Mentor

About the role

The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center of Chicago exists to express the mission and ministry of The Salvation Army through a safe, enriching, and sacred environment where all individuals have access to opportunities to reach their physical, intellectual, social, and spiritual potential. The Vision of the Chicago Kroc Center is to impact individuals, families and seniors of the Southside while building community, promoting excellence, motivating wellness, teaching character, and encouraging faith.

Outcome: Develop relationships with youth involved with the Division that will promote positive family and peer relationships, development and decision-making.

Pay range: $19.00 per hour (Pay Grade 203, TPT Non-Exempt).

Responsibilities

• Empower mentees to resolve current issues and develop coping strategies for the future.
• Provide a model for a healthy, trusting relationship through clear communication and setting appropriate boundaries.
• Acknowledge strengths, talents, and gifts and encourage mentees to find ways to use them.
• Be an active listener and offer support and encouragement when appropriate.
• Engage in activities outside of the home to help expose youth to new opportunities and experiences.
• Maintain the confidentiality of participants.
• Maintain clear communication with participants, tutors, instructors, and families as needed.
• Support mentees with academic tasks and homework.
• Increase opportunities for career awareness and networking.
• Provide emotional, social, and practical support within limits.
• Demonstrate knowledge of one’s boundaries and ability to set limits with others.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• One or more years of experience working as a mentor.
• Experience with a computer-based work environment and excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Word.

Qualifications

• Interpersonal style that is service oriented and anticipates and responds to the needs of clients.
• Communication and management style that exhibits the principles and values of The Salvation Army, fosters team relationships, and effectively communicates information.
• Strong sense of integrity and ability to work with confidential material.
• Hands-on knowledge of how to effectively work with diversity in the workplace.
• Well organized, attentive to time management, and able to establish a separation of work and personal boundaries.
• Ability to work with clients who have poor social skills, suffer from mental illness, and have substance abuse problems.

Relationships

This individual relates to and interacts with a wide range of contacts both within and outside The Salvation Army, acting as a representative of the Army.

Performance measures

Evaluated on how effectively the outcomes of this position are achieved, as well as the timeliness, accuracy, and completeness of accomplishing assigned goals.

Position limitations

• Accurately represent the mission of the RJKCCC.
• Keep the RYD Coordinator informed of all critical issues relating to area of responsibility.
• Adhere to all Army policies and procedures in carrying out responsibilities.

Work environment

Maintain a positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that fosters and maintains positive relationships with co-workers and supervisors. This includes resolution of conflicts in a positive manner; courteous treatment of staff, clients, and visitors; respect of others’ property and person; professional and appropriate communication to and about co-workers, supervisors, and subordinates. Support the Mission of The Salvation Army by treating every donor, contact, and colleague with respect and dignity and without discrimination of any kind.

Physical demands

This position requires light to moderate physical work. The employee is regularly required to use equipment used in an instructional program and may be required to lift up to 40 pounds. The work environment includes a classroom with a low to moderate noise level.

Required apparel

Casual