Youth-Reach Gulf Coast is always looking for qualified and passionate people to join our growing team. Working daily with troubled and delinquent boys is not for the feint of heart, nor is it for the person who relishes authority. It is clear that this type of ministry is not for everyone, but is a position that should only be assumed after much prayer.
We are a ministry that is inherently servant-oriented. This is no place to get rich, but your needs will be met and you will be challenged every day. Most of the staff live on-site and as staff members of Youth-Reach we form a loving community with the same life goals.
There is a need for staff members both in our Administrative and Operations ranks. Those on the administrative staff are the first point of contact for prospective residents. They also serve in clerical and fundraising roles as well as graphic design, mailing, reception, and other office related duties. Though they serve in a support role, they are as called to minister to troubled kids as the rest of the staff.
The Operations staff make up the men who work hands-on with the residents of Youth-Reach. These men make up the most critical team at Youth-Reach. They serve as admissions counselors, teachers, mentors, and assigned counselors, but their true position is as a surrogate daddy. They help boys through tough adjustments, emotional struggles, loss of loved ones, abandonment issues, and areas where they lack self-discipline and self-control.
Basic Requirements: Applicants must be at least 21 years of age, of good general health and able to assist residents with work projects, possess a credible relationship with the Lord, hold a reputation as a committed Christian, be able to pass a state and national criminal history check, and can provide at least three personal or professional references (references should include your pastor or mentor, past employers, and a personal friend). Applicants are hired directly to open positions so the applicant must possess the skills needed in the particular position or area of service.
Positions and Training: Positions are offered depending upon the following factors: Applicant’s past experience, education, age, references, general maturity and Christian training. For those with little to no past experience Youth-Reach Houston, In Houston, TX. has created an internship program that can be completed in as little as six months. This program will provide mentorship of prospective staff members by the leadership team of Youth-Reach along with hands-on training in discipleship and resident monitoring. There will be instruction in the program guidelines, spiritual disciplines, and the state requirements that govern programs that are licensed to care for juveniles.
Full staff positions are offered to those who complete the internship program or who apply to Youth-Reach with credible and applicable experience in the care of and ministry to troubled and delinquent boys. There is a sixty day probation period for all newly hired staff persons. At the end of the sixty day period the supervising staff and the new staff member will meet for an evaluation. This is an opportunity to assess the relationship and for both sides to determine if a further relationship is warranted and beneficial for the staff member, and the residents of Youth-Reach.
Housing: As available, housing is on-site and available for all staff positions. Youth-Reach Gulf Coast has staff quarters for single men and families of different sizes.
Compensation: Since the staff of Youth-Reach lives on-site, they incur no housing or utility costs. Youth-Reach also pays the liability portion of the automobile insurance (for each paid staff member). Youth-Reach also has qualified doctors and dentists who care for the staff, staff children and current residents of the ministry. In addition, Youth-Reach staff members receive a membership at the local YMCA which is also valid at all YMCA’s nationwide.
A salary check is provided through a valid payroll system. The amount of this salary is commiserate with the position to which a new staff member is assigned. Due to the fact that Youth-Reach provides the benefit of full housing, this salary amount is lower than what would be expected from a normal employment system.
A performance bonus system is also in place along with a Christmas bonus, vacation bonus and a birthday bonus. Many staff members also exercise the right to raise their own support from friends, their home church, or family members. If done according to our standards, these gifts are a tax deductible contribution that may provide substantial benefit to the donor at tax time.
Make no mistake, Youth-Reach is a place to labor if you have a passion to see kids set free, come to Christ, and inherit a new life. It is not a place to work if you have high financial goals. We live a sacrificial life. In essence, we are giving up our future to see the future prospects of these kids restored. If you do not share that goal and feel that passion then Youth-Reach is not the place for you.
For further information or to arrange to meet personally with a staff leader of Youth-Reach Gulf Coast you may call 251-967-4809 or e-mail us at admin@youth-reach.org.
