Youth Mentoring Specialist

Schedule: Full Time Benefits Eligible! (see below).

Benefits - Approximate full-time benefits package value = $22,000+:

• Low-cost medical, dental, and vision coverage. Health savings account. 403b retirement plan with employer match (50% match up to 3%).
• Employee Assistance Program for all employees
• 33 paid days off: 11 observed paid holidays, 12 sick days, and 10 vacation days to start. Vacation increases to 12 days after 1 year, 15 days after 2 years, and more at 5 and 9 years of service
  • Sick and vacation time accrue hourly per pay period
• $50,000 in employer-paid life insurance; additional coverage available
• $1,200 annual employer contribution to your Health Savings Account (paid quarterly)
• Employee Referral Program including cash bonuses and paid time off

Mission Statement

Volunteers of America, Utah provides community-supported paths for those who are vulnerable to improve their lives and increase their self-reliance. In alignment with our mission, VOA Utah encourages individuals with lived experience to apply. We recognize that a person’s life experiences can provide firsthand knowledge relevant to being successful in the work that we do.

Position Summary The Youth Mentoring Specialist supports the agency’s mentoring program by developing community partnerships, facilitating group mentoring workshops, and monitoring and supporting one-to-one mentoring relationships for youth and volunteer mentors.

Essential Duties

• Develop strong community partnerships and maintain regular contact with those referring youth to the mentoring program.
• Assist the Youth Mentoring Coordinator with recruitment of sites for group mentoring activities and youth seeking one-on-one mentoring relationships.
• Plan, promote, and facilitate group mentoring using the Curriculum-Based Support Group (CBSG) Program.
• Conduct initial interviews and home visits with youth and families seeking mentoring relationships and review contract requirements with those selected for the program.
• Work closely with the Youth Mentoring Coordinator to assess fit between youth and mentors when matching.
• Facilitate match meetings between youth and mentors.
• Maintain contact with mentors, youth, and parents/guardians to assist in the development of trusting relationships, answer questions as needed, and develop problem-solving skills.
• Provide support for youth and mentors when concerns arise in the mentoring relationship or when youth are experiencing setbacks to their success.
• Maintain notes on caseload and participants and update them regularly.
• Coordinate, support, and record strength-based individualized goal achievement with youth and support problem-solving by providing resources and referrals.
• Assist the Youth Mentoring Coordinator in planning, promoting, and facilitating monthly community activities that provide a pro-social experience for youth and mentors and allow for development of mentoring relationships.
• Assist in implementing programming and curriculum development that contributes to positive youth outcomes.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive files and tracking systems for program forms and data.
• Assist the Youth Mentoring Coordinator in planning, hosting, and presenting monthly orientation.
• Manage program data collection in the form of participant assessments/surveys and performance outcome measures.
• Attend work on a regular and predictable basis.
• Work must be performed on-site.

Non-Essential Duties

• Participate in professional development activities including workshops, trainings, and events.
• Code and submit receipts in a timely manner.
• Perform other functions as necessary or assigned.

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. A Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in social work, psychology, education, or a related field and two or more years of experience working with at-risk youth; or any combination of education, experience, and training which provides the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Experience building community partnerships and maintaining supportive resources.
• Capacity to build an authentic rapport with youth, as a positive, non-judgmental role model; familiarity with relevant youth culture preferred.
• Has a working knowledge of the Youth Development Model, the Social Development Strategy, and best practices in youth mentoring.
• Demonstrates creativity, responsiveness, discernment and flexibility in working with diverse populations.
• Consistently exercises empathy, professional boundaries, and analytical problem-solving skills, especially in emotional and/or time-sensitive circumstances.
• Works efficiently in a deadline-driven and high-demand work environment.
• Ability to work independently and with a team to achieve components of the strategic plan.
• Proactively expands and integrates knowledge of community resources.
• Exceptionally strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain appropriate, accurate, and timely records and correspondence.
• Availability to work during evening and weekend hours as needed.
• Driving is required: must possess valid driver’s license, insurance, and clean driving record.
• Must possess access to a reliable form of transportation for group mentoring, home visits, and program activities.
• Must be able to pass Utah-DHS – Office of Licensing background screening and pre-employment drug screen.