Professional Mentor; Friend

Overview

Friends of the Children – Lane County is a vibrant, active chapter of a 30‑year‑old national professional mentoring network that provides paid mentors to children and caregivers throughout Lane County. We are seeking a Professional Mentor to serve as a positive adult role model for eight elementary‑aged female children in our Childhood program (kindergarten to 5th grade). The position is based in Eugene, Oregon.

• Provide enrichment activities and life and academic skills to each child.
• Set positive expectations, goals, and age‑appropriate standards for each child.
• Nurture and promote each child’s strengths, talents, and abilities.
• Help assure the physical and emotional well‑being of the children.
• Model responsible behavior and facilitate safe, active play and sports activities.
• Develop and sustain a long‑term, caring, protective, and loving relationship with each child.
• Partner with parents/caregivers to provide concrete social‑emotional support for families.
• Deepen connections with youth by incorporating community knowledge into activities.
• Provide enrichment resources and opportunities for identity development.
• Replay basic academic skills and reinforce learning.
• Maintain a 40‑hour work schedule that includes afternoons, evenings, and possibly weekends.
• Maintain spending within budgetary guidelines and complete all required administrative tasks accurately and on time.
• Assist and collaborate with other staff in team meetings and program events.
• Transport children safely in your personal vehicle or company vehicle, maintaining current driver’s license, good driving record, and vehicle insurance.
• Maintain First Aid/CPR certification and be ready to support emergency needs.
• Provide information and support to the executive team regarding related activities.
• Fulfill any other responsibilities as requested by the Program Director.

• 2‑ or 4‑year degree and 1 to 3 years of experience working or volunteering with children; mentoring experience preferred.
• Alternatively, comparable work experience with youth in a professional social service, education, or therapeutic setting, or work with trauma‑impacted families.
• Willingness to commit to a minimum of three years.
• Superior scheduling and time‑management skills.
• Data entry and database‑management skills.
• Bi‑lingual in Spanish and English is a plus.
• Willingness to obtain or work toward a Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA) or Peer Support Specialist certification.

• Ability to develop and sustain trusting relationships with children, families, teachers, and community members.
• Strong interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills.
• Creative and initiative in planning engaging activities.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities, problem‑solve, and maintain confidentiality.
• Organizational skills to complete administrative tasks accurately and on time.
• Basic computer skills, proficiency with e‑mail systems, MS Outlook and Access or other database applications.
• Ability to work independently and as a team player.
• Good judgment in various situations and under varying levels of stress.
• Bi‑lingual or multilingual is a plus.

This is a full‑time, exempt position. Duties are conducted at non‑traditional hours, including late afternoons, evenings, and possibly weekends, to accommodate the needs of the children and families. Friends typically spend approximately four hours per week with each child, both in and outside of school, and are expected to exercise appropriate discretion in scheduling within Program guidelines.

Salary: $44,500 annually. Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, paid vacation, paid sick leave, 401(k) retirement plan, and professional development opportunities. Employees may add optional plans at their own expense, such as supplementary life insurance or a Flexible Spending Account.

Eugene, Oregon – Serving all of Lane County.

Friends of the Children – Lane County 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. Hiring decisions are made solely on the basis of qualifications for the job to be filled.