Social Services Aide/Community Mentor

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

Job summary

State of Missouri’s Division of Youth Services is hiring a Social Services Aide/Community Mentor to support day treatment and residential youth programs. You will work with staff to create a safe, therapeutic environment and help youth with education, tutoring, and employment preparation.

This part-time, non-benefit eligible role requires empathy, clear communication, and professional conduct. A valid driver’s license is required; some roles include transportation in a state vehicle; pay is

Qualifications

• Empathy toward youth and families.
• Ability to communicate clearly and honestly.
• Willingness to cooperate with staff and supervisors.
• Uphold professional boundaries and respectful conduct.

Responsibilities

• Transport youth (and possibly family) to school, job, doctor appointments, meetings, etc. in a state vehicle.
• Spend time with youth in developing constructive relationships and providing structure.
• Provide tutoring or academic assistance with schoolwork or homework.
• Assist client in securing employment.
• Develop employment opportunities and community resources for youth/families.
• Maintain written log of client contact for documentation purposes.

Skills

Empathy

Clear communication

Cooperation

Professionalism

Nonjudgmental

Teamwork

Education

No post-secondary education required

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.

If you experience an accessibility issue while applying at mocareers.mo.gov, please contact [e-mail] or call 573-526-0416. If you have questions about this position please contact: [e-mail].