Youth Development Assistant Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

SHINE Youth Mentor Job Description

Position Title: Youth Mentor
Program: SHINE Youth Café & SHINE Schools
Organization: For the Love of the Arts, Inc.
Reports To: SHINE Youth Program Coordinator / Executive Director
Status: Part-Time, Hourly
Starting Pay: Starting at $16.00 per hour (based on experience)

Position Summary

The SHINE Youth Mentor plays a vital role in creating a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment for youth participating in the SHINE Youth Café and SHINE Schools programs. Youth Mentors build positive relationships with students while providing mentorship, supervision, encouragement, and support that promotes healthy decision-making, resilience, and personal growth.

Mentors help facilitate evidence-informed substance use prevention, social-emotional learning, life skills development, and arts-based wellness activities. This position requires a compassionate, dependable individual who enjoys working with youth and serving as a positive role model.

Program Schedule

SHINE Youth Café

• Friday Evenings
• Assist with transportation (if assigned)
• Meal service
• Icebreakers and recreation
• Support groups
• Arts and enrichment activities
• Special events and community outings

SHINE Schools

• Weekly programming during school hours and/or after school
• Schedule varies based on assigned school(s)

Additional evenings, weekends, trainings, or special events may occasionally be required.

Essential Responsibilities

Youth Engagement

• Build positive, trusting relationships with youth.
• Serve as a consistent mentor and positive role model.
• Create a welcoming, inclusive, and trauma-informed environment.
• Encourage participation while promoting confidence and self-esteem.
• Support youth in developing healthy coping skills and life goals.

Program Support

• Assist with implementation of weekly lessons and activities.
• Help facilitate support groups under staff supervision.
• Lead games, team-building exercises, and wellness activities.
• Assist with arts, recreation, and enrichment programming.
• Prepare program materials before each session.
• Help with setup, cleanup, and organization.

Prevention & Wellness

Support curriculum related to:

• Substance use prevention
• Mental wellness
• Healthy relationships
• Social-emotional learning
• Bullying prevention
• Goal setting
• Leadership development
• Workforce readiness
• Conflict resolution
• Decision-making skills

Transportation & Safety

• Transport youth safely when assigned.
• Supervise youth during transportation and community outings.
• Maintain proper attendance and sign-in/out procedures.
• Follow all transportation safety protocols.
• Ensure participant safety at all times.

Family & Community Engagement

• Communicate respectfully with parents and guardians.
• Promote family participation during special events.
• Represent SHINE professionally within schools and the community.

Documentation

• Complete attendance records.
• Document incidents appropriately.
• Assist with surveys and program evaluations.
• Report concerns promptly to supervisors.
• Maintain confidentiality.

Qualifications

Preferred qualifications include:

• High school diploma or GED required
• Associate or Bachelor's degree preferred
• Experience working with youth ages 11–18
• Experience in mentoring, education, youth development, or behavioral health preferred
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation (for driving positions)
• Ability to pass criminal background screening
• CPR/First Aid certification preferred (or willingness to obtain)

Desired Skills

Successful candidates demonstrate:

• Excellent communication skills
• Compassion and empathy
• Strong leadership abilities
• Dependability and punctuality
• Professional boundaries
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Problem-solving skills
• Cultural sensitivity
• Ability to manage groups of youth
• Positive attitude and enthusiasm

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Ability to participate in recreational activities
• Lift up to 25 pounds
• Travel between program sites as needed

Core Expectations

Youth Mentors are expected to:

• Model respectful and appropriate behavior.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Follow all SHINE policies and procedures.
• Arrive prepared and on time.
• Participate in required trainings and staff meetings.
• Support a positive, encouraging, and recovery-oriented culture.
• Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to assist where needed.

Performance Indicators

Success in this role will be measured by:

• Positive relationships with youth
• Consistent attendance and punctuality
• Participant engagement and retention
• Professionalism
• Accurate documentation
• Team collaboration
• Compliance with program policies
• Positive feedback from youth, schools, and families

Why Work at SHINE?

At SHINE, you'll have the opportunity to make a lasting impact in the lives of young people by helping them build resilience, develop healthy life skills, and discover their strengths through mentorship, prevention, and the arts. Our team is passionate about creating safe spaces where youth feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Join our mission to provide arts and wellness for all!