Job Description

Friends of the Children is a nonprofit creating generational change by supporting youth through relationships with professional Mentors. We provide children facing the greatest obstacles with a paid, full-time professional Mentor - we call them a "Friend" - from kindergarten through high school graduation, 12+ years, no matter what. We are currently seeking an extraordinary person to join our team. This is a professional position with training, supervision, accountability, and real impact.

What You'll Do

As a Professional Mentor, you will work with eight children, providing each child with consistent, one-on-one time every week. You will build long-term, trusting relationships with the children and their families. You will help each child develop skills for managing emotions, navigating school and relationships, and building confidence in who they are becoming.

Your Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

• Provide a minimum of four hours per week of individualized mentorship to each assigned youth (caseload of eight), primarily through one-on-one engagement during and outside of school hours.
• Establish and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with families; communicate regularly with parents and caregivers to support student growth and well-being.
• Collaborate with teachers, school personnel, and other stakeholders to ensure a coordinated and holistic approach to each child’s academic and personal success.
• Assess individual strengths and areas for growth; set measurable, strengths-based goals with each child and provide consistent guidance toward goal achievement.
• Plan and facilitate enrichment activities and experiential learning opportunities that foster skill development, confidence, and exploration of interests.
• Maintain accurate documentation of youth engagement and progress
• Participate in weekly team meetings, professional development trainings, and staff events.
• Safely transport youth to and from program-related activities using a personal vehicle, in compliance with organizational safety guidelines. Your Schedule

Physical Requirements

• Work occurs in school, community, and outdoor environments and may involve engaging with youth in recreational activities.
• Ability to work effectively in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments and weather conditions

What We're Looking For

• Required: Associate degree, Bachelor's degree preferred; Alternatively, at least seven years’ progressive experience working with children and families will be considered in lieu of a college degree.
• Required: At least two years of experience working or volunteering with children. Experience with children in under-resourced communities is preferred.
• Required: Reliable personal vehicle, valid driver’s license, and proof of adequate automobile insurance coverage.
• Required: Ability to transport youth in a personal vehicle for mentoring activities within approximately 25 miles of the Friends Chicago office (mileage reimbursed at the IRS rate).
• Required: Successful completion of a comprehensive background check, including criminal history, child abuse registry checks, and driving record review
• Required: Maintain current First Aid and CPR certification.

We are looking for people who:

• Demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth, including actively engaging in training and feedback.
• Is prepared to make a minimum three-year commitment, recognizing that consistency and long-term relationships are central to our mentoring model.
• Works effectively both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Exhibits strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize responsibilities effectively.
• Communicates clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
• Able to manage multiple priorities and use sound judgment in dynamic situations.
• Maintains a positive attitude, resilience, and a sense of humor, with the ability to remain grounded in challenging circumstances.

Training and Professional Development

• We provide comprehensive training in trauma-informed practices, child development, emotional regulation, and the specific tools and frameworks utilized within our program. Success in this role requires a genuine willingness to actively engage in training, ask thoughtful questions, apply new learning in practice, and bring authenticity, self-awareness, and commitment to working with youth and families.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive benefits are available, including health insurance (medical/dental/vision), life insurance, 3 weeks of paid vacation, and 12 days of paid sick time per year. We also offer a 401K Program with employer matching up to 4% after the initial 90 days of employment.

This is a full-time exempt position with non-traditional hours. Your work week runs Tuesday through Saturday (Sundays and Mondays off).

• School Year Schedule: Tuesday–Friday: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM Saturday: Flexible scheduling with an eight-hour shift
• Summer Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Salary: $57,717 Annually

Reports to: Program Manager

Location: Chicago, IL

This position is expected to start January 2027

Friends of the Children - Chicago is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.