Youth Mentoring Specialist

Location: Bridgeport, CT

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Education, or a related field (equivalent experience considered).
• Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with LGBTQIA youth and communities of color.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends to accommodate youth and family schedules.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel throughout the state as required.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Youth Mentoring Specialist supports the Youth Link Mentoring Program by coordinating mentor recruitment, training, and matching activities for LGBTQIA youth ages 13–21 who are involved with the Department of Children and Families (DCF). This position assists in implementing a continuum of mentoring services that promote safety, connection, and long-term positive relationships between youth and caring adult mentors. Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Specialist is responsible for recruiting, screening, training, and supporting mentors, facilitating engagement activities, and maintaining accurate program documentation.

· Lead all mentor recruitment activities, with intentional outreach to individuals reflective of the racial, ethnic, gender identity, and lived experiences of the youth served.

· Develop and implement recruitment strategies, including partnerships with community organizations, colleges, businesses, and LGBTQIA networks.

· Conduct informational sessions, attend community events, and create outreach materials to promote mentoring opportunities.

· Screen potential mentors, including reference checks and criminal and child protective service clearances.

· Coordinate and track mentor onboarding, ensuring completion of DCF-approved mentor training.

· Assist the Youth Mentor Supervisor in pairing mentors and mentees based on shared interests, goals, and identity factors.

· Group and Community Engagement

· Support the planning and facilitation of Youth/Adult Engagement Mentoring Groups

· Assist in organizing special group events (e.g., awards dinners, cookouts, holiday gatherings).

· Promote family and community engagement activities that strengthen youth support networks.

· Maintain accurate records of mentor recruitment, training, matches, and activities in accordance with DCF requirements.

· Track attendance, contact logs, surveys, and other program documentation.

· Participate in staff meetings, supervision, and professional development trainings (including trauma-informed care, cultural humility, and youth engagement).

· Represent the program in community partnerships and outreach efforts.

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PURPOSE/FUNCTION OF THE PROGRAM:

The Youth Link Mentoring Service is a program for LGBTQIA youth ages 14-18 or 21 years of age who have been referred by DCF. The focus will be to provide mentoring services to DCF committed youth who are residing in the state of Connecticut. The program seeks to create a supportive long-term relation with a caring adult for all adolescents, but particularly for LGBTQIA youth who may have experienced significant rejection based on their identity. This service will provide the basis for that relationship.

COME JOIN OUR TEAM!

Boys & Girls Village (BGV) takes pride in the supportive, team-oriented environment we offer to our employees.

FOR YOUR HEALTH & WELLBEING

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, including an option that is free to employees. Currently using United HealthCare
• Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• Free annual flu shots
• Wellness workshops

FOR YOUR FUTURE

• a 401K plan with employer contributions
• Company paid life and AD&D insurance, short and long-term disability.

FOR CAREER DEVELOPMENT

• A tuition reimbursement program and free licensing supervision.
• Partnership with CT Non-Profit Alliance for tuition discounts at participating universities
• Training and development opportunities

FOR WORK-LIFE BALANCE

• Competitive salaries, with increased compensation for Bi-lingual candidates for qualified positions.
• Generous benefit time, including vacation, sick, and personal time
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)- Free and confidential counseling for employee and family

COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS

· Remote interview process offered

· Personal protective equipment provided and required

· Plastic shields at workstations

· Temperature screening at all entrances

· Social distance guidelines in place

· Sanitizing, Disinfecting, & Cleaning procedures in place

We are an equal opportunity employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $55,000