Professional Mentor "Friend" – Denver, CO

About the role

Friends of the Children – Colorado is seeking 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, or at least 7 years’ progressive experience working with children and families.
• Willingness to commit for a minimum of three years.
• Bilingual Spanish language skills are preferred.
• Advocate to secure additional resources, opportunities, and services for youth as appropriate.
• Able to navigate systems in schools to secure 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.
• 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

• First Aid/CPR certification.
• Transport children in personal vehicle as required for mentoring activities (mileage reimbursement).

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

$52,000 - $55,000 annually

Schedule

This is a full-time, non-exempt position. Work hours are somewhat non-traditional, including late afternoon, evening, and weekend work. Flexibility in scheduling is dependent on personal needs and the needs of the caregivers/youth.