Freedom School Servant Leader Intern

Lutheran Social Service MN 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 rewards employees.  Consider joining us!

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 in the position of Servant Leader Intern.  Each CDF Freedom Schools 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.

Job Requirements:

• Servant Leader Intern experience at a CDF Freedom Schools site is preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to the success and well-being of children.
• Serve as a positive role model for all scholars.
•  Supervise and maintain safety of scholars.
• Maintain a professional decorum.
• Set up, manage and break down classroom space according to standards outlined by CDF and the sponsor organization.
• Engage a maximum of 10 scholars per class in the Integrated Reading Curriculum
•  Attend all required trainings.
• Work with site staff to ensure that all program components are implemented with fidelity.
• Report any issues or concerns regarding program operation to the Site Coordinator.
• Attentive to details.
• At least 1 year of college education in youth studies, social services, African/African American studies or a related field preferred.
• Experience working with youth experiencing higher barriers to success.
• 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.
• 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.
•  2-3 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.
• Strong communication skills, written and oral.

Lutheran Social Service of MN is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer of all people regardless of gender, race, culture, religion, ethnicity, protected veteran status and/or disability. It is the expectation that all LSS/CHS employees will behave in a manner that is free of racism, discrimination, bias, and harassment where all individuals are treated with dignity, safety, and respect.