Freedom School Servant Leader Intern

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota is a dynamic social service organization serving children, youth and families, people with disabilities, older adults, and military veterans. Trustworthiness is a value and strength shared by our employees and recognized by the communities we serve. We offer an ALIVE Workplace (Supportive, Positive, and Fun) and careers that challenge, energize, and reward employees. Consider joining us!

Job Summary:

The role of the Freedom School Servant Leader Intern is for college age young adults and recent college graduates to play a key role in the CDF Freedom School program. Each CDF Freedom School Servant Leader Intern serves as the teacher for a maximum of 10 students. Servant Leader Interns have access to further leadership development and networking opportunities geared toward continued direct service and advocacy on behalf of children and families.

The position provides advocacy services focused on the following: youth mentoring, academic engagement and performance, diversion from the criminal justice system, basic needs support, parent support and connection to services, and other family needs for youth on probation.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• An Associate degree or Bachelor's degree in Youth Studies, Social Services, African/African American studies, or a related field.
• Two to three years of experience running programs for youth experiencing higher barriers to success.
• Servant Leader Intern experience at a CDF Freedom School site is preferred.
• Interpersonal and management skills, sufficient to lead and motivate an intergenerational staff.
• Ability to translate a strategic plan into direct implementation.
• Ability to motivate others and lead long-term planning.
• Demonstrated commitment to the success and well-being of children.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A mature and professional demeanor that consistently displays positive behavior and attitudes.
• Strong appreciation and understanding of individual cultural history and the willingness to be open and respectful of other cultures.
• Ability to stand on feet for 3-4 hours at a time for field trips and in class presentations.
• Two to three years working with diverse youth populations experiencing a variety of barriers such as truancy, engagement with the criminal justice system, poverty, homelessness, behavioral health issues, and lack of a positive and supportive social circle.
• To provide adequate social work practices, the incumbent must draw on the ability to empathize, problem solve, and the ability to accept people unconditionally with an openness to new ideas.
• Ability to interpret policies and guidelines, the incumbent must draw on analytical abilities.
• Tested understanding and proven knowledge of counseling theory and techniques, social support systems, advocacy, youth stages of development, and case management in terms of providing services to individuals or families in crisis.
• The ability to successfully pass a comprehensive background check.
• Attention to detail.
• A driver's license and current insurance is required. Incumbent must have the ability to learn to drive or be able to drive a 12-passenger agency van.

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer of all people regardless of gender, race, culture, religion, ethnicity, protected veteran status and/or disability. We actively foster an environment that is free of racism, discrimination, bias, and harassment where all individuals are treated with dignity, safety, and respect.