JOB TITLE: Lead Youth MentorPOSITION GRADE: 74 ($15.15 to $21.15, commensurate with education and experience) DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM: Hope on the HorizonSUPERVISOR: Hope on the Horizon Program ManagerFLSA STATUS: non-exemptJOB SUMMARY: Under the general direction of the Hope on the Horizon Program Manager, the Lead Youth Mentor to guide, inspire, and empower young people in our programs. This role is essential to creating a supportive and positive environment that encourages youth to overcome challenges, set goals, and build the skills necessary for a brighter future. The Lead Youth Mentor will supervise and train a team of mentors, coordinate activities, and build strong, trusting relationships with program participants, acting as a role model and advocate.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Youth Mentorship & Support: Build meaningful relationships with youth participants, providing encouragement, guidance, and support in personal, academic, and career development. Conduct regular one-on-one and group mentoring sessions to address individual challenges, foster positive social skills, and encourage goal-setting. Serve as a role model, demonstrating positive behaviors, resilience, and effective problem-solving skills.Mentor Supervision & Training: Recruit, train, and supervise a team of youth mentors, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and knowledge to provide high-quality, trauma-informed mentorship. Conduct regular check-ins and provide ongoing support, feedback, and professional development for mentors to foster a cohesive, effective team. Develop and facilitate training sessions and workshops on topics such as communication skills, youth development, and conflict resolution.Program Development & Coordination: Plan and coordinate engaging, age-appropriate activities and workshops focused on life skills, academic success, and personal growth. Collaborate with other program staff to align mentorship activities with the broader goals of Hope on the Horizon, integrating resources such as mental health support, educational services, and career development. Evaluate and adapt program offerings based on youth feedback, mentor input, and emerging best practices in youth mentorship. Case Management & Referrals: Work closely with case managers to develop and implement individualized action plans for each youth participant. Identify specific needs or challenges that require additional support, connecting youth with appropriate services and resources as needed. Document interactions and maintain accurate records to track progress and outcomes for each participant, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with organizational policies. Community & Parental Engagement: Engage with parents, caregivers, and community members to ensure a supportive environment for youth outside the program. Organize family events, information sessions, and community-building activities to strengthen ties between participants, mentors, and their families. Represent the program at community events and outreach efforts to raise awareness of services and engage potential participants.POSITION SPECIFICS: Education:
- Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Education, Youth Development, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Experience:
- 3+ years of experience working with youth in a mentorship, counseling, or coaching capacity, with 1+ years in a supervisory role preferred.
Skills:
- Strong understanding of youth development principles, trauma-informed care, and challenges faced by at-risk youth.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to relate to young people and serve as a positive role model.
- Proven ability to lead, train, and support a team, with strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
Other:
- Working knowledge of the Functional Behavioral Approach, Skill Building, Sanctuary, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention and Child and Family Team Process preferred.
- Effective and open communication, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work in partnership with others, including staff members across all departments.
- Strong problem solving skills and ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize.
- Organized and self-directed; team player - able to share information and collaborate effectively across all functions, and with both internal and external partners.
Physical Demands: The following lists physical demands an employee will perform on a regular basis:standing, walking, sitting, bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling and climbing stairs.
- Ability to walk short distances
- Ability to use stairs
- Ability to leave a location quickly
COMPETENCIES: Leading Self
- Character and Courage (Integrity and Trust)-o Do the right thing, because it is the right thing, even when no one is looking. Truth to Power.
- Customer Focus
o Build positive relationships through communication and collaborative problem solving.Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Justice and Equity o Believe in the dignity and humanity of all people to reach their full potential.