Youth Mentor, Adoption Preservation

About the role

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) is a leading not‑for‑profit organization providing healing, justice and wholeness to people and communities. For over 150 years, LSSI has made a difference in the lives of children and families and remains a strong, viable presence in the State of Illinois, continuing its commitment to making a difference. LSSI is hiring a full‑time Therapeutic Mentor responsible for developing a professional, nurturing relationship with youth that empowers them to succeed and for providing youth with positive outlets for new opportunities and challenges that inspire them to achieve their goals and dreams.

Responsibilities

• Develop a professional, nurturing relationship with youth that empowers them to succeed.
• Provide youth with positive outlets for new opportunities and challenges, inspiring them to achieve goals and dreams.
• Collaborate with youth, family, and the assigned therapist to develop creative ways to identify and participate in activities that support the youth’s ITP.
• Assist youth with setting goals to achieve academic and personal success.
• Serve as a positive role model for youth, building self‑esteem and motivation.
• Communicate with therapist regarding children’s and/or families’ status.
• Demonstrate professional, positive behavior and carry out responsibilities with integrity, treating clients, families, other LSSI workforce members, and collaborative organizations/individuals in a dignified, respectful, honest, and fair manner.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate’s degree preferred.
• Background check clearance required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of basic child and adolescent development or equivalent life experience required.
• Experience communicating with youth openly, without judgment preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to empathize with the cultural, psychological, and practical needs of the clients served.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and comprehensibly, both verbally and in writing.
• Good organization, presentation, and PC/computer skills, including experience using Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other related software.
• Valid driver’s license, in good standing for the state of residency required.
• Access to reliable transportation required.
• Valid IL statutory minimum liability insurance