Amigos Mentor at Family Services of the Merrimack Valley

Description

Position Tiitle: Amigos Mentor  

Program: Amigos  

Reports to: Mentoring Director 

Status: Full-time (30 hours/week), Non-Exempt, HYBRID in-person/remote work schedule 

Position Summary:

Family Services of the Merrimack Valley is hiring a full-time Mentor for its Amigos Mentoring Program, for its Amigos Mentoring Program, funded by the EOHHS Strong Communities Initiative Grant which supports community-based violence prevention and intervention programs that promote equitable access to protective factors. Amigos Mentoring provides positive adult role models who form consistent and positive relationships with youth, boosting protective factors meant to reduce the likelihood of gun and community violence. This program provides bi-weekly group mentoring, monthly one-on-one mentoring, and case management to 14 middle school youth (ages 11–14) from Lawrence who are at risk of involvement in violence. The Mentor will offer strength-based support and help youth increase their sense of safety and security, guided by principles of positive youth development and trauma-informed care. 

The ideal candidate will serve as a positive role model and help youth develop essential life skills in communication, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation. The role emphasizes relationship-building, goal setting, and skill development to empower youth to thrive at home, in school, and in their community.  

DUTIES INCLUDE:  

• Provide strength-focused one-on-one and group mentoring to 7 assigned youth for one year. 
• Enhance mentees' self-confidence and cultivate a more optimistic outlook for the future. 
• Support youth in developing life skills: communication, conflict resolution, financial literacy, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. 
• Help mentees set and achieve personal goals and explore new interests. 
• Co-facilitate bi-monthly youth circles and wellness groups. 
• Provide transportation for mentees to and from monthly individual after school sessions. 
• Provide guidance and support in navigating challenges and making positive choices. 
• Plan and lead youth outings and outdoor activities. 
• Collaborate and support program staff with outreach, recruitment and enrollment activities to ensure the overall success of the program. 
• Maintain regular communication with mentees' parents or guardians to provide updates on progress and address any concerns. 
• Support adherence to grant requirements and alignment with the Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring. 
• Document mentoring goals, outcomes, progress and activities in the Mentor Core database. 
• Complete an individualized Life Plan to help youth determine in what area of their lives they would like to make a change, set goals and monitor their progress.  
• Contribute to a collaborative and positive team culture by actively participating in team meetings, discussions, communicating ideas, challenges, and successes openly and professionally.  
• Participate in ongoing professional development training. 

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Successful completion of an associate's degree in a human service field of study or minimum 5 years of relevant experience preferred. 
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) required. 
• Familiarity with child development, Trauma-Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing and effective youth engagement techniques and strategies preferred. 
• Strong interpersonal communication and public speaking skills. 
• Ability to establish positive and trusting relationships with youth and families from diverse backgrounds including Latinx and LGBTQIA+ communities. 
• Demonstrate empathy and understanding of the unique challenges faced by middle school-aged youth, while consistently setting and maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.  
• Ability to effectively teach and model essential life skills, including communication, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and conflict resolution. 
• Strong organizational and time management skills. 
• Ability to plan and lead youth outings and outdoor activities and co-facilitate wellness groups and youth circles. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint). 
• Ability to work three evenings a week and an occasional Saturday required. 
• Valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation. 

ABOUT FAMILY SERVICES OF THE MERRIMACK VALLEY

FSMV is a non-profit, social service organization located in Lawrence, MA. The organization helps more than 7,000 people in the Merrimack Valley each year through 20+ programs focused on youth development, parent education and emotional health. All of its services are infused with a sense of hope and possibility and enable individuals to thrive in their family, community, workplace and school. For more information, please visit www.FSMV.org. FSMV is an equal opportunity employer.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS 

• This is a full-time, 30 hours per week, flexible position 
• Pay range from $22 - $24 per hour, commensurate upon education and/or experience. 
• FSMV offers an excellent benefit package including a flexible and supportive work environment, competitive Blue Cross/Blue Shield health and dental insurances, fully paid life and long-term disability insurances, optional voluntary life insurance along with training and professional development opportunities. 
• FSMV also offers a generous time off policy for employees working 30 hours or more per week including 4 paid weeks of Earned Time Off as well as 13 paid holidays per year! 
• An amazing opportunity to work with and learn from a team of dedicated, passionate individuals in a diverse environment that serve children, youth, and adults.