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Forensic Peer Mentor - Cadwell RYDC- Cadwell, GA (CCR)

• Georgia - Laurens - Cadwell (https://ga.referrals.selectminds.com/jobs/72883/other-jobs-matching/location-only)

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• (https://ga.referrals.selectminds.com/landingpages/social-services-opportunities-at-team-georgia-7)

Social Services

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Juvenile Justice, Georgia Department of - DJJ

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2 days ago Post Date

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Job Summary:

The FPM provides an opportunity to mentor youth and provide hope of wellness and resiliency. The intent of this program is to break the cycle of incarceration, decrease the number of youths involved in the juvenile justice system from entering the criminal justice system, and support youth and families in their recovery. This position is responsible for collaborating with various internal and external stakeholders to build and maintain supportive community resources and services, promote recovery, wellness, self-advocacy, aid in building trust, establishing safety, empowering families, and helping returning youth become reintroduced to their community after release from secure confinement. This position will provide additional treatment and ensure service connectivity for justice-involved youth. A Forensic Peer Mentor is an individual with a history of criminal justice involvement who assists individuals leaving YDC or RYDC successfully reenter the community.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

+ The FPM will provide mentoring, peer support and linkage as well as care coordination to juveniles with behavioral health needs including but not limited to substance use disorders, mental illness, trauma histories, and extensive involvement in the juvenile justice system.

+ The FPM will utilize lived experience to engage youth prior to release, will participate in transition/release planning and support reentry efforts and services.

+ The FPM will link individuals to treatment, medical care, and other community services and support that are responsive to the needs of the individual and will provide follow-up.

+ The FPM will be a resource to engage family members in preparation for returning to the community. The FPM will work with youth and family throughout the transition back to the community and may work with the youth for up to one (1) year after release.

+ The FPMs will meet at least weekly with the youth on their peer list (e.g., caseload). Caseload / peer list size should not exceed 20 individuals.

+ Provide individual supportive peer counseling as needed, using appropriate evidence-based practices, e.g. motivational interviewing.

+ Educate returning youth about their rights and instill hope in returning citizens

+ Complete required documentation, including progress notes and significant data in accordance with documentation policies

+ May provide education and information to promote public interest and advocacy for services for returning youths with behavioral health needs

+ May assist in program evaluation and research activities

+ Attend relevant job-related seminars, meetings, conferences, trainings, and conference calls when offered

+ Attend continuing education (CE) opportunities approved by the DJJ and/or Georgia CPS Project and/or Georgia CARES Project in order to meet the required 12 CEU's needed each calendar year to maintain certification as a CPS/CARES

+ Complete other related duties as required by GMHCN supervisory staff

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in rehabilitation counseling, social work, or a closely related behavioral or social science field from an accredited college or university and one (1) year of professional experience in social work, counseling, or equivalent areas; or one (1) year of experience at the lower-level Rehabilitation Counselor 1 (SSP060) or position equivalent.

Note: Some positions may require specialized certification.

Preferred Qualifications:

+ Effective oral and written communication skills and organizational skills are essential.

+ Ability to maintain confidential communications and protect confidentiality of records.

+ Commitment to working with integrity and ethically; ability to maintain appropriate boundaries with returning citizens and effective, collaborative working relationships with correctional facility staff.

+ Ability to work independently.

+ Proficiency with electronics, including cell phone/smartphone, computer and databases, with working knowledge of Microsoft Office

+ Valid Georgia driver's license

+ Forensic Peer Mentors are individuals with lived experience (former personal involvement with the criminal justice system) having received services in behavioral health and/or the substance abuse treatment; therefore, they will have a criminal background. DJJ has an internal process for background screening.

TRAINING QUALIFICATIONS WITHIN 6 MONTHS AFTER START DATE

This position requires 40 hours of Certified Peer Specialist Training – MH or 40 hours of Certified Peer Specialist Training - CARES, CPS-Y Training, and 40 hours of Forensic Peer Mentor Training. It will also require Certified Peer Specialist Youth training that will cover both Mental Health and Substance Use. The FPMs will participate in pre-service training through the Department of Juvenile Justice. FPMs will complete 12 hours of continued training every year.

Benefits:

In addition to a competitive salary & benefits, GA Department of Juvenile Justice is part of a statewide initiative called Total Rewards that seeks to attract and retain employees by supplementing their base pay and benefits with programs designed to improve the quality of their work environment and lead to greater job satisfaction and work/life balance. Eligible employees are offered generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave. We are a qualified employer for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

For more information, visit https://djj.georgia.gov/Online-Applications/employee-benefits

THIS IS AN INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

THIS IS AN UNCLASSIFIED POSITION.

THE SELECTED APPLICANT FOR THE POSITION WILL BE SUBJECT TO A REFERENCE CHECK AND CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK, WHERE APPLICABLE

PLEASE INCLUDE ALL RELEVANT JOB INFORMATION ON THE APPLICATION FOR CONSIDERATION.

ALL APPLICATIONS WILL BE PRESCREENED.

DJJ IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Bachelor's degree in rehabilitation counseling, social work, or a closely related behavioral or social science field from an accredited college or university and one (1) year of professional experience in social work, counseling, or equivalent areas; or one (1) year of experience at the lower level Rehabilitation Counselor 1 (SSP060) or position equivalent. Note: Some positions may require specialized certification.

Additional Information

+ Agency Logo:

+ Requisition ID: SOC0FJ5

+ Number of Openings: 1

+ Advertised Salary: $45,000.00

+ Shift: Day Job

+ Posting End Date: Oct 16, 2025