Position Overview: 

The Brave Advisor Program will work in collaboration with YAB members and OCFS staff to lead planning efforts and activities to create a YAB experience that amplifies inclusivity from across the state and shifts creative decision making to the young adult constituents.   The Bravehearts will serve as process experts and will facilitate youth development skills, activities, and planning discussions with YAB members on youth leadership. Bravehearts will oversee and supervise the YAB members, facilitate board management, recruitment, retention, and collective organizational development.

While providing these concrete supports, the Brave Advisor Program Coordinator will utilize their personal lived experiences combined with training and system expertise to help YAB members develop autonomy and youth leadership skills, build positive relationships, instill resiliency, all while addressing statewide systemic and environmental barriers within the child welfare, juvenile justice, mental health systems.

Position Qualifications:

* High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma required.

*Valid NYS Driver’s license is preferred but not required.

*Must possess personal lived experience within the Child Welfare and/or Juvenile Justice system and also possess knowledge in the areas of navigating the educational, employment, and housing systems and resources of New York State.

*Must have basic understanding and computer literacy skills with Microsoft office such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

*Must be able to adapt engagement utilizing video conferencing platforms when necessary.

*Must have strong organizational and oral communication skills as well as group facilitation skills.

*Must have the ability to efficiently multitask duties.

*Must have ability to plan and coordinate special events within the community.

*Must have experience and ability to navigate the public transportation system and an understanding of how to navigate community resources.

*Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of culture, race and issues facing adolescents of color.

*Demonstrate ability to effectively use a multi-cultural approach in working with special needs populations of youth.

*Ability to work as a team member and independently, as well as actively participate in supervision.

* Ability to practice and embody Braveheart values and methodology. 

*Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with fellow mentors and mentees, as well as ability to foster strong partnerships with professionals.

*Willingness to speak publicly and facilitate/participate in groups and trainings.

*Ability to maintain/organize progress notes and data on mentees. 

The Children’s Village does not discriminate against any employee, prospective employee or contractor because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, creed, age, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic predisposition, domestic violence victim status, criminal conviction history or any other protected classification under federal, state or local law.