Join the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) and the impactful SPARK Coalition in preventing substance misuse and promoting mental health among the students at Central Berkshire Regional School District. As a Youth Advisory Board (YAB) Consultant, help empower high school students to take the lead in spreading positive change. If you’re passionate about youth empowerment and community collaboration, this is an opportunity to make a real difference!
TO APPLY: Send resume and brief cover letter to info@berkshireplanning.org. Please include “YAB Consultant” in the subject line.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The purpose of this position is to support and expand youth-led initiatives that promote substance misuse prevention and mental health awareness within the Central Berkshire Regional School District. The Consultant will play a key role in empowering youth by facilitating discussions, fostering community partnerships, and ensuring that YAB activities align with SPARK’s prevention strategies. This position requires close collaboration with BRPC staff, YAB Advisors, and community stakeholders to create a sustainable, youth-driven framework for positive change.
This position is funded through the MA State Department of Public Health (DPH) Bureau of Substance Abuse Services (BSAS) MassCALL 3B grant, aimed at preventing and reducing substance misuse among youth, including alcohol, nicotine, and cannabis, and addressing related harms.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Collaborate with BRPC staff and Dalton CRA YAB Advisors to facilitate the Youth Advisory Board (YAB) and support its youth-led initiatives.
- Supplement existing YAB Advisors by including initiatives that align with SPARK’s substance misuse prevention and mental health awareness strategies.
- Work closely with BRPC staff, CRA YAB Advisors, YAB Consultants for Taconic and Pittsfield High Schools, and SPARK Planning Coalition partners to coordinate efforts.
- Assist in recruiting new YAB members if needed and support their engagement in YAB activities.
- Attend and actively participate in YAB meetings, subcommittees, special events, and meetings with BRPC staff, consultants, and project partners.
- Cultivate strong relationships with local community resources to enhance YAB initiatives.
- Contribute to the SPARK Coalition’s efforts by gathering community feedback to strengthen the YABs.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to remain flexible and adapt to changing needs.
- Patience and active listening skills to effectively engage with youth.
- Approachable and able to build trust with young people.
- Respect for diverse perspectives and the ideas of youth participants.
- Ability to facilitate activities in a youth-led, youth-empowering manner without micro-managing.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Background working with youth, especially middle to high school age.
- Experience living or working in the communities served by the Central Berkshire Regional School District.
- Established relationships with school personnel in the Central Berkshire Regional School District.
COMPENSATION
This is a temporary contract-based position. The initial consultancy is expected to run from approximately March 1, 2025, to June 30, 2025 (about 4 months). Compensation is fixed at $1,030 per month. The estimated time requirement is 10-15 hours per month.
No telephone calls. This consulting opportunity is available immediately and open until filled.