Social Services Aide/Community Mentor

About the role

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.

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, 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.
• Aid in securing employment for youth.
• Aid 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Skills

• Ability to 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.

Benefits

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

Pay

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).

Schedule

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

Contact Information

If you experience an accessibility issue while applying at mocareers.mo.gov, please contact courtney.a.hall@dss.mo.gov or call 573-526-0416.

If you have questions about this position please contact: hrc@dss.mo.gov.