Youth Mentor (6601)

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant.

LSF is looking for talented Youth Mentors who want to make an impact in the lives of at risk youth in our male and female group homes. We are looking for people who are willing to work with challenging behaviors while having the ability to make an impact in the youth's lives.  

Purpose & Impact:

This is a direct service delivery position.  The Youth Mentor reports to the Youth Care Supervisor and supervises the adolescent residents, provides quality care, ensures a safe and secure environment, and transports and accompanies/supervises residents on outside activities.

These group homes house adolescent teens who have aggressive behaviors. The ideal candidate for this role is someone who would be comfortable working with at risk adolescent males and females. The ideal candidate would also not be intimidated by youth who have been impacted by abuse, neglect, and trauma. Take on a challenging role while having the ability to be a mentor and make an impact in the lives of youth.

Essential Functions:

• Provide a supportive environment for youth.
• Assists adolescents with preparing and eating meals, taking baths, maintaining hygiene, administering medication, and performing other daily routine tasks.
• Transports individuals and groups of adolescents for appointments or field trips outside the facility.
  Provide daily security and up-keep of facility.
• Develops, plans, coordinates, and participates in daily recreational and social activities, including outdoor programs and physical exercise.
• Consults and communicates with shift leaders, supervisors, and professional staff concerning behavior issues and the needs of the teens.
• As directed, participate in the implementation and monitoring of client case plans.
• Participate in various in-service training sessions and attend staff meetings.
• Assign and supervise chores in addition to performing light housekeeping duties such as making beds and cleaning laundry, to ensure that the teen’s residential setting is neat, clean, and orderly.
• Interviews and responses to critical incidents and emergencies. Document incidents in the logbook as well as on the appropriate forms.
• Assists with the initial intakes and discharge of youth.
• Document as in the logbook as outlined in policies and procedures.
• Conducts group meetings with youth to discuss issues and address concerns.
• Provides instruction on appropriate behaviors and independent living skills.
• Observes and documents the behavior, development, and needs of adolescents.
• Maintains daily written records and logs of observations and concerns about individual adolescents.
• Provides responsive, high-quality service to ChildNet, The Department of Children and Families, The Department of Juvenile Justice, The Courts, the School Board of Palm Beach County in addition to other representatives of outside agencies and members of the public by providing accurate, complete and up-to-date information, in a courteous, efficient and timely manner.

Principle Accountabilities:

• Reports to Program Coordinator.
• Team player with co-workers and administrators.
• Ensures quality care for clients in a safe, secure environment.
• Adherence to license and quality assurance standards of local, state, and federal agencies.
• Effective behavior management and supervision of residents during activities.
• Adherence to all agency policies and procedures.

Qualifications

Physical Requirements:

• A high level of energy is required.
• Full physical requirements such as lifting, bending, cooking, cleaning, and using the telephone are required.
• Ability to transport youth in agency van.
• Accompany youth on field trips and other recreational outings.
• Certified CPR/First Aide, and crisis intervention required.
• Valid Florida driver’s license and proof of active insurance.

Education/Experience:

• Associates Degree in Human Service field preferred.
• High school diploma, GED, or equivalency completion certification required.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience working with youth/at risk youth in an organized/structured setting preferred.

Skills/Abilities:  

• Good organizational, written, and verbal skills. 
• Dependability, discretion, and good judgment are essential. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with clients, co-workers, and the general public.

Why work for LSF?  

LSF offers 60 programs across the state of Florida serving a wide range of populations in need. Mission Driven staff members become part of the LSF community while transforming the lives of those in need. Our staff additionally find growth opportunities as they explore areas of interest within the organization.    

Amazing benefits package including: 

• Medical, Dental, and Vision 
• Teladoc (24/7 online access to doctors) 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
• Employer paid life insurance (1X salary) 
• 13 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday 
• Generous PTO policy (starting at 16 working days a year) 
• 403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match OR 3% student loan repayment reimbursement 
• Tuition reimbursement  

Lutheran Services Florida embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion in all business practices. LSF is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer.