November 16, 2024

Mercy Home For Boys and

Chicago

Friends First- Mentoring Programs Coordinator

PURPOSE OF POSITION: To assist in coordinating the effective execution of the Friends First Community Based mentoring program. Responsibilities include: assisting with locating appropriate children to participate in the program and coordinating the onboarding of program youth, establishing and supporting mentoring relationships between children and adult volunteers, supervising and supporting mentoring relationships, and providing assistance and referral services to children in the program. Will also support with the staffing of both the school-based and work-place based mentoring programs.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

At least 21 years of age.
Bachelor’s degree in education, psychology, social work, childcare, special education, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
1-3 years experience in social work field, preferably with assessment, case management, program planning and volunteer supervision experience.
Experience coordinating activities and events for youth with a mentoring or after school program.
Experience working within a multicultural population and bilingual (Spanish/English) skills preferred.
Must have a valid Illinois driver’s license, the ability to drive a van, maintain a clear driving record, and retain driving approval through the Department of Children and Family Services.
Regular and predictable attendance.
Understanding of and adherence to deadlines.
Willingness to be flexible with hours based on the needs of the department and schedule. This includes the ability to regularly work one evening a week and one Saturday a month.

Ability to work both independently and as an active team member.
Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
Maturity and sensitivity to cultural and individual differences.
Ability to maintain professional demeanor while exercising judgment and discretion in work.
Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and professional journals.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, as well as the ability to become proficient in other software packages and programs.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Commitment to the mission, values, and goals of the Agency.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Perform the necessary functions that result in making matches in the Friends First program, including: taking youth referrals, identifying youth for volunteers, coordinating intake/assessment interviews and conducting initial match meetings between volunteers and families.
Develop appropriate case goals for each child and family who is a part of the Friends First program.
Supervise mentors through orientation, training, regular supervision and evaluation to ensure that all expectations are clearly defined and properly executed.
Supervise matches on caseload to ensure efficient and effective support and application of program resources.
Refer kids and families with additional needs to other referral sources.
Maintain all necessary documentation of activities, plans, and goals, including regular reports submitted to the Manager of Friends First.
Assist in staffing work-placed based and school-based mentoring programs, including implementing curriculum and programming; hosting activities and events for matches; safely transporting youth to and from workplace based mentoring sessions, as necessary.
Evaluate the effectiveness of Friends First’s mentoring programs, focusing on short-term and long-term outcome measures.
Develop, maintain and manage external relationships with community-based agencies and schools for youth recruitment, referrals and training possibilities.

Plan and conduct ongoing training sessions for mentors.
Assist in the coordination of program events and projects as requested, including working a flexible schedule when needed for evening and weekend activities. Plan and execute a minimum of four Friends First events a year, including the Friends First Picnic or the Holiday Party.
Ensure the production and distribution of monthly Activity Updates to mentors and Friends First staff so that they are aware of free and low cost activities and events each month.
Collaborate with other departments within Mercy Home for the marketing of program services.
Assist with Department initiatives and processes.