JOB TITLE: Wraparound Youth Mentor
Full Time, Hourly $20.00-$25.00/hour DOE
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance, Prestige Medical Care Membership, Wellness Benefit, Retirement, Cell Phone Stipend, Mileage Reimbursement
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:
The Youth Mentor at Kindred Hearts Inc. provides direct peer support to youth involved in the Wraparound Program. This role is designed to build positive, trusting relationships with youth, fostering their development, self-confidence, and decision-making skills. Youth Mentors use their own lived experience or expertise to help youth navigate challenges in life, promoting hope and perseverance. Mentors assist youth in building healthy family and peer relationships, while developing life skills, coping mechanisms, and future aspirations
This position involves a combination of office work and community engagement. Occasional evening and weekend work is expected.
Reports to Peer Support Supervisor.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Lived Experience:
- Preferred experience in child-serving systems (e.g., child welfare, juvenile probation, or behavioral health) or experience mentoring youth with emotional or behavioral challenges.
Other Requirements:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Minimum 18 years of age
- Valid unrestricted driver’s license, reliable transportation, and vehicle insurance.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
- Must pass a Department of Justice/Fingerprint and Child Abuse Index clearance.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Peer Support & Relationship Building
- Trust & Connection: Build authentic connections with youth, using shared experiences to provide support, guidance, and hope.
- Supportive Role Model: Serve as a positive role model, demonstrating responsible behavior, emotional stability, and clear boundaries.
- Youth Empowerment: Encourage youth to take responsibility for their decisions and help them develop self-confidence, self-esteem, and decision-making skills.
- Unconditional Acceptance: Provide a non-judgmental, empathetic approach, offering support through active listening and positive reinforcement.
Youth Engagement & Development
- Skill Building: Assist youth in developing life skills, such as problem-solving, self-care, and coping strategies, through one-on-one and group interactions.
- Activity Engagement: Participate in activities outside the home (e.g., community events, educational outings) to expose youth to new opportunities and experiences.
- Team Collaboration: Work with the Wraparound team (Family Case Coordinator, Parent Partner, and caregivers) to support the youth’s overall development and plan for a successful future.
Documentation and Reporting
- Timely Documentation: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all interactions with youth, including support provided, goals addressed, and progress made.
- Incident Reporting: Promptly complete and submit incident reports for any crises or safety concerns in accordance with organizational policies.
- Progress Reports: Contribute to regular progress reports for each youth, detailing their development, challenges, and achievements during the mentoring process.
- Team Communication: Collaborate with the Wraparound team by sharing documentation that supports the development of service plans and informs team discussions.
- Confidentiality: Ensure that all documentation is handled in a manner that maintains confidentiality and follows organizational and legal guidelines, including HIPAA requirements.
Advocacy & Crisis Support
- Youth Advocacy: Ensure the youth’s voice, culture, and preferences are respected and included in the Wraparound process, helping them communicate their needs and choices.
- Crisis Management: Assist youth in crisis situations, offering guidance and helping them navigate challenges through the development of coping strategies.
Program Participation & Event Support
- Program Engagement: Participate in team meetings and contribute by sharing observations and offering insights from interactions with the youth.
- Program Activities: Attend and participate in program events, such as banquets, award ceremonies, and site activities, helping youth engage in positive social experiences.
- Event Support Staff: Provide event support for agency-sponsored activities, including respite events, camps, community gatherings, and trainings, ensuring youth engagement, safety, and alignment with trauma-informed care.
SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:
- Empathy & Non-Judgmental Attitude: Ability to connect with and support youth in a compassionate, non-judgmental manner.
- Communication & Listening: Excellent communication and listening skills, fostering trust and mutual respect with youth.
- Cultural Humility: Demonstrates understanding and respect for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Adaptability: Ability to remain flexible and patient while working with youth in various settings and dealing with emotional or behavioral challenges.
- Self-Awareness: Understanding of personal triggers and self-care needs to maintain emotional stability in challenging situations.
Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
