Professional Mentor "Friend" – Colorado Springs, CO

About the role

The Friends of the Children – Colorado seeks a passionate, committed Friend (professional mentor) to impact generational change by empowering youth facing significant challenges through meaningful relationships.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Provide enrichment resources and activities that include opportunities for identity development.
• Develop positive relationships with families, teachers, and others involved in each child’s life.
• Maintain a 40-hour work schedule that can include afternoons, evenings, and weekends.
• 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 meetings and staff functions.
• Provide information and support to the development and executive team on related activities.

Requirements

• 2 or 4-year degree alternatively, at least 7 years’ progressive experience working with children and families.
• Bilingual Spanish language skills are preferred.
• Advocate to secure additional resources, opportunities, and services for youth as appropriate.
• Able to assist with systems navigation in schools to secure conditions for optimal academic success.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to develop trusting relationships with children, families, teachers, and others involved in each child’s life.
• Able to work independently and as a team player.
• Able to manage several concurrent issues and solve problems effectively.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.

Qualifications

• A sense of humor is a plus.

Skills

• Ability to work with children in varied capacities and settings.

Benefits

• Generous vacation and sick leave paid time off.
• Paid holidays.
• A comprehensive medical benefits package.
• A 401(k) retirement plan.
• Ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Optional plans including medical coverage for dependents, a Flexible Spending Account, and supplemental life insurance.

Pay

$46,000 - $50,000 annually

Schedule

This is a full-time, non-exempt position. Work hours are somewhat non-traditional, including late afternoon, evening, and weekend work. Friends must be comfortable actively engaging in activities with youth in community settings such as parks, libraries, and schools. Friends are required to maintain a current driver’s license, good driving record, and vehicle insurance.

Location

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Job Closing

When filled

Cover Letter

Please use this as an opportunity to convey why you want to be a Professional Mentor at Friends of the Children - Colorado!

EEO Statement

Friends of the Children is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to addressing discriminatory practices. The equal employment opportunity policy of Friends of the Children provides fair and equal opportunities for all employees and job applicants. Friends of the Children hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the job to be filled.