Job Posting: SCAN Seeks Boys and Girls Club Trauma Informed Specialist

Greater Richmond SCAN (in collaboration with The Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond) seeks a qualified individual to fill a full-time position.  The Trauma Informed Specialist performs work promoting resilience and trauma informed practice within the clubs to include providing on-site training, consultation, and support for staff; identifying trauma symptoms and assisting with collaborative referrals or direct support for members with a history of trauma as needed. The Trauma Informed Specialist works closely with outside agencies, program staff, families, and members to develop an appropriate support plan designed to provide an environment that mitigates the impacts of adversity and toxic stress, and moves the member toward success.

 The Trauma Informed Specialist will be directly supervised by Greater Richmond SCAN and maintain close, daily contact with BGCMR Chief Operating Officer and Program Staff.  The incumbent will interact with the Club and Administrative Staff (professional and volunteer) on an as needed basis to receive/provide information, discuss issues, explain or interpret guidelines/ instructions; instruct, and advise/ counsel.

 PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Collaborate with BGCMR staff, youth, caregivers, and community partners to create a trauma-informed climate within the clubs by helping to address the social-emotional and self-regulation needs of the youth and staff and promote resiliency;
• Work with BGRMR staff and partners to identify areas of need and provide recommendations, professional development/training, modeling and coaching to staff as needed;
• Assist with the development and implementation of a mindfulness room within the clubs, and provide coaching / modeling to staff and youth on how to appropriately utilize the space;
• Provide individual and/or group therapeutic interventions to youth as needed to improve self-regulation and increase coping skills;
• If a child needs trauma-focused treatment or more intensive services, the specialist will work with Greater Richmond SCAN to refer child and family to more specialized services as needed;
• Monitor and coordinate activities, outcomes and program evaluation related to professional development, parent engagement and clinical outcomes, that may be provided by this specialist;
• Assist with development and facilitation of a Trauma Informed Leadership Team (TILT) within BGCMR;
• Serve as the BGCMR representative on the Greater Richmond Trauma Informed Community Network.

 QUALIFICATIONS, BACKGROUND AND COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

• Master’s Degree in a mental health field (Social Work, Counseling, Psychology …) required.
• Licensed Mental Health Clinician (LCSW, LPC), preferred.
• Minimum two or more years in providing direct mental health services to children and/or families.
• Experience providing training on trauma-informed practice, including impact of vicarious trauma and strategies for self-care/mindfulness.
• Preferred experience working in an urban environment and with culturally diverse populations.
• Experience working in Title I schools
• Knowledge of trauma informed practice and adverse childhood experiences, specific to school-based and/or community settings.
• Experience serving as an advocate for children and parents
• Time Management and Organization – ability to plan and manage multiple tasks clearly and efficiently
• Attention to Detail – ability to complete assignments efficiently with high degree of accuracy.
• Written and Oral Communication – ability to consistently communicate clearly and calmly with staff and members, both orally and in writing and ability to organize thoughts and ideas in alignment with program goals.
• Adaptive and Innovative – ability to develop new processes and accept new challenges
• Inclusive - Understands and respects the diversity of families’ economic, linguistic and cultural backgrounds and situations; commitment to inclusivity
• Collaborative - Experience developing collaborative partnerships in and outside BGCMR and building relationships with constituents in the community;
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving – ability to tackle a problem systematically
• Self-motivated leader who can work independently as well as part of team
• Ability to work flexible hours including some nights and weekends

Greater Richmond SCAN is an Equal Opportunity Employer. SCAN does not discriminate against race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or ability.

Please send resume and cover letter to Sarah Mersereau at smersereau@grscan.com