Youth Mentor

Overview

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant.

LSF is looking for talented Youth Mentors who want to make an impact in the lives of at risk youth in our male and female group homes. We are looking for people who are willing to work with challenging behaviors while having the ability to make an impact in the youth's lives.

This schedule is 2pm-10pm. Must be able to work weekends.

• Direct supervision of youth residents, providing quality care, ensuring a safe and secure environment and transporting and accompanying/supervising residents on outside activities.
• This is a direct service delivery position at a primary location, but the position may work at any one of a number of regional group homes within a reasonable radius as shift needs arise.
• Group homes house adolescent teens with aggressive behaviors; the ideal candidate is comfortable working with at risk adolescent males and females, including youth impacted by abuse, neglect, and trauma. This role includes mentoring and making an impact in youths’ lives.

• Provide supportive environment for youth.
• Assist children with preparing and eating meals, taking baths, maintaining hygiene, administering medication, and performing other daily routine tasks.
• Transport individual and groups of children for appointments or field trips outside the facility.
• Provide daily security and upkeep of the facility.
• Develop, plan, coordinate, and participate in daily recreational and social activities, including outdoor programs and physical exercise.
• Consult with shift leaders, supervisors, and professional staff concerning behavior issues and the needs of children.
• Participate in the implementation and monitoring of client case plans as directed.
• Participate in in-service training sessions and attend staff meetings.
• Assign and supervise chores and perform light housekeeping duties to keep the residential setting neat, clean, and orderly.
• Interview and respond to critical incidents and emergency situations. Document incidents in the logbook and on the appropriate forms.
• Assist with initial intakes and discharge of youth.
• Document in the logbook as outlined in policies and procedures.
• Conduct group meetings with youth to discuss issues and address concerns.
• Provide instruction on appropriate behaviors and independent living skills.
• Observe and document the behavior, development and needs of children.
• Maintain daily written records and logs of observations and concerns about individual children.
• Provide responsive, high-quality services to Community Based Care Lead Agencies, the Department of Children and Families, the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Courts, the School Board and other representatives of outside agencies and members of the public by providing accurate, complete and up-to-date information in a courteous, efficient and timely manner.

Perform other duties as assigned by Program Director and/or House Coordinator for various shifts on an “as-needed” basis.

• 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 throughout the day.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to perform physical intervention or de-escalation techniques if required, consistent with agency-approved crisis management protocols.
• Sufficient vision and hearing to observe and monitor client behaviors and ensure safety in indoor and outdoor settings.
• Ability to operate standard household equipment (e.g., washer, dryer, kitchen appliances).
• Manual dexterity to write legibly, operate a computer, and perform light cleaning and household duties.
• Ability to work in a variety of environments, including indoor residential settings and outdoor recreational spaces, in all weather conditions.
• Ability to drive and maintain eligibility to operate agency vehicles, if required for transporting youth.
• Ability to transport youth in agency van.
• Ability to accompany youth on field trips and other recreational…