Youth Mentor (6574)

Lutheran Services Florida • West Palm Beach, FL

12d • Onsite

About The Position

Lutheran Services Florida is seeking Youth Mentors to provide direct care and supervision to adolescent residents in group homes. The role supports at-risk youth, including young people affected by abuse, neglect, trauma, and challenging or aggressive behaviors. Youth Mentors help maintain a safe, secure, supportive residential environment and serve as mentors while promoting appropriate behavior and independent living skills.

The position is assigned to a primary location but may require work at other regional group homes within a reasonable radius as shift needs arise. It includes transporting and accompanying youth to appointments, field trips, and recreational activities. Mentors may be assigned to various shifts and must be willing to respond to coverage requests with minimal notice.

This is an entry-level position. A high school diploma, GED, or equivalent is required. Post-secondary education in a human services field is preferred. One year of experience working with youth or troubled youth in an organized, structured setting is preferred. CPR/First Aid and crisis intervention certification, a valid Florida driver’s license, and proof of active insurance are required.

LSF describes itself as a mission-driven organization with 60 programs across Florida and offers staff growth opportunities. The organization is an equal opportunity employer and requires employment background screening under Florida law.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalency completion certification.
• Certified CPR/First Aid and crisis intervention training or certification.
• Valid Florida driver’s license and proof of active insurance.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with clients, co-workers, and the public.
• Good organizational, written, and verbal skills.
• Dependability, discretion, and good judgment.
• Sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs of the service population.
• Ability to work with at-risk adolescent males and females, including youth with challenging behaviors and histories of abuse, neglect, or trauma.
• Ability to remain alert and responsive during all shifts, including overnights and extended hours.
• Ability to walk, stand, sit, stoop, bend, squat, kneel, and climb stairs frequently; lift, carry, push, and pull up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to perform physical intervention or de-escalation techniques when required, consistent with agency-approved crisis management protocols.
• Sufficient vision and hearing to monitor youth and ensure safety indoors and outdoors.
• Ability to operate standard household equipment, write legibly, use a computer, and perform light cleaning and household duties.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions and to drive and transport youth in an agency van if required.
• Ability to accompany youth on field trips and recreational outings.

Nice To Haves

• Post-secondary education in a human services field.
• One year of experience working with youth or troubled youth in an organized or structured setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide a supportive environment and direct supervision for youth residents, maintaining their safety and security.
• Assist youth with meals, bathing, hygiene, medication, and other daily routines.
• Transport youth to appointments and field trips, and accompany or supervise them on outside and recreational activities.
• Maintain the daily security and upkeep of the facility.
• Develop, plan, coordinate, and participate in recreational and social activities, including outdoor programs and physical exercise.
• Communicate with shift leaders, supervisors, and professional staff about youth behavior and needs.
• Participate in implementing and monitoring client case plans as directed.
• Attend staff meetings and in-service training sessions.
• Assign and supervise chores and perform light housekeeping to maintain a neat, clean, and orderly residential setting.
• Respond to critical incidents and emergencies, interview as applicable, and document incidents in logbooks and required forms.
• Assist with youth intakes and discharges.
• Maintain logbooks and other daily written records of observations, behavior, development, needs, and concerns.
• Conduct group meetings with youth to discuss issues and concerns.
• Teach appropriate behaviors and independent living skills.
• Provide accurate, complete, and timely information and responsive services to partner agencies, courts, schools, public representatives, and other stakeholders.
• Perform other duties assigned by the Program Director and/or House Coordinator, including coverage across shifts as needed.
• Follow agency policies and procedures and applicable licensing and quality assurance standards.
• Work as a team member with co-workers and administrators and respond to coverage requests with minimal notice.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 24/7 online telehealth access to doctors.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Employer-paid life insurance equal to one times salary.
• 13 paid holidays and one floating holiday.
• Generous paid time off policy, starting at 16 working days per year; Head Start employees may have a different paid time off and holiday schedule.
• 403(b) retirement plan with a 3% discretionary employer match or 3% student loan repayment reimbursement.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Growth opportunities within the organization.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED