Professional Mentor (Friend)

Friends of the Children Houston • Houston, TX

33d • $50,000 - $52,000

About The Position

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended as a comprehensive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified: Basic Functions : A Friend works intensively with eight (8) children as a positive adult role model to develop a caring, trusting, and sustained relationship with each child. For each child, a Friend will set positive expectations; nurture and promote their strengths, talents and abilities; help assure physical and emotional well-being; teach life and academic skills; provide enrichment activities; and model responsible behavior. A Friend will fully document activities and participate in an ongoing evaluation process. A Friend must also know, understand, honor and support the organization’s mission, vision, values, principles and policies, and be able to clearly articulate the organization’s function.

Requirements

• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
• Ability to relate to children (starting at age 4) and to develop and sustain trusting, supportive relationships with them.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with children in varied capacities and settings to help them learn and grow.
• Ability to cultivate trusting relationships with children, parents, teachers, community members and other supportive adults in youth’s environments.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and communicate appropriately within the workplace.
• Ability to use creativity and initiative in planning activities to continually develop children.
• Ability to work independently in diverse environments.
• Ability to work as a team player.
• Ability to manage several concurrent issues and solve problems effectively exercising appropriate discretion and judgment.
• Ability to set goals and develop plans to meet those goals to ensure the development of each child.
• Ability to complete administrative tasks accurately and on time.
• Ability to handle high mobility and driving demands safely and with good judgment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to have compassion, patience, and cultural competency for families/youth who have experienced trauma.
• Transport children in personal vehicle as required for mentoring activities around the Houston area. You will be reimbursed for mileage related to youth transportation.
• Bachelor’s degree plus 2-4 years of experience working/volunteering with youth in a social service setting or with families impacted by systemic injustice and chronic trauma. Alternatively, associate’s degree, plus 4-6 years of experience working/volunteering with youth in a social service setting or with families impacted by systemic injustice and chronic trauma.
• Mentoring experience with children and families impacted by the child welfare system.
• Be culturally competent: Having a critical understanding of the youth and family within their cultural context. Engage and deliver services by acknowledging, respecting, and integrating youth and family’s cultural values. Engage in continuous learning and development.
• Be proficient in administrative tasks (scheduling, documenting, time management, computer skills, etc.)
• Have an aptitude to use data to inform youth work.
• Possess knowledge of public school systems, special education programs and/or various community-based organizations.
• Maintain current Texas driver’s license, good driving record, and vehicle insurance.
• Maintain First Aid/CPR certification.
• Successfully complete and pass extensive background check.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate Core Values: Growth Mindset, Positive Relationship Building, Find Your Spark, Problem Solving, Self-Determination, Self-Management, Perseverance/Grit, Hope, and Belonging.
• Spend about 4 hours per week with each youth. This will include some hours in the schools (when allowed), outings, events, group activities and other enrichment activities.
• Develop, maintain, and follow a Roadmap/Goals for each child.
• Set realistic expectations and goals based on each child’s strengths, talents, abilities and needs.
• Teach life skills and healthy habits to contribute both to basic development and learning, and to contribute to building positive self-esteem.
• Develop a talent/skill/area of interest with each child to help develop positive self-esteem and experience growing confidence.
• Provide enrichment resources and activities which include opportunities for cultural awareness, diversity and community service.
• Contribute to children acquiring behavioral management skills, tolerance, respect for others, courtesy, and compassion.
• Develop positive relationships with families, teachers and others involved in each child’s life.
• Facilitate development/progress of academic skills and learning.
• Model and promote good problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Participate in programming and resources available through the organization, effectively utilizing program resources to meet the needs of each child.
• Maintain spending within budgetary guidelines.
• Complete, distribute and collect time summaries, activity journals, expenses reports and evaluation materials accurately and in a timely manner.
• Be an active participant in program development as well as activities and events planning.
• Collaborate with Family Engagement Specialist(s) in promoting caregiver engagement and provide support and resources to families
• Participate in FOTCH workgroups as assigned.
• Attend and actively participate in Program Meetings, Group Supervisions and All Staff Meetings.
• Provide information and support to Leadership team and related activities as needed.
• Fulfill other responsibilities as considered necessary.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits are available, including 100% employer paid health insurance (medical/dental/vision), life insurance, paid vacation, and paid sick time.
• We also offer a 401K Program with employer matching up to 3%.
• Generous vacation package including 12 paid holidays and two weeks between Christmas Day thru New Year's Day.
• Employees also have access to excellent wellness and well-being resources.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level