Independent Living Mentor for Youth Empowerment

Pathway-Family-Services,-Inc; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

Pathway Family Services in Topeka, KS is seeking an Independent Living Support Worker to guide and supervise youth in onsite apartments and teach essential life skills. You will help youth build budgeting, cooking, housekeeping, job readiness, and communication abilities while maintaining a safe, structured environment.

The role emphasizes mentorship, documentation, and collaboration with partners to support individualized service plans.

Qualifications

• Strong communication, presentation, and documentation skills.
• Ability to interpret technical information, financial reports, and program data.
• Critical thinking, problem‑solving, and analytical abilities.
• Comfort working flexible hours.
• Commitment to youth development, safety, and empowerment.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and meet agency underwriting standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision and support to youth residing in onsite apartments.
• Teach essential independent living skills including budgeting, cooking, housekeeping, job readiness, communication, and time management.
• Serve as a positive role model, demonstrating healthy decision‑making, conflict resolution, and interpersonal skills.
• Show STRIVE and DCF apartments to prospective youth, collect rent, submit maintenance requests, and ensure background screenings are completed.
• Maintain a safe, structured, and supportive environment for all program participants.
• Conduct apartment inspections to ensure safety and compliance.
• Facilitate individual and group educational or situational counseling sessions.
• Monitor youth engagement with community resources related to employment, education, mentorship, and volunteer opportunities.
• Complete required documentation, logs, incident reports, and monthly summaries.
• Collaborate with agency partners, other Independent Living Specialists, and referring workers to support individualized service plans.
• Provide on‑call support as needed and utilize non‑physical de‑escalation strategies.
• Perform basic clerical and janitorial tasks to maintain a clean and organized office environment.
• Attend staff meetings, trainings, and cross‑agency coordination sessions.
• Uphold cultural sensitivity, teamwork, and professionalism in all interactions.
• Transport youth using personal or agency vehicles as needed.

Skills

Communication

Documentation

Interpretation of data

Critical thinking

Problem solving

Flexible hours

Youth development

Safety

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma/GED

Job description

Pathway Family Services in Topeka, KS is seeking an Independent Living Support Worker to guide and supervise youth in onsite apartments and teach essential life skills. You will help youth build budgeting, cooking, housekeeping, job readiness, and communication abilities while maintaining a safe, structured environment.

The role emphasizes mentorship, documentation, and collaboration with partners to support individualized service plans.