About April Parker Foundation

The APF Core Belief

This is not just a job. It’s a mission.  At the April Parker Foundation, we don’t hire employees. We recruit True Believers, people called to radically transform care for our most vulnerable neighbors. We deliver care, not charity, anchored in dignity, equity, and self-determination. We’re not just building programs. We’re building bridges and scaling that impact across California and beyond.

Guiding Principles

At APF we are True Believers in the mission, the people we serve, and the power of transformation. We don’t just work here; we live the mission. We believe that change is possible, that every individual matters, and that our collective work is building something bigger than ourselves:

1.      Lead with Purpose

2.      Speak Life into Others

3.      Show Up Fully—Even When It’s Hard

4.      Model Integrity in All Things

5.      Inspire Collective Ownership

6.      Protect the Flame

About the role

Position Summary

The Futures First Care Mentor (CM) plays a critical role in supporting justice-involved youth as they transition back into their communities. The mentor provides authentic mentorship, care coordination, and system navigation to help youth build stability and access opportunities for education, employment, and personal growth. Mentors work with youth ages 12–25, helping them connect with community resources and develop pathways toward independence. Through consistent engagement, trauma-informed support, and advocacy, mentors serve as trusted guides who motivate and empower youth as they navigate the challenges of reentry.

Mentors rely on lived experience, empathy, and leadership to build meaningful relationships and support youth in making positive life choices.

What you'll do

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

·        Conduct intake assessments to identify participant needs, strengths, risks, and barriers related to employment, education, reentry, and overall well-being.

·        Develop individualized care/service plans and update them regularly in alignment with program milestones and youth progress.

·        Provide trauma-informed mentorship, case management, and coaching, offering guidance and referrals to wrap-around supports such as mental health services, housing, childcare, financial literacy, transportation, and other stabilizing resources.

·        Maintain consistent communication with participants through weekly check-ins, follow-ups, and progress monitoring, including required in-person engagement when appropriate.

·        Manage an active caseload of up to 10 youth, ensuring ongoing outreach, engagement, and responsive support throughout their participation in the program.

·        Support participants in navigating training, education, apprenticeship, and job placement pathways, documenting progress toward employment and educational goals.

·        Provide linkage, warm handoffs, and accompaniment to appointments, including court, partner agencies, and community services, to reduce barriers and promote successful reentry.

·        Facilitate or co-facilitate monthly workshops on life skills, job readiness, conflict resolution, and professional or personal development.

·        Assist with distributing incentives and concrete supports, ensuring compliance with program guidelines and accurate tracking of all resources provided.

·        Collaborate with workforce partners, justice-system stakeholders, community organizations, and training providers to coordinate services, referrals, and participant support.

·        Document all participant interactions, assessments, plans, referrals, and workshops in Unite Us and maintain accurate, timely case records and required reports.

·        Participate in case conferences, supervision meetings, and staff meetings to review participant progress, address challenges, and ensure alignment with trauma-informed, youth-centered practices.

·        Conduct program discharge and complete Exit Assessments for participants who complete or disengage from services.

·        Assist with data collection, reporting, and outcome tracking required by APF and funders.

·        Perform housing inspections for youth placed in APF-supported housing, ensuring safety and compliance with program standards.

·        Support outreach efforts at community events, school sites, and partner activities to engage eligible youth and promote program participation.

·        Other duties as assigned in support of youth development, program performance, and APF’s mission.

Reimbursable travel is required for this role, including driving to participant visits, outreach events, and partner locations.      

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

·        Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, public health, or a related field; OR
Four years of experience providing care management, youth development, or workforce support services.\

Experience working with Opportunity Youth (OYAs), transition-age youth, or underrepresented communities.

·        Strong understanding of trauma-informed care and youth-centered engagement.

·        Excellent communication, active listening, and motivational interviewing skills.

·        Ability to manage multiple cases and maintain detailed documentation.

·        Proficiency with digital tools such as Unite Us, Google Workspace, and CRM systems.

·        Knowledge of local Long Beach/Los Angeles community resources.

·    Bilingual (Spanish or Khmer) required