Site Description
Lighthouse Mecum House has provided services for abused and neglected children and for families in crisis since 1969. Through foster homes, group homes, residential treatment centers, supervised apartments, and other residential programs, Lighthouse serves hundreds of individuals each day. The organization is made up of a number of programs including the Youth Crisis Center. As an important facility in the Cincinnati area where unaccompanied youth ages 10 through 17 can seek shelter and safety, the Youth Crisis Center acts as a 22-bed emergency facility that is open 24 hours a day and 365 days per year. The children who seek shelter at the Youth Crisis Center may be victims of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse; refused shelter by their guardians; or runaways. The Youth Crisis Center provides on-site individual and family counseling sessions, as well as group sessions with other residents. During their time at Lighthouse, the youth participate in a number of educational and recreational activities, including creative writing, reading, ceramic arts, group discussions, and field trips.
Job Description
- Gain exposure to adolescents who have been victims of abuse and/or have emotional and behavioral problems.
- Enhance their appreciation of the challenges this population faces in terms of family support, resources, and education.
- Serve as a Youth Worker, assisting staff with the care, supervision, and control of youth in the program.
- Monitor interactions of youth at the site, facilitate problem solving with them, and model appropriate interactions for them.
- Provide support for youth workers during group activities and outings.
- Work Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m..
- Note: Applicants must have at least 6 months experience working with children or youth, be proficient in Microsoft Office, and possess excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Intern Quote
“Every day at Mecum House, I have the opportunity to talk to the residence and become a part of their lives while they stay there. Sometimes I will cook meals with them, play games, go on outings, or just spend time listening to what they have to say. it is really awesome to see kids for longer periods of time and see their growth while they stay at the shelter.
This summer, I was able to spend time with displaced youth in Cincinnati and learn from their experiences and hope to make an impact in their lives.”
– Claire Golba