Youth Mentor Program Specialist

Job Description

The Salvation Army

Position Description

Peoria Citadel

Position Title : Youth Mentor Program Specialist

Job Summary : Oversees the development and implementation of the youth mentoring program, which matches adult volunteer mentors with youth in a one-to-one relationship.

Ensures program quality and performance related to recruiting, screening, matching, monitoring, and closing the relationship with the mentor and mentee, and the Youth Mentor Program Specialist communicates with the mentor, guardian and mentee throughout the relationship.

Report To : Corps Officers

Qualifications :

• Candidates must have a passion for fulfilling the mission of The Salvation Army and must be articulate in presenting the same to others.
• Candidates must successfully pass the pre-employment background inquiry and annual motor vehicle check with a valid driver’s license.
• Three years of experience in developing and leading mentoring, youth development, and / or volunteer programing is highly desired.

Education :

Two years of college experience required; bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, volunteer management, education, youth ministry, or other related field preferred.

Relevant experience may be used in lieu of degree.

Skills :

• Ability to manage people and projects successfully, efficiently, and effectively.
• Team player, self-starter, able to handle several projects at the same time, and perform well with minimal supervision.
• Must have an interest and ability to work with people of diverse racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds in a sensitive and culturally appropriate manner.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience or capacity to demonstrate positive interpersonal skills and work as a cooperative team member.
• Proficiency in computer software applications, including demonstrated experience in using email, MS Office applications, Internet and Social Media platforms.
• Willing to work a sporadic schedule of mornings, afternoon, evenings, or weekends. Schedule will depend upon youth center programs and mentor / mentee availability.
• Ability to initiate, develop, and follow through with new and current programs.

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 Christ. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Responsibilities :

Mentor & Mentee Recruitment & Onboarding (Approximately 40% Time)

The Youth Mentor Program Specialist will advance the systems and manage the implementation of the mentoring program’s mentor and mentee recruitment and onboarding processes with an emphasis on :

• Enhancing and overseeing the implementation of an ongoing mentor recruitment plan including the development of annual recruitment and quarterly activity plans, development and distribution of program marketing materials, presentations to targeted organizations and ensuring a presence at key community events
• Ensuring timely response and support to mentor, mentee and parent / guardian inquiries and concerns throughout the recruitment and onboarding process
• Implementing program policies and procedures for the mentor and mentee screening ensuring the safety and confidentiality of program participants
• Administering mentor, mentee and parent / guardian orientation, trainings and matching activities that align with the mentoring program manual and help to advance the program outcomes for mentees

Mentor & Mentee Monitoring and Support (Approximately 40% Time)

To ensure the success of the relationship, achievement of program outcomes and retention of mentors and mentees the Youth Mentor Program Specialist will :

• Supervise the participation of mentors and mentees in the mentoring program
• Manage the planning and implementation of mentor and mentee group events and activities that include capacity building opportunities for mentors
• Plan and implement retention strategies and recognition activities for program participants
• Implements a regular check-in schedule with mentors, mentees and parents / guardians.
• Coordinates the administration of program evaluation activities for the mentoring program and guides relationship closure

Program and Organizational Development (Approximately 20% Time)

To advance the development, implementation, and integration of the mentoring program within the community, the Youth Mentor Program Specialist will :

• Develop and manage relationships with schools, corporations, and community-based organizations to support mentor and mentee recruitment and program implementation
• Build a strong working relationship with staff, volunteers, and committee members
• Maintain and update the program’s policy, procedure and program manual as needed
• Attend conferences and trainings to increase knowledge of research and evidence-based practices in mentoring, youth development and volunteer management
• Complete other duties and support other departments and initiatives as needed
• When needed, support the Youth Center programming in the absence of the Youth Center Director.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Position Ranking :

Regular Full Time, Non-Exempt, $ Hourly

Physical Demands / Work Environment :

This Position is required to do basic business and office work. To successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the individual is regularly required to talk and listen, stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel.

Individual must be able to reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl and talk or hear. Individual must also be able to lift to fifty pounds.

The use of Office and Computer Equipment is necessary. Vision abilities will require close vision. Work may be performed indoors and occasionally require outdoors to attend meetings or see employees.

There is low to moderate noise level for this position. For some duties of this job, such as special events and outdoor activities, the employee will be exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time.

All employees recognize that The Salvation Army is a church and agree that they will do nothing as an employee of The Salvation Army to undermine its religious mission.

The Salvation Army is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates who are back-to-work, US Veterans, people with disabilities, people who have been impacted by the justice system, and / or people without a college degree are encouraged to apply.