About Our Organization:

At Youth Guidance, we believe that no matter what challenges a young person faces, they are more likely to succeed when they have caring adults in their lives. Our highly-trained staff guides kids to overcome the life and academic challenges facing the  youth. We meet kids where they are — physically and emotionally — to help them focus on their education, make positive choices, and remain on the right path toward life success.

Founded in 1924  today Youth Guidance is a leading provider of outcomes-driven programs serving more than 8,500 youth while touching the lives of more than 14,000 youth, parents, teachers, and community members.

Position Summary:

The Out of School Time Mentor creates a safe, engaging, and inclusive space for youth ages 10-18 years old during the out of school time hours, this includes after school and weekends. The OST Mentor provides guidance, support, and encouragement of program participants to promote personal growth, academic success, and positive decision making.  

Essential Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Develop and maintain supportive, trusting relationships with participants. 
• Encourage positive behavior, leadership, and social emotional development. 
• Develop a structured development plan with clear goals with the mentee. 
• Work in collaboration with Program Supervisor and school administration to identify, recruit and build relationships with up to 20 youth to participate in the mentoring relationship.
• Meet youth one on one for a minimum of 45 minutes at least twice a month. 
• Work jointly with Program Supervisor to plan and execute quarterly field trips for youth throughout the school year and summer. 
• Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries. 
• Support in the distribution and collection of program consents and registration forms for students. 
• Assist in recruitment activities. 
• Assist in the distribution of program information and publications used to promote the program.
• Communicate information and provide support for parents.
• Provide conflict resolutions with children, parents, families, and staff.
• Complete all required training and compliance requests. 
• Adhere to the established program schedule and proactively communicate with supervisor in advance regarding any anticipated absences and changes in availability. 
• Maintain a professional work ethic, appropriate appearance, and adherence to the dress code of the school and Youth Guidance, while consistently representing the organization in a positive and respectful manner at all times. 
• Other Duties as assigned. 

Education/Experience/Training

• Previous mentoring or coaching experience. 

• Must have minimum of High School Diploma or GED. Bachelor’s degree or student working towards a degree preferred.

• Must be at least 21 years old.

• Flexible schedule depending on mentee needs. 

Skills/Abilities

• Ability to understand the policies, procedures, and general organizational structure of the Chicago Public Schools.
• Ability to be proactive with projects and follow through in a timely manner with an end result that adheres to the Resource Coordinators vision.
• Ability to be flexible with program assignments and make changes to projects and proposals on the fly.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in conflict resolution.

Core Competencies

• Communication: Able to use effective written and oral communication with internal and external audiences and stakeholders; demonstrates empathy and listening
• Client orientation: Can recognize needs of diverse stakeholders and approaches relationships with a service orientation to ultimately maximize impact
• Equity mindset: Understands and is committed to goals of equity; consistently brings an equity mindset to the organization’s work and workplace
• Growth mindset: Views growth as important for personal and professional development; seeks out opportunities to expand skills, even if change is required; Demonstrated ability to be solutions-focused, self-reflective, and dedicated the continuous improvement of service quality
• Ownership and quality of work: Effectively manages own work and work of teams ensuring delivery of high-quality work. Proven ability to be innovative and a self- starter
• Supervisory skills: effectively manages and develops others
• Mission driven: demonstrates commitment to the mission of the organization as whole and alignment with organizational values

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

• Able to lift up to 25 lbs.
• Mobility to perform filing

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This job operates in a professional office environment, school setting
• Occasional local and national travel

Benefits for part-time employees include paid leave, paid sick leave, 401k plan (after qualifications are met), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), training, and professional development. You may also quality for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Benefits

Benefits for part-time employees include paid leave, paid sick leave, 401k plan (after qualifications are met), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), training, and professional development. You may also quality for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). 

Our Value

At Youth Guidance, we believe that creating a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and respected is fundamental to realizing our vision of bright and successful futures for all young people. We acknowledge that many systems and institutions intended to support youth do not provide fair treatment or access for everyone. We strive to celebrate the unique qualities of youth and recognize them as empowered leaders, problem-solvers, and experts of their own experiences.

Youth Guidance is an equal opportunity employer. Youth Guidance does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law and is committed to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. People of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Salary : $35