Professional Mentor - Detroit

Friends of the Children - Philadelphia; Detroit (MI); Hybrid; USD 49,608 - 60,632; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

3 weeks paid vacation

Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and long-term disability coverage

401(k) with 3% match

Job summary

Friends of the Children - Philadelphia is seeking a mentor in Detroit for children in kindergarten to 5th grade. This full-time position involves building positive relationships and teaching essential life skills to eight kids, ensuring their well-being and academic success. You will work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, and help them navigate educational environments.

The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to supporting youth for at least three years. Benefits include 3 weeks of vacation and comprehensive health coverage.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years commitment required.
• Ability to develop trusting relationships with children and families.
• Experience working with children in various settings.

Responsibilities

• Mentor children in kindergarten to 5th grade.
• Develop and sustain long-term relationships.
• Teach life skills and reinforce basic academic skills.
• Transport children in a personal vehicle as needed.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Written and verbal communication

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Ability to work independently

Education

2- or 4-year degree or 7 years of experience

Job description

Overview

Friends of the Children is a nonprofit that is impacting generational change by empowering youth through relationships with professional mentors. We provide children facing the most obstacles with a long‑term, paid, professional mentor—called a “Friend”—from kindergarten through high school graduation, 12+ years—no matter what. We are currently seeking an extraordinary professional to join our Detroit location.

Location: Detroit, MI  |  Salary: $55,120 annually

Position Objective

Serve as a mentor for our Childhood program (kindergarten to 5th grade) by acting as a positive adult role model for eight elementary children. Establish loving, caring, and sustained relationships, set expectations, promote strengths, ensure wellness, teach life and academic skills, provide enrichment, and model responsible behavior. Fully document activities and participate in program evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and sustain a long‑term, caring, protective, and loving relationship with each child.
• Spend time with children one‑on‑one.
• Partner with parents/caregivers to give concrete and social‑emotional support.
• Set realistic expectations and goals based on each child’s strengths, talents, and needs.
• Teach life skills and help develop a talent/skill/area of interest.
• Integrate cultural knowledge into programming.
• Provide enrichment resources that support cultural identity development.
• Build positive relationships with families, teachers, and others involved in each child’s life.
• Reinforce basic academic skills.
• Maintain a 40‑hour work schedule, including evenings and weekends (typically Tuesday through Saturday; Sundays and Mondays off).
• Manage expenses within budgetary guidelines.
• Prepare, submit, and report time summaries, activity journals, short‑term plans, expense reports, and evaluations accurately.
• Participate in team meetings and staff functions.
• Maintain First Aid/CPR certification.
• Transport children in personal vehicle as required.
• Provide information and support to the executive team on related activities.
• Complete any additional responsibilities as requested.

Qualifications

• 2‑ or 4‑year degree, or at least seven years of progressive experience working with children and families.
• Willingness to commit for a minimum of three years.
• Advocate for additional resources, opportunities, and services for youth.
• Assist with systems navigation in schools to secure conditions for optimal academic success.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with children in varied capacities and settings.
• Ability to develop trusting relationships with children, families, teachers, and others.
• Ability to work independently and as a team player.
• Ability to manage several concurrent issues and solve problems effectively.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills.
• A sense of humor is a plus.

Preferred Experience and Abilities

• English language skills, including reading and writing.

Benefits

• 3 weeks paid vacation.
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and long‑term disability coverage.
• 401(k) with 3% match.

Working Hours

This is a full‑time position with non‑traditional hours. Participants are expected to see each assigned child both in and outside of school on weekdays and weekends, averaging four hours each week. The program alternates between two schedules:

• School year: Tuesday – Saturday, 11 AM – 7 PM
• Summer: Monday – Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM

Reports to: Program Manager Location: Detroit

Equal Opportunity Employer

Friends of the Children is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic. We are committed to providing a respectful and inclusive workplace for all employees.