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. 

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