Youth Mentor (418)

Lutheran Services Florida • Loxahatchee, FL

4d

About The Position

Lutheran Services Florida is seeking Youth Mentors to support at-risk adolescent residents, including youth who may exhibit aggressive behaviors and have experienced abuse, neglect, or trauma. This direct-service role provides quality care, supervision, and a safe, secure environment in a group home. The position is assigned to a primary location but may cover other regional group homes within a reasonable radius as shift needs arise.

Youth Mentors assist residents with daily routines and independent living skills, plan and participate in recreational and social activities, transport and accompany youth to appointments and outings, and contribute to case-plan implementation. They document observations and incidents, communicate with staff and outside agencies, and assist with intake and discharge activities. The role requires sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs of the service population, as well as adherence to agency policies and applicable licensing and quality standards.

This entry-level position reports to the House Coordinator. Candidates must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent completion certification. Post-secondary education in a human services field and one year of experience working with youth or troubled youth in an organized, structured setting are preferred. Certified CPR/First Aid and crisis intervention credentials, a valid Florida driver’s license, and proof of active insurance are required.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalency completion certification.
• Certified CPR/First Aid and crisis intervention credentials.
• Valid Florida driver’s license and proof of active insurance.
• Good organizational, written, and verbal skills.
• Dependability, discretion, and good judgment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with clients, coworkers, and the general public.
• 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.
• Ability to 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 observe and monitor client behavior and ensure safety.
• 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.
• Ability to drive and maintain eligibility to operate agency vehicles when required, including transporting youth in an agency van.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Provide a supportive environment and directly supervise youth residents, ensuring quality care and a safe, secure setting.
• Assist youth with meals, bathing, hygiene, medication administration, and other daily routine tasks.
• Transport youth to appointments and field trips, and accompany and supervise them on outings and recreational activities.
• Maintain 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 behavior issues and the needs of youth.
• 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 keep the residential setting clean and orderly.
• Respond to critical incidents and emergencies, and document incidents in the logbook and on required forms.
• Assist with youth intake and discharge.
• Maintain logbook entries and daily written records of observations, behavior, development, needs, and concerns.
• Conduct group meetings with youth to discuss issues and address concerns.
• Provide instruction on appropriate behavior and independent living skills.
• Provide accurate, complete, current, courteous, efficient, and timely information and services to lead agencies, public departments, courts, schools, other agencies, and members of the public.
• Perform other duties assigned by the Program Director and/or House Coordinator as needed.
• Respond to requests for shift coverage with minimal notice and follow agency policies and procedures.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 24/7 online access to doctors through telehealth.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Employer-paid life insurance equal to one times salary.
• 13 paid holidays and one floating holiday.
• Paid time off 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.

What This Job Offers

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