Youth Mentor

Description

SUMMARY: As a Youth Mentor at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southcentral Alaska, you will play a vital role in providing mentorship, guidance, and support to youth members. You will work directly with young people, ages 5 -18, to promote positive youth development, foster meaningful relationships, and create a safe and engaging environment for personal and academic growth. This position is full-time and work schedule is a split shift: Monday - Friday, 6:30am - 9am & 2pm 6:30pm. 

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Youth Engagement

• Implement age-appropriate activities, programs, and initiatives that engage and inspire youth members 
• Foster a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where young people feel valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential  

Mentorship and Support

• Build positive relationships with youth members, serving as a mentor, role model, and advocate 
• Provide guidance, encouragement, and emotional support to help youth navigate challenges, set goals, and make positive choices 

Program Facilitation 

• Lead group activities, discussions, and workshops on a variety of topics, including life skills, leadership development, academic enrichment, and healthy living 
• Collaborate with other staff members to plan and coordinate special events, field trips, and community service projects 

Safety and Supervision

• Ensure the safety and well-being of youth members, adhering to established safety protocols and guidelines 
• Supervise youth during program hours, both indoors and outdoors, to maintain a secure and orderly environment 

Positive Guidance Management

• Implement positive guidance and discipline strategies to promote a culture of respect, responsibility, and cooperation among youth members 
• Address behavioral issues calmly and effectively, using conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques when necessary 

Communication and Collaboration

• Communicate regularly with youth members, parents/guardians to provide updates on program activities and upcoming events 
• Collaborate with colleagues to share best practices, brainstorm ideas, and support each other in achieving organizational goals 

Professional Development

• Participate in training sessions, workshops, and professional development opportunities to enhance mentoring skills, cultural competency, and knowledge of youth development principles 
• Stay informed about current trends, research, and best practices in youth mentoring and positive youth development 

Requirements

SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

• Must be 18 years of age or older 
• High school diploma or equivalent OR willingness to complete an employer supported education completion plan for a diploma or GED within 2 years of employment 
• Minimum of 1 year of experience working with youth in a mentoring, coaching, tutoring, or youth development setting OR a strong interest in youth education, advocacy, or development required 
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and establish trust with a diverse youth population 
• Knowledge of positive youth development principles, adolescent development, and trauma-informed care preferred 
• Ability to communicate effectively with youth, parents, and colleagues in a positive and professional manner 
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of youth programming. 
• Ability to achieve and maintain First Aid and CPR certification 
• Must pass a name-based and fingerprint criminal records background check upon hire and annually thereafter 
• Automatic direct deposit of paychecks is required for all employees 

BENEFITS (* represent full-time only)  

• Professional Development & Tuition Assistance  
• Advancement Opportunities  
• Paid Time Off  
• Twelve Paid Holidays  
• Employee Assistance Program* 
• Retirement Benefits 
• Comprehensive Health Insurance Benefits* 
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical & Dependent Care) *  
• Employer Sponsored Disability Insurance  
• Employer Sponsored Life & AD&D Insurance  
• Voluntary Life, Accident, & Critical Illness Insurance 
• Rocket Lawyer Legal Benefits 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Working as a Youth Mentor involves various physical demands essential for engaging with youth members and ensuring their safety and well-being. The following physical demands are typical for this role: 

• Mobility: The ability to move swiftly and navigate within indoor and outdoor spaces is essential. Youth Mentors will need to supervise activities in different areas of the club facility and accompany youth members during outdoor recreational activities 
• Standing and Walking: Youth Mentors must be comfortable standing and walking for extended periods, as they engage in active supervision and interact with youth members during program hours 
• Lifting and Carrying: Youth Mentors may need to lift and carry up to 30lbs of supplies, equipment, or materials used for program activities. This could include setting up equipment, moving furniture, or transporting supplies to different areas of the facility 
• Outdoor Activities: Participating in outdoor activities with youth members is required. This may involve walking on uneven terrain, carrying equipment, and being exposed to varying weather conditions 
• Safety Measures: Being vigilant and proactive in ensuring the safety of youth members may involve preventing accidents, resolving conflicts, or provide aid during emergencies 
• First Aid Response: Youth Mentors will be trained in first aid and CPR to respond effectively to medical emergencies or injuries that may occur during program activities 
• Physical Accommodations: Applicants requiring accommodation are encouraged to discuss their needs during the application process. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to individuals with disabilities to ensure they can perform essential job functions effectively 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Working as a Youth Mentor involves operating within a dynamic and supportive work environment focused on youth development and community engagement. The following characteristics outline the typical work environment for this role: 

• Club Facilities: Youth Mentors primarily work within club facilities designed to provide a safe and welcoming environment for youth members. These facilities may include recreational areas, classrooms, computer labs, art studios, and outdoor spaces for sports and activities 
• Youth Engagement: The work environment is characterized by lively and interactive engagement with youth members aged 5-18. Youth Mentors facilitate programs, activities, and events that promote positive youth development, foster personal growth, and encourage learning and exploration 
• Collaborative Atmosphere: Youth Mentors collaborate closely with fellow staff members, including program coordinators, volunteers, clubhouse manager, to plan, implement, and evaluate programs effectively. The work environment encourages teamwork, communication, and mutual support among colleagues 
• Safety and Well-being: Ensuring the safety and well-being of youth members is a top priority in the work environment. Youth Mentors adhere to established safety protocols and guidelines, maintain vigilant supervision during program activities, and respond promptly to any safety concerns or emergencies 
• Positive Relationships: Building positive relationships with youth members, parents/guardians and community stakeholders is fundamental to the work environment. Youth Mentors foster trust, respect, and open communication to create a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels valued and respected 
• Cultural Sensitivity: The work environment embraces diversity and cultural sensitivity, recognizing and honoring the unique backgrounds, identities, and experiences of youth members and staff. Youth Mentors demonstrate cultural competency and strive to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive for all 
• Professional Development: Boys & Girls Clubs of Southcentral Alaska prioritize professional development and growth opportunities for staff members. Youth Mentors have access to training and resources to enhance their skills, knowledge, and effectiveness in working with youth 
• Community Engagement: The work environment extends beyond the club facilities to include active engagement with the surrounding community. With support from the program coordinator and clubhouse manager, the Youth Mentors collaborate with local organizations, businesses, schools, and government agencies to support youth development initiatives and community partnerships 
• Flexibility and Adaptability: The work environment may be dynamic and unpredictable, requiring Youth Mentors to be flexible, adaptable, and responsive to changing circumstances and needs. They demonstrate resilience, creativity, and problem-solving skills in addressing challenges and seizing opportunities for growth 

Overall, the work environment at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southcentral Alaska is characterized by a commitment to youth empowerment, community collaboration, and professional excellence. Youth Mentors contribute to creating a positive and impactful environment where young people can thrive, grow, and reach their full potential. 

Boys & Girls Club of Southcentral Alaska is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to all federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to equal opportunity. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Southcentral Alaska does not discriminate against any individual with regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected status. This Policy extends to all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, as well as the use of all Boys & Girls Club of Southcentral Alaska facilities.