Youth Mentor (6574)

Lutheran Services Florida • West Palm Beach, FL

11d • 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 with aggressive behaviors and experiences of abuse, neglect, or trauma, by providing quality care and maintaining a safe, secure environment. 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 may be asked to cover shifts with minimal notice, including overnight and extended hours.

The Youth Mentor helps residents with daily routines and independent living skills, plans and participates in recreational and social activities, supports case plans, and communicates with supervisors and professional staff about residents’ needs and behavior. The role also includes transporting and accompanying youth on appointments and outings, maintaining facility security and cleanliness, responding to incidents and emergencies, and keeping accurate records. This is an entry-level position. A high school diploma, GED, or equivalent is required; post-secondary education in a human services field and one year of experience working with youth in a structured setting are preferred. Certified CPR/First Aid and crisis intervention are required, along with a valid Florida driver’s license and proof of active insurance.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent completion certification.
• Certified CPR/First Aid and crisis intervention.
• Valid Florida driver’s license and proof of active insurance.
• Ability to work with at-risk adolescents, including youth with aggressive behaviors and histories of abuse, neglect, or trauma.
• Good organizational, written, and verbal skills.
• Dependability, discretion, and good judgment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with clients, co-workers, and the public.
• Sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs of the service population.
• 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 agency-approved physical intervention or de-escalation techniques when required.
• Sufficient vision and hearing to monitor client behavior and ensure safety indoors and outdoors.
• Ability to operate standard household equipment, write legibly, use a computer, and perform light cleaning and household tasks.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Ability to drive and maintain eligibility to operate agency vehicles, if required, and transport 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 or structured setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide a supportive environment and direct supervision for youth residents, maintaining a safe and secure setting.
• Assist youth with meals, bathing, hygiene, medication, and other daily routines.
• Transport youth individually or in groups to appointments, field trips, and recreational outings; accompany and supervise them during 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 residents’ 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 keep the residential setting neat, clean, and orderly.
• Respond to critical incidents and emergencies, and document incidents in the logbook and appropriate forms.
• Assist with youth intake and discharge processes.
• Conduct group meetings with youth to discuss issues and concerns.
• Provide instruction on appropriate behaviors and independent living skills.
• Observe and document residents’ behavior, development, needs, observations, and concerns in daily records and logs.
• Provide accurate, complete, current, courteous, and timely information and services to partner agencies, courts, schools, and members of the public.
• Perform other duties assigned by the Program Director and/or House Coordinator, including as-needed coverage across shifts.

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.
• Generous paid time off policy, starting at 16 working days per year; Head Start employees may have a different 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