Overview

SUMMARY:

The Youth Mentor assists the youth in shelter with seeing the world outside the box and providing mentorship by developing and implementing trauma-informed youth programming that includes advocacy as well as recreational activities. The Youth Mentor serves as an advisor, coach, and advocate in helping the youth build resilience and direct them towards a successful path to adulthood. Identify and assess client strengths and challenges in order to coordinate and provide the best possible services.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.

Provide advocacy, support, and mentoring to youth who have experienced the traumas related to Intimate Partner Violence, using a developmentally as well as culturally appropriate and trauma-informed practice.

Serve the role of a positive role model for youth in the shelter.

Actively work with youth to identify and attain individual goals. 

Assess the need for CPS involvement based on guidelines established by the Texas Family code.

Provide appropriate intervention/TBRI for youth who have experienced trauma and may display emotional and/or physical acting out behaviors.

Lead educational groups that support the anti-violence and anti-victim mindsets to improve outcomes for youth safety overall. 

Assist with implementing a reading program to improve lexile levels in the youth.

Assist youth with homework during tutoring time and monitor computer use.

Plan and facilitate life skills classes, small groups, activities, and 1 on 1 sessions for program participants that are age appropriate and support the desired outcomes of the program.

Attend weekly Children’s Program meetings.

Provide structured activities for youth of all ages participating in the SafeHorizons program as well as ensure the safety of all youth in care for both on and off site activities.

Assist with implementation of summer programming, on/off site events, camp heart and other field trips as assigned by supervisor.

Male Youth Mentors will facilitate the Young Men Lead group for male youth in the program.

Inform supervisor of needed equipment and supplies for the facilitation of games and activities. Ensure the upkeep and safe-handling of all shelter property.

Assist in the scheduling and maintenance of program volunteers. Greet volunteers, provide them with information regarding the planned activity structure and informally monitor their tasks.

Maintain a calm, soothing atmosphere for children in care and a courteous attitude with children and their parents.

Administer only agency approved, age appropriate disciplinary techniques/TBRI. (ex. Warning system, time-out, removal of privileges)

Maintain accurate records including up-to-date client files and case notes, CRMS data entry, and submit reports and program evaluations, adhering to established timelines in a clear and concise manner.

Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

OTHER DUTIES:

In accordance with the team philosophy of the agency, you may routinely be required to carry out or assist with other tasks in addition to the responsibilities listed above.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None. Informally monitor tasks assigned to volunteers.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Education, Physical Education or related field. Will consider high school diploma or GED with related work experience. Previous experience with group games and structured activity facilitation with children is preferred. Sports program design, implementation and /or facilitation experience preferred. Must have experience working with children and be sensitive to the dynamics of childhood exposure to domestic violence. Must be able to maintain structure in a crisis environment and work effectively with multiple children in a residential setting. Must possess knowledge of childhood developmental stages, age-appropriate activates, and trauma informed care practices. Knowledge of Trust Based Relational Intervention preferred.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedural manuals. Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to communicate in a positive, helpful and courteous manner. Bilingual in Spanish preferred.

REASONING ABILITY

Must be able to remain calm under high stress and communicate with staff, parents and children in a courteous, respectful manner. Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standard situations.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Current Texas Driver's License required. Must provide proof of auto liability insurance. First Aid and CPR Certification required to perform the job but may be completed subsequent to employment at agency direction. Must be able to drive a 15 passenger van during the day or night. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Frequent sitting, standing, stooping, lifting, reaching, kneeling and walking. Often required to lift, hold or carry children up to 3 years of age. Frequent lifting and carrying of children up to 45 pounds. Must be able to participate in indoor and outdoor activities for at least one hour at a time.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Frequent exposure to loud, emotional or disruptive children. Occasional exposure to physically aggressive children. Occasional exposure to communicable diseases. Occasional exposure to irritating or caustic substances. Frequent exposure to heat and sun associated with outdoor summer work.

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive. SafeHaven reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.