Youth Mentor

The Salvation Army USA Central Territory • Chicago, IL

5h • Onsite

About The Position

The Salvation Army Freedom Center/Harbor Light is conducting an individual mentoring program that includes youth development, mentoring best practices, curriculum driven cohort style mentoring and trauma-informed mentoring programming during out of school hours and during the summer months with youth. The program serves youth who are homeless or are unstably housed, youth who are justice involved, opportunity youth (ages 10-21) who are out of school and not working, youth who are English as a second language learners, and youth who have endured trauma. As a result of participation in the DFSS Youth Services Individual Mentoring Program, the Youth Mentors should be able to provide youth with safe, supportive, and age-appropriate activities that foster a strong relationship with a mentor, a sense of community among/between peers, and increase their social and emotional competence that results in better decision making and responsibility.

Requirements

• A High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.
• 3 years of experience working with community outreach-based programs.
• Willing to promote the mission of The Salvation Army.
• An enthusiastic and friendly approach to job duties with the ability to lead others positively.
• Willingness to learn and participate in DFSS-sponsored professional development training, meetings, conferences, etc.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Attention to detail, procedures, processes, and policies.
• Ability to use initiative and to be a self-starter.
• A positive attitude and the ability to be flexible in light of changing job situations/priorities.

Nice To Haves

• Exposure to social services or faith-based organizations is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate, direct, and supervise all programmatic activities with youth.
• Build strong, positive relationships with youth and facilitate team building between groups, giving youth a sense of dignity and belonging.
• Assist Program Director and Assistant Program Director with implementing curricula, engage youth in learning and recreational activities.
• Assist with implementing creative strategies to retain youth throughout the program.
• Engage youth in wrap-around services within The Salvation Army and work with external partners to provide additional support services to youth who may need it.
• Act as the liaison to youth, agency, families, and DFSS personnel.
• Assist with data collection and entry into Cityspan, SIMS, and other DFSS-designated platforms.
• Implement performance measurement tools with youth and ensure completion.
• Attend mandatory training and learning meetings per request of DFSS, including but not limited to training for Cityspan and a DFSS-designated technology platform.
• Complete all required training and certifications in order to remain in good standing.
• Illinois Mandated Reporter Training, Certificate, and Acknowledgment of Mandated Reporter Status Form (annual).
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid Certification.

Benefits

• competitive benefit package for eligible employees which may include the following medical, dental, vision, hearing, disability and life insurance
• flexible spending accounts
• 403(b) retirement accounts
• a company-funded defined contribution (pension) plan
• generous time off policies

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED