If you are interested in working with struggling teens in a teen mental health setting, as a teen mentor, Shelterwood provides an exciting and challenging opportunity for you. Our Christian direct care staff work directly in teen counseling, teen substance abuse treatment, and teen ministry. We are located in Independence, Missouri.
The role of a full time, live in Mentor involves an initial contract of one year. As you successfully complete each of the four competency levels, additional compensation and promotions may be available. This position includes:
Training and Career Development
Encouraging Faith Development and Growth
Engaging in the Shelterwood Community
Requirements
Benefits
Our campus is tobacco, smoke and alcohol-free. We hire only non-tobacco users.
Location: Independence, Missouri
Shelterwood is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
At Shelterwood, everything we do drives towards transforming teens and restoring families — and our young adult Mentors are at the heart of it all. These Christian men and women meet teens where they are and speak Gospel truth into their lives. If you are interested in working with struggling teens in a teen mental health setting, as a teen Mentor, Shelterwood provides an exciting and challenging opportunity for you.
WHY ARE MENTORS SO IMPORTANT AT SHELTERWOOD?
Mentors, also called Direct Care Staff and Teen Mental Health Staff, are the backbone of Shelterwood’s relational approach. Time and time again, parents of Shelterwood graduates tell us that their teen’s Mentors made all the difference in their transformation. Mentors make a profound impact on the teens in their care.
As they work with teens, Mentors lay groundwork for social, academic and spiritual growth of the students. Shelterwood is not designed to simply create behavioral change, but to cultivate deep heart change and set our students up to succeed in life. For Mentors, this is not just a job or occupation. This is a calling.
OKAY, I AM INTERESTED! WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR BECOMING A MENTOR?
Mentors are young men and women in their early 20s who are passionate about helping struggling teens and want to grow as leaders. Also called Direct Care Staff, Mentors have a wide variety of backgrounds, but the biggest qualification is a willing heart. Mentors want to serve God, want to serve teens and want to share their faith in a way that can impact lives. Mentors also should have a college degree and/or experience working with teens.
HOW WILL I LEARN AND GROW AS A MENTOR?
Mentors serve teens through providing oversight, coaching and discipleship rooted in a program model based upon Trust Based Relational Intervention. The power of this relational model not only impacts teens but the Mentor as well. Mentors experience leadership development and spiritual growth, positioning them to thrive in their future no matter what career path they choose. It is a year-long journey into leadership, coaching, spiritual growth and understanding how to help others learn. This is a once-in-a-lifetime leadership development opportunity.
In addition to being trained and building competency in TBRI and Trauma Informed Care, Teen Mental Health Staff are trained in general residential care. Examples of training include working with teens that have a variety of behavioral issues, de-escalation, knowledge of HIPAA guidelines and documentation, state-mandated reporting and Ministry Safe, CPR and First Aid training.
Over their year of service, Mentors receive ongoing training and have the opportunity to build professional resumes in a variety of areas: leadership development, education, ministry, youth work, counseling and substance abuse.
HOW WILL I SPEND MY DAYS AS A SHELTERWOOD MENTOR?
Mentors’ days are full as they lead activities designed to engage teens, help them develop new interests and learn healthy interpersonal skills. Mentors work alongside teens as they do chores, plant and harvest Shelterwood’s garden and a variety of activities and special projects to build responsibility and integrity.
Spiritual growth and development is key for both Mentors and students alike. Mentors have a weekly opportunity to gather for spiritual growth and development, as well as community recreation time. They conduct Bible studies and activities to help students recognize the value of Scripture and encourage spiritual growth, as well as participate in weekly chapels.
As a vital part of the interdisciplinary treatment team, Mentors provide feedback in biweekly treatment meetings, collaborating with residence, school and therapy teams to plan treatment goals and interventions. Mentors assist with homework and in the school as needed. As part of living in community, Mentors also assist in general housekeeping and kitchen duties as part of the residential team.
Residential life for Mentors and students include special trips planned throughout the year: spiritual retreats, Mentor Fun Days, adventure trips, Serve Days and Mission trips. Each year Shelterwood students and Mentors have the opportunity to go to Haiti as a special Mission.
I THINK THIS MIGHT BE THE ROLE FOR ME.
This is one year of service for Mentors, yet the legacy is lasting: Mentors make a lifetime of impact. This ministry makes a transformational difference not only for struggling teens, but their families and communities as well.
Shelterwood Mentors are committed to serving teens for the glory of God. If you have ever felt called to be a part of changing a life through the transformational love of Jesus, then we invite you to apply for the Mentorship program.
Shelterwood is located in Independence, Missouri on more than 200 beautiful acres. It is in the Kansas City Metro area.
