Youth and Young Adult Trauma Specialist

Job Title: Youth and Young Adult Trauma Specialist

Program/Department: Youth and Young Adult Services

Position Type: Exempt, Full-Time 40 hours/ week – Hybrid (In-Person and Remote)

Location: Statewide

Reports to: Youth and Young Adult Training Program Manager

About IHR: The Institute for Health and Recovery (IHR) is a statewide service, research, policy, program development and capacity building agency. IHR designs its services based on an understanding of the impact of trauma. IHR’s CARF accredited treatment programs provide holistic interventions for hard to reach and high-risk individuals and families. IHR’s mission, since our founding in 1990, has been to develop and support a comprehensive continuum of care for families, individuals, youth, and pregnant and parenting people affected by alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, violence/trauma, mental health challenges and other health issues, while advancing principles of health equity and social justice. Our work is focused on addressing and eradicating inequities in our health care, economic, and justice systems, especially as they disproportionately affect women and people of color. We are committed to providing services and creating communities that mitigate the effects of substance use, mental illness, and trauma.

Summary Statement: The Youth and Young Adult Trauma Specialist will be responsible for providing technical assistance and training to staff at youth serving systems and state agencies on addressing trauma and trauma informed care. The position will provide technical assistance and trainings both virtually and in person, throughout the state of Massachusetts. The trainer develops evidence-based trainings (including online self-paced modules); and aids in identifying resources for adolescents and transitional age youth in the community.

Essential Functions:

• Provide training and consultation, in person and virtually, to staff that support youth and young adults impacted by substance use and trauma.
• Create and deliver training, content, curriculums, and literature reviews for varied staff and community audiences on topics related to the impact of trauma experiences, substance use, and co-occurring disorders on youth and young adults through a trauma informed DEIJ lens.
• Engage in content development of resource guides, toolkits, and other resources that support the growing needs of families and providers who support youth and young adults.
• Staying abreast of current trends and approaches that includes the use of a diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) lens.
• Assess for need and adapt training, content, and technical assistance for each program, agency, and service to reflect needs, trends, and best practices to support a holistic approach to care.
• Research, develop, and maintain live and online web-based content that incorporate evidence-based approaches to support youth and young adults.
• Work collaboratively in the development of training, co-facilitation, and sharing knowledge across the youth team and across IHR.
• Assist in identifying statewide needs for trainings, consultation, and resources.
• Act as a resource to state agency offices, juvenile courts, Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI) providers, schools, and other youth-based services.
• Assist programs in identifying resources in their communities.
• Compile evaluations from trainings and feedback from staff.
• Maintain and update, quarterly, a guide on trauma resources for youth services.
• Use cloud-based systems for communication with IHR’s site office, including shared calendars, timesheets, and supervisor check-ins.
• Attend team and agency staff meetings.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• At least 2 years of experience in education and/or training on topics related to youth and young adults.
• At least 5 years of experience working directly with youth and youth adults impacted by substance use, intersecting identities, complex trauma, system involvement, and co-occurring disorders.
• Previous experience developing and facilitating live and web-based trainings and resources. (preferred)
• Experience in trauma interventions and trauma informed care.
• Strong understanding of the impact of substance use on youth, young adults, and families.
• Familiarity with child welfare issues.
• Strong understanding of supporting youth autonomy in services and within systems.
• Experience developing initiatives to support youth advocacy and developing youth-based communities.
• Experience providing training and consultation, particularly on the implementation of evidence-based practices and staff professional development. Requirement can be met through experience providing evidence-based practice services, co-occurring services, social justice, and/or restorative justice services.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups.
• Awareness of youth resources in Massachusetts.
• Energetic and flexible; ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent writing and reporting skills.
• Regular travel throughout the State.

Other Requirements: (If Applicable)

• Valid driver’s license, good driving record, and regular access to a reliable vehicle
• Statewide travel (reimbursed)

Competencies:

• Clear and effective communication
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to work effectively in teams
• Self-motivated and independent
• Problem-solving skills
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Commitment to ongoing development and learning
• Dedication to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice

Physical Requirements: The physical demands of this position include talking, hearing, sitting, standing, walking, lifting, and using hands for activities such as grasping, handling, and reaching. These physical and mental demands are essential for the successful execution of job responsibilities. Reasonable accommodation will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Acknowledgement: I confirm that I accept the terms outlined in the job description and agree to perform the duties as described. I understand IHR retains the right to modify duties as necessary, and this job description may be updated as needed.