leader provides updates on each youth’s progress in the milieu during treatment team.

• Ensure that youth in the JYF are able to achieve their individual goals in collaboration with their YLS goals.
• Coordinates and facilitates structured activities/workshops for JYF residents, lead groups in preparatory courses and trainings.
• Attending all meetings as required by supervisor, professional workshops and seminars to further knowledge and resources to provide to youth.
• Provide instruction to residents by explaining and demonstrating the proper techniques, procedures, and rules used in specific activities, games and sports.
• Conduct regular safety inspections of recreation equipment and grounds.
• Responsible for the planning of the program calendar and daily groups and activities.
• Assist with youth engagement in daily program services.
• Requisition, secure, and inventory necessary materials, supplies and equipment.
• Motivate residents to become involved in recreation programs by participating and leading specific activities. Provide instruction to residents by explaining and demonstrating the proper techniques, procedures, and rules used in specific activities, games and sports.
• Maintain accurate documentation and complete the timely entry of progress notes into CONNECTIONS in accordance with state and agency standards within 5 days of the event date.
• Support the Milieu Treatment Model with the end goal of teaching young people to make positive, lasting changes in their behavior by preparing them to be self-sufficient through education and developing life skills.
• Maintain and update program documentation.
• Works closely with Program Director and staff members to ensure quality services are provided.
• Works in the milieu observing and coaching staff on their interactions with youth supported.
• Conducts 5 groups per week (including skills groups as well as 7 Challenges Groups).
• Participate and present in Staff Meetings to discuss youth progress.
• Attends treatment team meetings and provides information on youth-supported group participation and current Pathway and Group Work and skill acquisition assignments.
•  Provide input on YLS case plans and BSPs, monitor progress, and make recommendations on Skills and Activities.
•  Assigns program work to youth and provides support to the youth and their Advocates.
•  Creates diary cards with youth and monitors their completion weekly.
•  Collaborate with Fair Future Coaches and Fair Future Education and Vocational specialists regarding Preparing Youth For Adulthood (PYA), facilitating groups and recreational and pro-social activities.
• ·Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor degree in human services strongly preferred.
• High School Diploma required.
• Experience working with youth and families in residential settings.
• Experience working within child welfare and/or juvenile justice fields.
• Proficient computer skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Knowledge and understanding of individual and group behavior.
• Knowledge of and continued training in individual and group counseling techniques, including verbal and physical crisis intervention/de-escalation techniques.
• Understanding of the possible functions of behaviors of concern.
• Understanding of child development and family & community systems.

Salary Range $60,000 - $70,000

Benefit ( Medical, Vision, Dental, PTO, 401k matching)

(35) Hr/Wk Schedule flexible to the need of services.