Youth Development Mentor: Rebound Program

As a Youth Development Mentor at Access Services, your main responsibilities include engaging with youth to help them identify and achieve their goals, developing and facilitating life skills lessons, maintaining case notes and progress reports, and coordinating with external providers to meet client needs. You will also assist with the referral process and provide regular updates to referring agencies, ensuring that each youth receives personalized and effective support.

To qualify for the Youth Development Mentor position at Access Services, you should possess a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as human services or psychology, along with two years of hands-on experience working with youth. Alternatively, an Associate degree combined with five years of experience is acceptable. Experience working with youth who have social, behavioral, and mental health concerns, as well as familiarity with the juvenile justice system, will strengthen your application.

Key skills for the Youth Development Mentor role at Access Services include excellent interpersonal skills to build rapport with youth, strong organizational skills for maintaining case files and documentation, and the ability to develop creative life skills programs. Additionally, proficiency in additional languages, such as Spanish, can enhance your contributions and increase compensation opportunities.

Yes, the Youth Development Mentor position at Access Services involves travel throughout Schuylkill County to meet with clients. A valid driver's license, reliable vehicle, and insurance are essential, as you will be reimbursed for mileage related to work activities. Flexibility in your schedule may also be expected to meet the needs of the youth.

Access Services provides a comprehensive benefits package for the Youth Development Mentor role, which includes health, vision, dental insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off (20 days of PTO, plus holidays). Additional perks include tuition reimbursement, mileage reimbursement, and employee assistance programs, making this position one that values both your personal and professional well-being.

To establish trust, I would focus on being consistent, approachable, and transparent. It's crucial to show genuine interest in their lives and challenges. Building rapport takes time, so I would actively listen and engage in open conversations that allow them to express themselves and set their own goals.

I would encourage an open dialogue where youth can express their aspirations. Using SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound), I would guide them in setting realistic goals. I would also provide ongoing support and celebrate their accomplishments, no matter how small, to keep them motivated.

Supporting youth with behavioral challenges requires a sensitive approach. Establishing a safe space for discussion is essential, as well as incorporating therapeutic techniques such as positive reinforcement, role-playing, and coping strategies that empower them to manage their behaviors effectively.

In my previous role, I collaborated with school counselors, social workers, and parents to develop an individualized support plan for a youth struggling with academic issues. This multi-disciplinary collaboration allowed for a comprehensive approach, resulting in improved school attendance and engagement.

When facing resistance from families, I would focus on building trust and understanding their perspectives. I would involve them in problem-solving discussions, highlight the benefits of intervention, and ensure they feel valued in the process. By addressing their concerns openly, we can work together towards common goals.

I plan to stay current by engaging in ongoing professional development, participating in workshops and training, and networking with other professionals in the field. I subscribe to relevant journals and follow thought leaders to continuously expand my knowledge and apply the latest techniques in my practice.

Success as a Youth Development Mentor can be measured by the progress youth make toward their goals, their increased engagement in school and community activities, and improvements in their overall well-being. Regular updates and assessments with youth and stakeholders will help gauge effectiveness and areas for enhancement.

Utilizing community resources can enhance the support offered to youth. I would actively connect them with after-school programs, mentoring opportunities, and counseling services. Building partnerships with local organizations can also create a comprehensive support network for the youth and their families.

My approach to facilitating life skills lessons is to incorporate interactive and experiential activities that promote engagement. I believe in using real-life scenarios and involving youth in role-playing exercises to build skills like problem-solving, communication, and decision-making in an enjoyable and relatable manner.

Ensuring effective communication with youth involves using clear, age-appropriate language and showing empathy. I would actively listen, encourage open dialogue, and employ non-verbal cues to demonstrate understanding. Tailoring my communication style based on the individual's needs and preferences is crucial to building strong connections.