Credible Messenger

BHH is introducing the Credible Messenger program to Ocean County, NJ aiming to support justice-involved youth at the highest risk for incarceration, reincarceration, or other out of home placement. Credible Messengers are mentors who have overcome their involvement in the juvenile or criminal justice systems. They use their lived experience to establish credibility with youth, offering guidance, support, and resources to help them make positive life choices, develop essential skills, and break the cycle of criminal behavior.

Position Title: Credible Messenger
Position Type: Per Diem, up to 20 Hours Weekly; Some evenings as needed
Benefits Eligible: No
Location: Toms River, NJ
Department: Family Crisis Intervention Unit (FCIU)
Salary: $15.00 - $22.00 hourly

Responsibilities:

• Build authentic, caring relationships with youth, dedicating 10+ hours weekly to mentorship

• Leverage personal experiences for guidance and support, promoting non-violent conflict resolution
• Implement Transformative Mentoring to enhance emotional well-being
• Assist in increasing educational and vocational opportunities while fostering restorative justice through community connections
• Address trauma, build resilience, and focus on real-time skill development with program involved youth
• Offer community-based mentoring, assist with logistics and transportation, and collaborate with professionals
• Engage with stakeholders like Probation and Family Court, support family involvement,
• Participate in agency and community partner provided trainings

Requirements

• Lived experience with the juvenile or criminal justice systems and demonstrated sustained rehabilitation
• High school diploma or GED preferred
• Bilingual or multilingual capabilities a plus, but not required.
• Experience working with high-risk youth populations.
• Understanding of trauma-informed care and its application in service delivery or immediately available to train.

Benefits

• Opportunities for tuition discounts at participating educational institutions
• Opportunities for discounts through LifeMart and Tickets At Work