Professional Mentor (Friend)

Friends of the Children•Eugene, OR

10h

About The Position

Friends of the Children – Lane County is seeking a Professional Mentor (Friend) to serve as a positive adult role model for eight children. Friends build intensive, long-term relationships with children facing significant barriers, supporting their resilience, strengths, well-being, learning, and development. The role also involves partnering with parents and caregivers and building relationships with teachers and community members to strengthen children’s support networks and connect them with opportunities. Friends spend an average of four hours each week with each assigned child, both in and outside of school, and must be willing to commit to the work for at least three years. This is a full-time, exempt position with a 40-hour work schedule. Hours are flexible and vary according to the needs of children and families; work may include afternoons, evenings, and weekends. The Friend reports directly to the Program Director. The role requires safely transporting children in a well-maintained personal or company vehicle, maintaining a current driver’s license and insurance, and being physically present in Oregon while providing services. The organization provides substantial training and clinical supervision, including support toward required behavioral health certification. The position offers a salary of $44,500 and a comprehensive benefits package. Friends of the Children – Lane County is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fair and equal employment opportunities.

Requirements

A two- or four-year degree and one to three years of experience working or volunteering with children, or comparable experience with youth in a professional social-service, education, or therapeutic setting or with trauma-impacted families.
Sufficient relevant experience to meet the requirements for a behavioral health credential through the QMHA or Certified Peer Support pathway under OAR 309-019-0125.
Willingness to commit to the work for at least three years.
Ability to develop and sustain trusting relationships with children, families, teachers, caregivers, and community members.
Ability to partner with caregivers to provide concrete and social-emotional support for families.
Ability to work with children in varied capacities and settings and help them learn and grow.
Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
Strong scheduling, organizational, and time-management skills; ability to manage multiple priorities and complete administrative tasks accurately and on time.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively, use creativity and initiative in planning activities, set goals and plans, and solve problems effectively.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and communicate appropriately in the workplace.
Basic computer and keyboarding skills, proficiency with email, and familiarity with MS Outlook and Access or other database applications.
Ability to exercise sound independent judgment in varied situations and under varying levels of stress.
Ability to safely meet the role’s driving and mobility demands.
Current driver’s license, good driving record, and vehicle insurance; ability to safely transport children in a well-maintained vehicle.
Current First Aid/CPR certification.
No current condition that could result in loss of consciousness, impaired responsiveness, or otherwise impede safe driving.
Complete training in and demonstrate familiarity with trauma-informed and culturally responsive services and supports, including at least two hours every two years of suicide risk screening, intervention, and management training.
Be physically present in Oregon while providing services or supports.
Maintain the required QMHA or OHA-certified peer-support credential and meet recertification requirements.

Nice To Haves

Prior mentoring experience.
Bilingual or multilingual ability, particularly Spanish and English.

Responsibilities

Develop and sustain a long-term, caring, protective, and supportive relationship with each assigned child.
Spend time with children one-on-one and in the classroom, averaging four hours per week with each child both in and outside of school.
Partner with parents and caregivers to provide concrete and social-emotional support for families.
Set age-appropriate expectations and goals based on each child’s strengths, talents, abilities, and needs.
Teach life skills, reinforce basic academic skills, and help each child develop an interest, talent, or skill.
Provide enrichment resources and activities, including opportunities for identity development and community connection.
Develop positive relationships with families, teachers, and others involved in each child’s life.
Support children’s physical health and interest in activities, including modeling safe, active play and sports participation.
Maintain a 40-hour work schedule that may include afternoons, evenings, and weekends.
Keep spending within budgetary guidelines and complete time summaries, activity journals, plans, expense reports, and evaluations accurately and promptly.
Attend and actively participate in team meetings and staff functions.
Maintain a current driver’s license, good driving record, vehicle insurance, and First Aid/CPR certification.
Safely transport children in a well-maintained personal or company vehicle as required for mentoring activities.
Maintain confidential or sensitive information and deliver services in a trauma-informed and culturally responsive manner consistent with program policies.
Participate in clinical supervision and document progress toward certification and recertification.
Provide related information and support to the executive team and fulfill other responsibilities as requested.