Professional Mentor - Detroit

Friends of the Children•Detroit, MI

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Friends of the Children is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth facing significant obstacles through long-term relationships with professional mentors, known as "Friends." This program provides a paid, professional mentor from kindergarten through high school graduation, offering consistent support regardless of circumstances. The Detroit location is seeking an exceptional individual to join their team as a "Friend." The organization prioritizes children and uses its values to positively influence how youth facing barriers are treated and perceived. As a "Friend," you will cultivate enduring relationships built on love, acceptance, and established practices. The role involves helping urban, rural, and Indigenous youth realize their full potential by strengthening their internal resilience and building community relationships to enhance social networks and create new opportunities.

Requirements

2 or 4-year degree
Alternatively, at least seven years’ progressive experience working with children and families will be considered in lieu of a college degree
Willingness to commit for a minimum of three years.
Advocate to secure additional resources, opportunities, and services for youth as appropriate
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 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 communications skills
Strong organizational and time management skills
A sense of humor is a plus

Nice To Haves

English language skills, including reading and writing preferred.

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 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 connections for youth through incorporating specific cultural knowledge in 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.
Maintain a 40-hour work schedule that includes afternoons, evenings, and weekends (normal working days are Tuesday through Saturday with Sundays and Mondays off).
Maintain spending within budgetary guidelines.
Complete, distribute, and collect time summaries, activity journals, short-term plans, expense reports, and evaluations materials accurately and in a timely manner.
Attend and actively participate in team meeting and staff functions.
Maintain First Aid/CPR certification.
Transport children in personal vehicle as required for mentoring activities.
Provide information and support to the development and executive team on related activities.
Fulfill other responsibilities as requested.