Become a Youth Mentor at Pal Center

Job Brief

Youth Mentors (YM) is a part-time and grant based work position that is assigned to a group of approximately 20 students, to provide a safe, responsible, well-supervised program while acting as a positive role model, coach, tutor, and mentor. Youth Mentors must have a genuine interest in the growth, development, and provision of a safe, nurturing, and fun environment. A mentor’s ability to establish authority through leadership, communication, and most importantly patience, will be required in giving our students the stability and nurturing atmosphere they need to succeed.

Youth Mentors are responsible for co-collaborating with youth in preparing an engaging and creative learning environment, establishing a positive rapport with members, their families, co-workers, and preparing materials and supplies.


Major Responsibilities:

• Carry out the mission, vision, and values established by the Pal Center Center Center Directors in all job-related activities.
• Establish an institutional community culture of supportive learners of all programs
• Ensure all program operations are carried out in an appropriate, timely, and safe way.
• Provide a safe, responsible, well-supervised program while acting as a positive role model, coach, and mentor.
• Always remain legally compliant with the organization’s bylaws and program rules.
• Responsible for preparing an engaging and creative learning environment and preparing materials and supplies for lessons.


Related Duties:

• Ability to create and implement fun and engaging developmentally appropriate activities
• Plan and implement a variety of daily recreational and enrichment activities that align with Pal Center PACE program themes for groups; continually interfacing with members, volunteers, staff, and parents.
• Ability to lead and supervise small and large groups by recognizing potential issues and applying established Pal Center procedures and problem-solving methods as needed.
• Ability to observe member behavior, assess its appropriateness and apply appropriate behavior management techniques, positive redirection, or appropriate corrective action as necessary to support members in making positive behavior choices.
• Accurately complete and submit time cards, incident reports, rosters, receipts, and other program-related materials in accordance with Pal Center policy.
• Identify the needs of the youth and offer resources and mentorship that align with their self-identified personal goals.
• Assists Program Lead and Admin staff in scheduling guest speakers and excursions relevant to the program.
• Evaluate the program daily to suggest an improvement, needs, hazards, and/or trends for further evaluation.
• Observe members daily to check for bruises, cuts, scrapes, rashes, or other indications of injury or illness to report for further evaluation.
• Set a positive example in food selection, exercise, personal habits, and attitudes.
• Responsible for the designated group of youth for the duration of the program or until a replacement program mentor arrives – never leave a group unsupervised.
• Responsible for immediately reporting and documenting any and all injuries or incidents utilizing established Pal Center procedures for notification to the Student Services Coordinator, Admin Staff, and parents.
• Demonstrate reliability and punctuality by arriving on time for scheduled shifts.
• Attendance and participation at all required staff meetings, training, and development activities.


Learning Environment:

• Lead a group of approximately 20 students in an instructional setting, maintaining high standards for behavior and safety.
• Ability to develop and implement age-appropriate activities.
• Serve as a positive adult role model for children in the program through appropriate dress, speech, attitude, and courtesy.
• Create an engaging environment that fosters a sense of belonging for youth.
• Maintains cleanliness in all program areas; assist with the setup and breakdown during program day to contribute to ongoing maintenance in an effort to keep the community site clean and orderly.
• Maintain student safety by ensuring that members are signing in and out of the program
• Maintain accurate member attendance rosters
• Ensures age-appropriate conversations among members and staff; promotes good manners and encourages common courtesies among members and staff.


Expectations:

• YM is expected to actively work, monitoring Pal Center members at all times.
• Assist in keeping the site clean, including cleaning tables, mopping, and vacuuming.
• Provides support for the daily snack/meal program including preparation, serving, clean up, and maintaining accurate meal records for daily reporting.
• Possess reliable transportation to and from Pal Center Building.
• Maintain the highest degree of confidentiality in staff and member matters.
• Adherence to all organizational site policies and procedures.
• Appropriate and pre-approved authorization from the Administrative Office of ALL forms, activities, and permission slips.
• Any additional duties related to the program as assigned

Requirements:

• Experience working with youth in a classroom, after school, or recreation environment
• Excellent communication skills with all levels of the organization
• Knowledge of organizational effectiveness and classroom management
• Knowledge of G Suite including Google Meets and Zoom
• Avid digital workspace skills: Microsoft Office, Outlook, Google Docs, Databases, Canva, Adobe Suite, Salesforce, etc. (Training available)
• Leadership ability
• Sensitive to the cultural needs of the population served
• Outstanding organization skills
• High School Diploma or GED required.


Special Requirements:

• Must have a valid California Driver's License
• Must have TB Clearance and be tested every two years.
• Must be CPR trained, certified, and keep certification current (training can be provided).
• Must be fingerprinted (provided by RCPD if needed)


Salary:
• Hourly wage $20.00-$25.00, based on experience.


How to Apply:
Please email your cover letter and resume to:
Jade Martinez- Associate Director
jade@redwoodcitypal.org
650-556-1650