Youth Mentor

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.  The mentor is responsible for developing positive relationships with youth.  The mentor will interact with and provide support and guidance for youth.

OUR CULTURE: 
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day.  We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

The Akron Area YMCA stands with others in denouncing prejudice, racism, intolerance, and all other forms of discrimination.  We are committed to our mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.  In the 150-year history of the Akron Area YMCA we have always and will continue to be dedicated to doing more, doing better, and thus becoming a champion of change in our community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. As a primary function of the mentoring program, the mentor will provide an opportunity for youth to engage in developmentally appropriate activities, while providing an opportunity for socialization.
2. Take the lead in supporting a young pers through an ongoing, one-on-one relationship
3. Serve as a positive role model and friend; striving to build self-esteem and motivation and for mutual respect between youth and mentor.
4. Help youth set goals and work together toward accomplishing them
5. Spend a minimum of 4 hours per week mentoring an assigned youth
6. Communicate with clients on a regular basis
7. Attend all mandatory meetings and trainings
8. Submit activity information logs bi-weekly along with time cards and monthly reports as required by each contracting service agency.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS | ABUSE PREVENTION:

Upholding the YMCA’s commitment to the safety and well-being of youth in our programs is a core responsibility of all staff regardless of position.

1. Attend required abuse risk management training.
2. Adhere to policies related to boundaries with consumers.
3. Adhere to procedures related to managing and supervising high-risk activities.
4. Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
5. Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

• Communication & Influence – Interprets messages and body language effectively. Listens with the intent to understand the perspective of others.  Responds to the individual needs of others.
• Developing Self & Others – Supports participants in achieving their goals. Proactively shares information, experiences, lessons learned, and suggestions to help others be more successful.
• Inclusion – Embraces all dimensions of diversity by treating all people with dignity, compassion, and respect. Creates a safe environment in which others feel welcome and respected.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. At least 21 years of age and a high school graduate
2. Have access to reliable insured transportation
3. Must complete a satisfactory criminal background check
4. Not currently or within the past 5 years in treatment for substance abuse or mental health

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Sit and stand for extended periods of time
2. Ability to walk, stoop, squat/crouch, reach, twist/turn, pull, push, speak, hear, and grasp.
3. Noise levels are typically moderate
4. Lift up to 25 pounds
5. Indoor and Outdoor environments
6. Ability to participate in physical recreational activities with youth
7. Use computer, keyboarding, and data entry