All mentorships through the Children's Home Association are unpaid.

CHAIL is a youth, family, and community focused non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization with multiple locations and 400 staff, located in Peoria, IL. For over 160 years CHAIL has been helping the kids and families who need it most.  Children’s Home Association of Illinois (CHAIL) is the largest social service agency for youth and families in downstate Illinois. The services we provide don’t just impact the individual child, they create positive ripple effects within their immediate family, neighborhood, community, and world by providing an opportunity to thrive.
  

Here at CHAIL, employees experience a “People First - Culture of Care” working atmosphere. From the most tenured staff to the newest team member, everyone is welcomed into a community that prioritizes diversity, equity, wellness, belonging, and good health. Starting with our CEO/President and migrating to every employee, this agency takes pride in taking care of each other. We believe if our employees are cared for, they can better live out the mission of the agency which is to help the kids and families who need it most. By putting our people first at CHAIL, they have the opportunity to share their expertise, talents, and passions with clients as they are changing the lives of the kids who will change the world. Our employees at CHAIL will tell you that they love working for the agency because they love what the agency does!  

Job Summary:

The goal of Children’s Home Association of Illinois mentor program is to provide our youth with a safe and stable relationship with someone in the community. The simple act of showing up consistently for this youth will do more for them than you could ever imagine. In forming a friendship with this youth, you can help guide them to aspire to be the best version of themselves.

CHAIL’s Youth Farm program campus provides youth ages 8 – 20 with a safe space to address behaviors and redirect emotions in a healthy way. Clients in this program receive ongoing sessions with one of our clinical therapists, assistance in stabilizing medications through an on-campus nurse, around-the-clock staff supervision and support, and activities that are both recreational and therapeutic. The goal of this program is to stabilize behaviors that stem from trauma, so clients can reintegrate into a less restrictive living environment. There are currently five cottages, including one group home located on our Youth Farm campus. All our cottages can house 10 youth at a time.

Qualifications: 

• Must be over the age of 21. 
• Must be able to commit to at least one year of ongoing participation. 
• Must be able to pass a DCFS background check and complete a physical/tb test, paid for by the agency. 

Skills and Experience:

• Practical experience working with children is strongly preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Maturity and sensitivity to cultural and individual differences in students, staff, and families served.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Hearing and speaking ability which allows for effective oral communication of information.

Physical Requirements: 

• Physical and emotional stamina to effectively handle position related issues and stress.

Equipment Used:

• Any equipment or supplies needed will be supplied by CHAIL.