Youth Mentor

THE SALVATION ARMY

NORTH & CENTRAL ILLINOIS DIVISION

MIDWAY CITADEL CORPS & COMMUNITY CENTER

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Youth Mentor

LOCATION/DEPT: Midway Citadel Corps & Community Center

REPORTS TO: Youth Program Coordinator

FLSA CATEGORY: Non-Exempt

STATUS TYPE: RPT

Midway Citadel Corps is conducting a mentoring program that includes youth development, mentoring best practices, curriculum driven cohort style mentoring and trauma-informed mentoring programming during out of school hours and during the summer months with youth who are enrolled in Chicago Public Schools Option schools. The program serves youth who are homeless or are unstably housed, youth who are justice involved, opportunity youth (ages 16-24) who are out of school and not working, youth who are English as a second language learners, and youth who have endured trauma.

OUTCOMES

As a result of participation in the DFSS Youth Services Mentoring Program the Youth Mentors should be able to provide youth with safe, supportive, and age-appropriate activities that foster a strong relationship with a mentor, a sense of community among/between peers, and increase their social and emotional competence that results in better decision making and responsibility.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Facilitate, direct, and supervise all programmatic activities with youth.
2. Build strong, positive relationships with youth and facilitate team building between groups, giving youth a sense of dignity, and belonging.
3. Assist Program Lead Counselors and Program Counselors with implementing curricula, engage youth in learning and recreational activities.
4. Assist with implementing creative strategies to retain youth throughout the program.
5. Engage youth in wrap around services within The Salvation Army and work with external partners to provide additional support services to youth who may need it.
6. Act as the liaison to youth, agency, families, and DFSS personnel.
7. Assist with data collection and entry into Cityspan, SIMS, and other DFSS-designated platforms.
8. Implement performance measurement tools with youth and ensure completion.
9. Attend mandatory training and learning meetings per request of DFSS, including but not limited to trainings for Cityspan and a DFSS-designated technology platform.
10. Complete all required training and certifications in order to remain in good standing.
    
    
    
    1. Illinois Mandated Reporter Training, Certificate, & Acknowledgment of Mandated Reporter Status Form (annual).
    2. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid Certification.
    
    
    
    

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

This position reports to the Youth Program Coordinator.

In contacts related to this position's duties, this individual acts as a representative of The Salvation Army and its mission.

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS

This individual will be evaluated on how effectively the outcomes of this position are achieved, timeliness, and accuracy of accomplishing assigned goals will be reviewed and an evaluation of how effectively service is provided.

A 30, 60, and 90-day performance review will be conducted.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• A High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.
• 3 years of experience working with community outreach-based programs.
• An exposure to social services or faith-based organizations is preferred.

COMPETENCIES:

• Willing to promote the mission of The Salvation Army.
• An enthusiastic and friendly approach to job duties with the ability to lead others positively.
• Willingness to learn and participate in DFSS-sponsored professional development trainings, meetings, and conferences etc.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• An attention to detail, procedures, processes, and policies.
• Ability to use initiative and to be a self-starter.
• A positive attitude and the ability to be flexible in light of changing job situations/priorities.

POSITION LIMITATIONS

• This individual will only commit Army resources that have not been allocated or approved.
• This individual will keep the Youth Program Coordinator informed on all critical issues relating to their area of responsibility.
• This individual will adhere to all policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position is required to do light to moderate physical work and must be able to lift or move up to 25 lbs.
• In order to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to use office equipment and including PC and gym equipment.
• Must be able to work with clients that have poor social skills, suffer from mental illness, and have substance abuse problems.
• Maintain positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that fosters and maintains positive relationships with co-workers and supervisors. This would include but not be limited to such actions: resolution of conflicts in a positive manner; courteous treatment of staff, clients, and visitors; respect of others' property and person, professional and appropriate communication to and about co-workers, supervisors, and subordinates. Support the Mission of The Salvation Army by treating every donor, contact and colleague with respect and dignity, and without discrimination of any kind.

THE SALVATION ARMY MISSION STATEMENT

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.