Case Aide/Mentor - Live in Direct care position - BOYS AND GIRLS COUNTRY OF HOUSTON

This is a live-in opportunity, housing benefit provided, hiring only individuals with no dependents.  Housing and position for one person only.

Position:           Case Aide/Mentor

Department:    College and Career Program

Reports to:       The Director of Ministry

Organization

Boys and Girls Country’s mission is to change the lives of children from families in crisis by loving and nurturing them in a Christian home, raising them to become self-sustaining and contributing adults. We serve a total of 88 boys and girls aged five to eighteen, as well as young adults enrolled in our College and Career program. Located 35 miles northwest of Houston, our organization offers a supportive and nurturing setting where youth can flourish. For more information, visit www.boysandgirlscountry.org.

The College and Career program empowers high school graduates by offering ongoing support until they achieve independence. Presently, 16 young adults participate in the program, with opportunities ranging from pursuing college degrees, technical certificates, military service, or embarking on their initial employment journey, all within a supportive Christian environment. Through grants and scholarships, students have the chance to embark on their independent lives without accruing debt.

Position Summary

Case Aide/Mentors provide support and guidance, offering ongoing mentoring and supervision as these young individuals navigate campus life, community involvement, spiritual exploration, academic pursuits, vocational training, further education, initial job placements, and various avenues of preparing for their forthcoming endeavors.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Facilitate a culture of academic excellence and future-oriented mindset among students.
• Guide students towards suitable vocational or career counseling based on individual needs.
• Support the College and Career team by endorsing students' educational or career pathways.
• Assist in securing funding for students' college or vocational school attendance.
• Accompany students on visits to college campuses or vocational programs.
• Aid students in setting up dorm rooms or apartments, including furnishing, banking, utilities, and transportation arrangements.
• Collaborate with the Case Manager to monitor students' progress, grades, and areas for improvement.
• Foster relationships with college, vocational, or military students to aid in their transition and keep them informed about alumni events.
• Guide college and career students in making informed decisions regarding their education and career paths.
• Coordinate off-campus mentors with the assistance of the case manager to support student needs.
• Participate in developing educational assessments and Plans of Service for students with the Director of Education and Case Manager.
• Support organizational goals and activities as part of a team effort.
• Maintain regular contact with students to monitor their adjustment to transitions and decisions.
• Coordinate end-of-semester and end-of-summer logistics for students, including transportation and supplies.
• Communicate expectations and participation in holiday celebrations and campus events.
• Recognize and celebrate important dates/events such as birthdays and anniversaries.
• Provide care packages as needed and facilitate shopping trips for students when they are home.
• Maintain effective communication with Boys and Girls Country staff and students.
• Supervise the College and Career Program's responsibilities, including room assignments, cleanliness, grounds upkeep, transportation, activities, and contract compliance.
• Perform minor maintenance tasks in cottages as necessary.
• Encourage spiritual growth and facilitate church attendance among students.
• Provide transportation assistance as required. 

Transitional Living Program

• Motivate juniors and seniors to join the College and Career program and actively engage in its opportunities.
• Collaborate with juniors and seniors to assess their individual skills, talents, and interests using the Birkman Assessment.
• Support high school juniors and seniors in preparing for standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, and others.
• Identify needs, track progress, provide guidance, and offer recommendations for teaching essential life skills to students aged 5 to 18.
• Conduct weekly reviews of life skills within the Transitional Living Program.
• Assist Houseparents and students in setting and achieving realistic academic and life skill objectives to prepare for the College and Career program.
• Participate in initial Plans of Service meetings for new students entering the Transitional Living Program.
• Aid students in fulfilling mandatory driving hours to obtain their driver's licenses.
• Foster community by dining in the cottages of juniors and seniors transitioning into the College and Career Program at least once a month.
• All other duties as assigned.

Critical Skills Set

The successful candidate will possess the following:

• A genuine commitment to serving and nurturing students.
• Strong team player capabilities.
• Capacity to reside on-site and fulfill a 24/7 work schedule as per the proposed rotation. (7 days on, 1 day off, 3 days on, 3 days off over 2 weeks)
• Profound understanding of program best practices.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication proficiencies.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects concurrently and prioritize tasks.
• Adherence to company policies and procedures aimed at ensuring the safety of students, visitors, and staff. Implement necessary measures to safeguard the well-being of staff, children, visitors, and volunteers. Follow company guidelines concerning student safety during transportation.
• Familiarity with and dedication to Boys and Girls Country's Mission and Vision Statement.

Qualifications

• College & Career Mentor needs to be at least 21 years of age.
• Should pass a criminal background and FBI fingerprint investigation.
• Requires clearance through a drug test panel.
• Possession of a valid Texas driver’s license and a clean driving history.
• All staff who interact with students need to undergo tuberculosis testing before being assigned student care duties.
• Completion of or current CPR and First Aid training within 90 days of employment is necessary.
• Participation in Boys and Girls Country orientation and pre-service training prior to assuming student care responsibilities is required.
• Completion of at least 30 hours of in-service training annually is mandatory.
• High School Diploma or state authorized high school equivalent certificate is a prerequisite.
• While a Bachelor's degree is preferred, it is not mandatory.
• A minimum of three years' job-related experience, which can be substituted with unpaid church positions and service.
• Should possess the ability to develop a comprehensive plan with the team’s Case Manager.
• Demonstrated ability to present information concisely and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Should thrive in a fast-paced environment and excel at organizing and prioritizing tasks.
• Ability to transport children in agency vehicles, including 15 passenger vans.

This position includes room and board, as well as competitive salary and benefits packages. Join our team and make a positive impact on the lives of children in need.

• Competitive salary package
• Health insurance coverage
• Paid time off and holidays
• Training and professional development opportunities
• 403b Retirement plan
• Rewarding work environment making a positive impact on children's lives

At BGC, Our culture is founded on the principles of community, engagement, diversity, and inclusion. We recognize the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents.  Join us in our mission to provide a safe and nurturing home environment for children. Together, we can make a positive difference in the lives of children and create a workplace where everyone belongs.