Social Services Aide/Community Mentor

State of Missouri; Sikeston (MO); On-site; USD 19,000 - 27,000; Part time

Job summary

The State of Missouri Division of Youth Services seeks a part-time Social Services Aide/Community Mentor to work with youth in day treatment and residential settings. Responsibilities include transporting youth, building supportive relationships, guiding activities, and assisting with employment and resources while maintaining documentation.

A valid driver’s license is required; prior juvenile-related experience is desirable. The role is hourly/temporary with no benefits.

Qualifications

• Empathy and ability to communicate clearly with youth and families.
• Nonjudgmental and cooperative attitude is essential.
• Professional and respectful conduct with youth, families, and staff.

Responsibilities

• Transport youths to school, appointments, or meetings in a state vehicle.
• Build constructive relationships and provide structure through activities and guidance.
• Provide tutoring or academic assistance and help youth secure employment or resources.
• Maintain written logs and report client information to supervisor.
• Monitor attendance and progress per Individual Treatment Plan.

Skills

Empathy

Clear communication

Nonjudgmental

Cooperation

Encouraging

Professionalism

Respectful

Teamwork

Adaptability

Job description

Working with the Division of Youth Services is more than it seems. You will be working with staff to create a safe, therapeutic, and educational environment for youth in our day treatment and residential programs. To succeed in this position you will need to be empathetic, nonjudgmental, cooperative, encouraging, able-bodied, professional, and respectful; you must be able to communicate clearly, honestly and openly. Join us and help make the difference for our youth today!

The current rate for this position is $16.84 per hour. Individual(s) selected for this position may receive a higher rate based on a pay differential (e.g. shift, or time-of-service pay).

Employees hired in this title are considered hourly/temporary and are not eligible for any benefits.

The following tasks are the responsibility of the Social Services Aide/Community Mentor:

• Transport youth (and possibly family) to school, job, doctor appointments, meetings, etc. in a state vehicle.
• Spend time with youth in developing constructive relationship, participating in recreational activities or otherwise helping to provide structure and guidance.
• Provides extra contact for youth in high risk cases.
• Monitoring clients during home visits from facility.
• Serves as an appropriate role model and support system.
• Provide tutoring or academic assistance with schoolwork or homework.
• Assist client in securing employment.
• Assist supervisor in developing employment opportunities and/or community resources for youth/families.
• Contact service providers or community resources regarding behavior and attitude of client.
• Meet with supervisor on a regular basis and report information regarding client to supervisor.
• Maintain written log of client contact for documentation purposes.

A valid driver's license is the only requirement for a SSA. Prior experience working with juveniles or college course work in the social science or criminal justice field is desired.

Examples Of Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Working knowledge of child development and the role of the family.
• Working knowledge of the general techniques of communicating with adolescent clients.
• Basic knowledge of the causes of juvenile delinquency and of current methods of treatment of juveniles.
• Ability to work with clients in an empathetic and understanding manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients, family members and other treatment staff, and to explain the progress of the client.
• Ability to interact on a community level in a professional and responsible manner.
• A valid driver's license is required.

Social Service Aide Expectations

• Maintain professional appropriate boundaries with clients.
• Monitor client attendance at school, home, job, GED, AA/NA meetings, etc.
• Develop resources as directed.
• Help families get in touch with necessary community resources.
• Be familiar with client's Individual Treatment Plan and assist as directed in completing the plan.
• Develop goals regarding clients, including contact type and frequency, with supervisor.
• Meet weekly (or as directed) with supervisor.
• Keep time sheet current and make available to supervisor as requested.
• Provide monthly reports of case load contacts to supervisor.
• Track hours and services provided to youth and families.
• Maintain confidentiality

Lack of post-secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.

This is a part-time non-benefit eligible position working with youth and other staff to create a therapeutic and safe environment.