Professional Mentor, Child Development​/Support

Friends of the Children is a nonprofit creating generational change by supporting youth through relationships with professional Mentors. We provide children facing the greatest obstacles with a paid, full-time professional Mentor - we call them a  Friend  - from kindergarten through high school graduation, 12+ years, no matter what. We are currently seeking an extraordinary person to join our team. This is a professional position with training, supervision, accountability, and real impact.

As a Professional Mentor, you will work with eight children, providing each child with consistent, one-on-one time every week. You will build long-term, trusting relationships with the children and their families. You will help each child develop skills for managing emotions, navigating school and relationships, and building confidence in who they are becoming.

Essential Functions:

• Provide a minimum of four hours per week of individualized mentorship to each assigned youth (caseload of eight), primarily through one-on-one engagement during and outside of school hours.
• Establish and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with families; communicate regularly with parents and caregivers to support student growth and well-being.
• Collaborate with teachers, school personnel, and other stakeholders to ensure a coordinated and holistic approach to each child’s academic and personal success.
• Assess individual strengths and areas for growth; set measurable, strengths-based goals with each child and provide consistent guidance toward goal achievement.
• Plan and facilitate enrichment activities and experiential learning opportunities that foster skill development, confidence, and exploration of interests.
• Maintain accurate documentation of youth engagement and progress
• Participate in weekly team meetings, professional development trainings, and staff events.
• Safely transport youth to and from program-related activities using a personal vehicle, in compliance with organizational safety guidelines. Your Schedule

• Work occurs in school, community, and outdoor environments and may involve engaging with youth in recreational activities.
• Ability to work effectively in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments and weather conditions

• Required:
  
  Associate degree, Bachelor's degree preferred;
  Alternatively, at least seven years’ progressive experience working with children and families will be considered in lieu of a college degree.
• Required:
  
  At least two years of experience working or volunteering with children. Experience with children in under-resourced communities is preferred.
• Required:
  
  Reliable personal vehicle, valid driver’s license, and proof of adequate automobile insurance coverage.
• Required:
  
  Ability to transport youth in a personal vehicle for mentoring activities within approximately 25 miles of the Friends Chicago office (mileage reimbursed at the IRS rate).
• Required:
  
  Successful completion of a comprehensive background check, including criminal history, child abuse registry checks, and driving record review
• Required:
  
  Maintain current First Aid and CPR certification.

• Demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth, including actively engaging in training and feedback.
• Is prepared to make a minimum three-year commitment, recognizing that consistency and long-term relationships are central to our mentoring model.
• Works effectively both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Exhibits strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize responsibilities effectively.
• Communicates clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
• Able to manage…