News

Open Buffalo Mission: 

Our mission is to advance racial, economic, and ecological justice. We do so through skill-building, network connecting, and activating leadership opportunities. Our goal is that all communities in Western New York are thriving free from discrimination and poverty. 

Our Collective Vision of Liberation: 

Our vision is that all communities in Western New York are thriving free from discrimination and poverty. We believe in an empowered democratic society, where grassroots, nonprofit, faith-based, philanthropic, local government, and business sectors work in solidarity to advance equity, justice and peace. An empowered democratic society is key to joyful, culturally rich community and a sustainable planet. 

Fundamental Value: 

We believe that people directly experiencing the challenges and inequities that we aim to address should always have a voice in both diagnosing the problems and developing the solutions. 

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An Opportunity to Join Our Team 

POSITION: Credible Community Mentor 

Date of Posting: September 29, 2022 

Job Description: 

This position is a community collaboration between New York State Office of Children and Family Services, Berkshire Farm Center & Services for Youth, and Open Buffalo. 

Open Buffalo seeks to fill three positions for Credible Community Mentor. The goal of the Credible Community Mentor position is to provide support and resources for youth returning from the juvenile justice system within the first 120 days of release and who have been identified as most at risk to recidivate. Assignments for this position will depend upon client needs and may shift periodically as participant needs change. This will require the ability to perform research and develop partnerships with provider agencies to help these individuals successfully access resources and services in their communities. The goal is to assist the program participants in successful reintegration, ultimately reducing recidivism rates among our young people. Candidates must be able to participate in a weeklong training the week of October 23 that will empower candidates with the necessary skills to be of a support for reentry planning.  

This is a part-time position with hours up to 19 hours a week, based in Buffalo, N.Y., reporting to the Open Buffalo Director of Racial Equity and Justice. 

Purpose: 

The primary purpose of the Credible Community Mentor position is to provide reentry support and services prior to release and continued case management support once youth has expired from Office of Children and Family Services and Berkshire Farm Center & Services for Youth. The supports include individual and group reentry supports, individual and family case management, referral services, as well as agency navigation services. The Credible Messenger serves as a liaison that connects individuals with resources and opportunities that promote personal, educational, vocational, and financial development, as well as self-sufficiency. As an employee of Open Buffalo, the CCM will directly report to the Director of Racial Equity and Justice for guidance and direction. 

Responsibilities Include: 

• Meet with youth at their home and/or designated community location. Supports may include accompanying individuals to appointments when necessary. 
• Provide individual and group re-entry planning to assist individuals in gaining insight into their challenges and to develop plans (housing, employment, family support, social/recreational, cultural) for reentry success. 
• Provide case management, support and referral services upon release; case management including advocacy, outreach and engagement, self-help tools, recovery supports, transitional supports, and pre-crisis/crisis supports in home or community settings. 
• Develop and maintain relationships with agency partners Office of Children and Family Services & Berkshire Farm Center & Services for Youth. 
• Accurately and efficiently, document assessments, case notes and service delivery in an electronic case management system daily. 
• Collaborate with Office of Children and Family Services facility staff to identify and facilitate successful referral/intakes into the Credible Messengers Program. 
• Collaborate with the development and production of recruitment and promotional material required. This may include still image, video and audio recordings if applicable. 
• Ability to work flexible hours required. 
• Some travel to and from Office of Children and Family Services facilities. 

Qualifications:

• Passion for working with at-risk or opportunity youth 
• Understanding of restorative justice practices and principles 
• The ability to be flexible and deal well with deadlines and a variety of projects 
• Interest and/or experience in working with youth, with a caring and inspiring approach 
• Ability to work well both independently and in teams 
• Excellent communication skills (written, verbal) 
• Flexibility in working evenings and weekends required. 
• Access to transportation, local travel will be required. 
• Experience working with youth preferred. 
• Candidates will be asked to complete a background check. 

Equal Opportunity Employer: 

Open Buffalo values diversity and inclusion throughout our city and within our organization. People of color, women, LGBTQI individuals, people with disabilities, and formerly incarcerated people are encouraged to apply. 

Wages: 

This is a part-time position with an hourly rate of $21 per hour, up to 19 hours a week. 

Application: 

We strongly suggest all candidates to visit the Open Buffalo website and social media accounts to learn about the work of the organization. To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and the names, association, and contact information of three different types of individuals who can give us greater insights as to who you are, what you value, and how you work. Please send via e-mail to jobs@openbuffalo.org.