JJM MENTORING PROGRAM INTERN

Position Summary Juvenile Justice Ministry (JJM) Mentoring Program Intern Position Type: Paid Internship | Part-Time Hours: Up to 20 hours per week Location: East Alabama Reports To: Executive Director / JJM Director Compensation: Paid, rate determined based on qualifications and experience Growth Opportunity: Potential transition into a full-time ministry position based on performance, program growth, organizational needs, and available funding. Position Summary East Alabama Youth for Christ is seeking a passionate, self-motivated, and mission-driven JJM Mentoring Program Intern to help develop, strengthen, and expand our mentoring program for justice-involved youth ages 11–19. This paid internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on ministry leadership experience while helping build a sustainable mentoring program that connects vulnerable youth with caring, consistent Christian adults. The ideal candidate is a strong relationship builder, an organized self-starter, and someone who has a heart for reaching young people with the hope of Jesus Christ. This position is designed with growth in mind, offering the potential to develop into a full-time ministry leadership role as the mentoring program expands. Key Responsibilities Mentoring Program Development & GrowthAssist in developing and implementing a comprehensive JJM mentoring program.Establish clear processes for mentor recruitment, screening, training, matching, and ongoing support.Help identify youth who would benefit from consistent, one-on-one mentoring relationships.Develop strategies to expand mentoring opportunities across EAYFC's seven-county service area.Establish measurable goals and track progress toward program growth and sustainability. Volunteer Recruitment & DevelopmentActively recruit Christian adults interested in mentoring justice-involved youth.Build relationships with local churches, colleges, businesses, and community organizations to develop a strong mentor pipeline.Assist with volunteer interviews, onboarding, background checks, and required training.Equip and encourage mentors to build authentic, Christ-centered relationships with youth.Maintain consistent communication with mentors and provide ongoing support. Youth Engagement & Relationship BuildingBuild positive relationships with youth in juvenile justice facilities and community settings.Assist in identifying and matching youth with appropriate mentors.Support youth transitioning from juvenile facilities back into their homes, schools, and communities.Encourage spiritual growth, positive decision-making, and healthy relationships.Model Christ-centered character, compassion, and integrity. Community Partnerships & OutreachDevelop relationships with juvenile justice facilities, juvenile probation officers, courts, churches, and community partners.Help establish referral pathways for youth needing mentoring.Represent EAYFC professionally at community meetings, ministry events, and recruitment opportunities.Identify opportunities to increase community awareness and support of the mentoring program. Program Administration & AccountabilityMaintain accurate records of mentor recruitment, youth referrals, mentor matches, and program participation.Track and report ministry activities and outcomes using EAYFC's reporting systems.Assist in developing program resources, policies, and procedures.Provide regular progress updates to ministry leadership.Maintain confidentiality and follow all EAYFC youth protection and risk management policies. Position Requirements Required Qualifications A growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ and commitment to biblical principles.Agreement with Youth for Christ's mission, statement of faith, and ministry standards.Genuine passion for working with at-risk and justice-involved youth.Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.Ability to work independently, take initiative, and follow through on responsibilities.Willingness to recruit volunteers, develop partnerships, and engage community leaders.Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries and confidentiality.Reliable transportation and willingness to travel to ministry sites.Ability to successfully complete required background checks and ministry training. Preferred Qualifications Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Ministry, Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Education, Youth Development, or a related field.Previous experience working with youth, mentoring programs, juvenile justice, or nonprofit organizations.Experience recruiting, training, or coordinating volunteers.Familiarity with juvenile justice systems and community-based youth services.Experience developing programs, organizing outreach initiatives, or building community partnerships. What Success Looks Like During the internship, the candidate will work toward the following objectives: First 30 Days – Learn & Assess Complete required EAYFC and JJM training.Become familiar with existing JJM ministry sites and mentoring opportunities.Evaluate current mentoring processes and identify opportunities for improvement.Begin developing a mentor recruitment and program growth strategy. Days 31–60 – Build & Recruit Establish a structured mentor recruitment and onboarding process.Begin building relationships with churches, colleges, and community partners.Develop a pipeline of prospective mentors.Coordinate with ministry leadership to identify youth eligible for mentoring. Days 61–90 – Implement & Grow Facilitate appropriate mentor-youth matches.Establish consistent mentor communication and support systems.Track mentoring relationships, engagement, and program outcomes.Present a progress report and recommendations for continued growth.Specific recruitment and mentoring targets will be established with ministry leadership. Professional Development & Full-Time Opportunity This internship is more than an opportunity to gain experience. It is an opportunity to help build and lead a ministry that can make a lasting difference in the lives of young people. The Intern Will Receive Hands-on experience in nonprofit and ministry leadership.Direct mentorship and coaching from EAYFC leadership.Experience in program development, volunteer management, and community engagement.Opportunities to grow in leadership, communication, and ministry strategy.Consideration for a full-time ministry position as the mentoring program develops and organizational resources allow. Successful candidates will demonstrate initiative, ownership, integrity, measurable results, and a commitment to the mission of Youth for Christ. East Alabama Youth for Christ exists to reach young people with the hope of Jesus Christ through authentic, Christ-sharing relationships. Through Juvenile Justice Ministry, we intentionally pursue relationships with justice-involved youth, connecting them with caring adults who offer encouragement, consistency, discipleship, and hope for their future. Our goal is not simply to develop a mentoring program. It is to build life-changing relationships that help young people discover their God-given purpose and experience the love of Christ. Interested candidates should submit a résumé and a brief statement describing their personal faith journey, experience working with youth, and interest in developing a Christ-centered mentoring program. East Alabama Youth for Christ is committed to providing a safe, supportive environment for every young person we serve. EEO Statement Youth For Christ (YFC) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, handicap, marital status, or other unlawful discriminatory characteristics in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. YFC is classified as an Association of Churches and as such our hiring practices reflect that designation. As a religious nonprofit organization, YFC incorporates within each leader role, the requirement to model, teach, share and live the faith. The relationship between YFC’s mission and each of its leaders is its lifeblood and as such does at all times and in all instances reserve the right to make employment decisions based upon a person’s religious beliefs, personal character and lifestyle consistent with our understanding of the Bible or with our overall goals and requirements for Christian ministry. We seek to create a workplace that is intentional about Kingdom Inspired Diversity. Our commitment to our employees extends to their opportunities for growth, development, promotion, training and compensation. We will make reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with known disabilities, unless doing so would result in an undue hardship to the organization. Apply