Therapeutic Youth Mentor

Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, Inc.; Lewistown (MT); On-site; USD 22,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

YBGR seeks a Therapeutic Youth Mentor to support youth in homes, schools, and community settings. You will build strong, supportive relationships, model positive behavior, and help youths reach treatment goals using evidence-based strategies.

Role requires 21+, background checks, and a High School Diploma or GED. Certification in First Aid/CPR and Violence Intervention Prevention is encouraged. The position is hourly with a starting range reflecting education and experience.

Qualifications

• Must be 21 years or older.
• Criminal/Child Abuse clearances required by Montana.
• Experience with youth mental health settings is preferred.
• Willingness to obtain First Aid/CPR and Violence Intervention Prevention certification.

Responsibilities

• Build trusting, professional relationships with youth receiving mental health services.
• Model healthy choices, boundaries, and coping strategies.
• Support youth in achieving treatment goals with therapists and the team.
• Facilitate skill-building activities in communication, problem-solving, and emotional regulation.
• Provide crisis support and de-escalation as needed; document in EHR.
• Collaborate with families, therapists, and community partners for coordinated care.
• Participate in supervision, team meetings, and ongoing training.
• Observe youth behavior and respond to cultural and socioeconomic needs.

Skills

Rapport-building

Therapeutic engagement

Boundaries & confidentiality

Group work ability

Independent work

Active listening

Interpersonal skills

EHR documentation

Typing 35 WPM

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Position Summary: The Therapeutic Youth Mentor (TYM) plays a vital role in helping youth build resilience, strengthen life skills, and develop healthy coping strategies. This position is centered on creating positive, supportive, and professional relationships while serving as a role model. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, the TYM ensures individualized, compassionate care and supports each youth in reaching their treatment goals.Starting Salary Range: $16.19 - $18.22 per hour. Salary reflects steps 1-5 of an 11-step pay schedule. The starting salary will be determined based on the applicant’s education and relevant experience.Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:Build and maintain trusting, professional relationships with youth receiving mental health services.Serve as a positive role model by demonstrating healthy choices, appropriate boundaries, and effective coping strategies.Support youth in achieving treatment plan goals as outlined by therapists and the treatment team.Facilitate engaging skill-building activities focused on communication, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and daily living skills.Accompany youth in community settings to promote socialization, independence, and positive peer interactions.Provide crisis support and de-escalation when needed, following YBGR protocols.Maintain accurate, timely documentation in the electronic health record (EHR), in compliance with agency standards.Collaborate with therapists, case managers, families, and community partners to ensure coordinated care.Actively contribute to organizational goals, including Performance Quality Improvement (PQI) initiatives.Model YBGR’s mission, values, and professional standards in all interactions.Adhere to agency policies, safety procedures, and compliance requirements.Take initiative in identifying challenges and seeking effective solutions.Participate in regular supervision, team meetings, and ongoing training.Remain aware of and responsive to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of the youth and families served.Perform other duties as assigned.21 years old or olderCriminal / Child Abuse Clearance: Must pass criminal record and child abuse registry background check as required by the State of Montana.High School Diploma or GEDDriver’s license to operate passenger vehicleRequired Abilities/SkillsStrong ability to build rapport and engage therapeutically with youth.Knowledge of professional boundaries and confidentiality practices.Ability to work with youth both individually and in group settings.Collaborative approach to teamwork with the ability to work independently when needed.Excellent active listening, communication, and interpersonal skills.Proficiency in completing documentation in an electronic health record; minimum typing speed of 35 WPM (Microsoft Office 365 experience preferred).Sound judgment, ethical decision-making, and conflict resolution skills.Self-motivated, dependable, and adaptable with a team-oriented mindset.Commitment to YBGR’s values: Faith, Integrity, Relationship, and Stewardship.Willingness and ability to obtain certification in First Aid/CPR and Violence Intervention Prevention.Physical/Environmental Demands & Requirements:Services may be delivered in homes, schools, community settings, and agency facilities.Flexible schedule may be required, including evenings or weekends.Moderate physical activity may be involved, including recreation with youth.Rare involvement in the physical restraint of youth (50–300 lbs) when safety is at risk.Must be able to accurately observe, interpret, and respond to verbal and non-verbal client behavior.Exposure to high-stress situations during crisis intervention.Travel to other locations may be required as needed to meet with employees, clients, families, and other stakeholders. This may involve the use of a personal vehicle and may include transporting clients. For approved travel beyond the designated office location normal commute, mileage reimbursement will be provided if using a personal vehicle.