Professional Mentor "Friend"

Friends of the Children - Philadelphia; Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 33,751 - 35,817; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

3 weeks paid vacation

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

401k with 3% match

Job summary

Friends of the Children - Philadelphia seeks a Professional Mentor in Spokane, WA, who will build long-term relationships with youth facing obstacles. The role requires dedication to nurturing children through mentorship, focusing on educational support and socio-emotional development.

The successful candidate will possess a relevant degree or equivalent experience with children, strong advocacy skills, and a commitment to cultural humility. Comprehensive benefits include health coverage, a 401k match, and 3 weeks paid vacation.

Qualifications

• Experience working directly with children.
• Ability to advocate for youths’ academic success.
• Demonstrated ability to work with children who have experienced trauma.

Responsibilities

• Develop caring relationships with each child.
• Partner with parents to provide support.
• Teach life skills and reinforce academic skills.
• Attend team meetings and fulfill administrative duties.

Skills

Advocacy

Strong interpersonal skills

Ability to develop trusting relationships

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Organizational and time management skills

Education

2- or 4-year degree in relevant field

4 to 7 years of experience with children

Job description

Overview

Location: Spokane, WA • Salary: $24.50 – $26 per hour

Friends of the Children - Eastern Washington is a nonprofit that supports generational change by empowering youth through long-term relationships with professional mentors, called “Friends.” We provide children facing obstacles with a paid, professional mentor from kindergarten through high school graduation (12+ years).

In Eastern Washington, many youth served identify as Native or multi-ethnic from marginalized communities. Friends of the Children - Eastern Washington is committed to culturally sustaining practices and honoring the strengths, traditions, and identities of the communities we serve. Friends must be open to learning, practicing cultural humility, and embracing the cultures of the youth and families we serve. As a Friend you will nurture long-term relationships from a foundation of love, acceptance, and culturally sustaining practices.

Essential Functions And Responsibilities

• Develop and sustain a long-term, caring, protective, and loving relationship with each child.
• Spend time with children one-on-one and in groups in the school classroom and community.
• Partner with parents/caregivers to provide concrete and social emotional supports for the family.
• Set realistic expectations and goals based on each child’s strengths, talents, abilities, and needs.
• Teach life skills and help develop a talent/skill/area of interest with each child.
• Deepen cultural connections for youth by incorporating specific cultural knowledge and interventions and programming.
• Provide enrichment resources and activities that include opportunities for cultural identity development.
• Develop positive relationships with families, teachers, and others involved in each child’s life.
• Reinforce basic academic skills and maintain a 40-hour work schedule typical to standard business hours with some flexibility with supervisor approval.
• Maintain spending within budgetary guidelines.
• Complete, distribute, and collect time summaries, activity journals, short-term plans, expense reports, and evaluation materials accurately and in a timely manner.
• Attend and actively participate in team meetings and staff functions.
• Maintain current driver’s license, good driving record, and vehicle insurance.
• Maintain First Aid/CPR certification.
• Transport children in a personal vehicle as required for mentoring activities.
• Provide information and support to the executive team on related activities.
• Fulfill other responsibilities as requested.

Preferred Education, Experience And Skills

• 2- or 4-year degree with experience working directly with children.
• Alternatively, 4 to 7 years experience working with children and families will be considered in lieu of a college degree.
• Ability to advocate in schools and classrooms for youths’ academic success; strong interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with children with high barriers and who have experienced trauma. Ability to develop trusting relationships with children, families, teachers, and others involved in each child’s life.
• 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.

Salary Range

• $24.50/hourly – $26.00/hourly

Benefits

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

Reports To

• Program Director

Location

• Spokane, Washington

Cover Letter

Applications without cover letters will not be considered; please use this as an opportunity to convey why you want to be the Professional Mentor for Eastern Washington at Friends of the Children.

Friends of the Children is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to addressing discriminatory practices. The equal employment opportunity policy provides fair and equal opportunities for all employees and job applicants. Friends of the Children hires and promotes individuals solely based on their qualifications for the job to be filled.

Friends of the Children is growing rapidly as communities across the country experience the power of how “One” changes a child’s story: One Friend. One Child. 12+ years. No matter what. #ThePowerOfOne

To learn more about Friends of the Children, go to: Friends of the Children website