Credible Messenger

Description

STATUS:                      Full Time with Benefits 

PROGRAM:                Community Safety & Wellbeing Division / Health & Wellness Sector

REPORTS TO:            Wellness Coordinator / Peer Support Supervisor

OPENING DATE:      September 21, 2023

CLOSING DATE:       Open until filled; reviewing applications on an ongoing basis.

REQUIREMENTS:    English required; African language bilingual/bicultural preferred. Lived experience with gun and gang violence required. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or request for accommodation may be required. Valid driver's license and verification of current auto insurance. Ability to pass background check.

OPENING STATEMENT:

IRCO is deeply committed to a community of excellence, equity, and diversity and welcomes applications from women, underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities, sexual minority groups, and other candidates who will contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are core values of IRCO. We believe that our organization is enhanced when diverse groups of people with diverse ideas come together to learn. Applicants whose work incorporates a global perspective and a demonstrated commitment to issues of diversity are particularly encouraged to apply. 

POSITION SUMMARY:

IRCO’s Health & Wellness department provides culturally appropriate health and behavioral health navigation services to immigrant and refugee families and beyond. The Credible Messenger (CM) works within IRCO’s Health & Wellness Department to provide support and services to communities impacted by gun violence in Multnomah County. The CM will use their own lived experience to reach youth and their families, with a focus on serving those from African refugee and African American youth population and their families. Though services will be focused toward African American and African refugees, services will not be denied to other ethnic or racial groups. The CM will work collaboratively with other CMs and mental health consultants from Multnomah County and operate from a community engagement model that is rooted in racial equity, trust building, understanding, and healing. Together with Multnomah County’s Mental Health team, the CM will provide a range of culturally relevant, trauma-informed services, consultation, and training with the goal of improving social, emotional, and family functioning to those most impacted by community, gun, and gang violence. Utilizing their personal expertise and experience, the CM will provide culturally relevant support, outreach, engagement, and connection to resources. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• Collaborate with IRCO’s Health and Wellness sector, attend required trainings and meetings, and provide progress reports.
• Must be able to build rapport with Africa House staff, and comfortably, confidently, and effectively engage with at-risk youth and their families.
• Assess community needs and concerns by conducting outreach and attending regular meetings at Africa House.
• Represent IRCO/Credible Messenger program at meetings with Multnomah County’s Mental Health Team and other community stakeholders.
• After completing the Mental Health First Aid training, employ basic mental health intervention skills with participants.
• Model and practice strong communication skills, effective coping skills, healthy boundaries, and self-help strategies with individuals and groups helping them make better choices, avoid further/future involvement in the justice system, manage conflict, goal setting, connection to community resources, connection to employment opportunities, and anything needed for them to be successful at home, at school, and in their community. Develop peer-led, in-person, drop-in scheduled, and virtual programming for individuals and groups, consistent with a strengths-based model.
• Provide a strengths-based approach in all family engagement using motivational interviewing when appropriate.
• Lead culturally responsive trainings for the community related to mental and emotional wellbeing and engage in dialogue with community members on these topics.
• Serve as a liaison between the community and mental health supports, providing basic education about mental health, breaking down stigma, and referring individuals and families to behavioral health services at Multnomah County’s Mental Health Program. 
• Provide basic case management, connecting individuals and families to resources within IRCO and in the community at large. 
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, committees, and activities to support program and agency’s goals.
• Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

Requirements

JOB SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Lived experience of being from a community impacted by gang and/or community violence.
• Experience working with and supporting youth and families.
• Experience with care coordination, case management, and/or experience working with participants and service providers to achieve client objectives. 
• Experience communicating with individuals from a wide range of racial, ethnic, cultural, 
• and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team.
• Strong and effective problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.

KNOWLEDGE: 

Education: Some college course work (2)

Experience: 3-4 years of experience is required (4)

Licensure, Certification:  Certification as a peer support specialist helpful, and/or ability to become certified within 90 days of hire.

Additional Language Required:  English required; African language/s preferred.

Computers:  All positions at IRCO require use of a computer and experience working with Microsoft Products including but not limited to Microsoft 365, Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint. In addition, this position specifically requires a reliable internet connection with the ability to handle databases, and reliable cell phone coverage.

SKILLS:

Communication:        

Regular  communication inside and outside the organization to exchange ideas and gather  information (5)

Creativity:        

Regular  need for redesign of a single focus process or procedure is needed (3)

EFFORT:

Mental:       

There  is a regular need for assessment of risk, analysis of options and decisions  without complete information (5)

Physical:       

Positions  at this level require some physical efforts or manual labor such as lifting,  carrying or constant movement. Positions with regular responsibility for driving are to be placed at  least at this level (3)

RESPONSIBILITY:

Impact and Influence:        

Positions  at this level have a some need or ability to analyze problem or concepts or  make decisions on the information. Positions at this level have some impact to  and influence on organization operations, programs, expense or budgetary  outcomes. (3)

Work Independence:        

Positions  at this level are expected to handle regularly assigned work which includes  making decisions and taking action under limited supervision. New or unusual work is performed with a  moderate degree of supervision, assistance, and review. (3)

Planning:       

Positions  at this level required refined planning and goal-setting skills. Plans must consider options and  contingencies, and must include methods for handling any difficulties  encountered. (4)

Supervision:       

Positions  at this level are not responsible for any supervisory functions or  responsibilities, but may occasionally be asked to orient and/or train new  employees or volunteers. (1)

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Environment:       

This  level has a work environment that contains hazards or obstacles on a regular  basis.  Working conditions ionclude regular interactions with regular  hostile individuals, gangs, victims of abuse, and individual safety plans are  created. (5)

Schedule:     

The  work schedule occasionally fluctuates based on organization or customer needs.  This fluctuation may occur with or without prior notice. (3)