Professional Mentor "Friend"
Friends of the Children – Eastern Idaho is hiring a full-time Professional Mentor, who we call a "Friend", to build long-term, life-changing relationships with children and families in our rural communities. Do you want to help urban, rural, and Indigenous youth discover their limitless potential by fostering their internal resiliency? Are you ready to help build relationships to strengthen social networks and provide bridges to new opportunities? If so, the impactful role of a Friend might be for you.
Friends of the Children is a national nonprofit with 30+ years of proven impact. Our model pairs children facing the most obstacles with a paid, professional mentor from early childhood through high school graduation - 12+ years, no matter what. Our Eastern Idaho chapter launched in 2024 and serves children where they live, learn, and grow.
Basic Function / Position Objective:
We are currently seeking a mentor for our childhood program (kindergarten to 5th Grade) to serve as a positive adult role model to eight elementary children and develop loving, caring, and sustained relationships with each child. A Friend will build consistent, trusting relationships through one-on-one time in schools, homes, and community settings, while partnering closely with caregivers, educators, and community partners.
This is a full-time, relationship-centered role that requires flexibility, sound judgment, and a deep commitment to long-term work with children and families. The position reports to the Program Director.
Essential Responsibilities
- Build and sustain long-term, trusting relationships with each child
- Spend regular time with each child, one-on-one, in the child's home, school, and community
- Partner with caregivers to support social, emotional, academic, and developmental goals
- Plan and facilitate enrichment activities that support skill-building and identity development
- Advocate consistently for children across environments
- Maintain accurate documentation and data entry
- Support group activities, events, and occasional fundraising efforts
- Safely transport children in a personal vehicle as required for mentoring activities
- Attend and actively participate in team meetings, trainings, and supervision
- Maintain First Aid/CPR certification
- Maintain a 40-hour work schedule that includes afternoons, evenings, and weekends (typical working days are Tuesday through Saturday with Sundays and Mondays off).
This role is a strong fit if you:
- Believe in the potential of children and value long-term, relationship-based work
- Are comfortable working in rural, close-knit communities
- Will tailor your approach to meet the needs of the communities served
- Are adaptable, resourceful, and able to work independently while remaining team-oriented
- Can balance direct youth work with administrative responsibilities
- Value data, reflection, and continuous learning
The ideal candidate will have the following Education, Experience and Abilities:
- 2 or 4-year degree
- Alternatively, at least seven years' progressive experience working with children and families will be considered in lieu of a college degree
- Valid driver's license, reliable vehicle, and ability to transport children
- Capacity to work a flexible schedule aligned with the needs of children and families
- Willingness to commit for a minimum of three years
- Advocate to secure additional resources, opportunities, and services for youth as appropriate
- Assist with systems navigation in schools to secure conditions for optimal academic success
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Demonstrated ability to work with children in varied capacities and settings
- Ability to develop trusting relationships with children, families, teachers, and others involved in each child’s life
- Ability to work independently and as a team player
- Ability to manage several concurrent issues and solve problems effectively
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- A sense of humor is advantageous
- Knowledge of Shoshone and/or Bannock languages is a plus
SALARY RANGE:
- $19.23/hourly-$21.63/hourly (approximately $40k-$45k annually)
BENEFITS
- 3 weeks paid vacation, 11 paid holidays, and 80 hour sick leave annually
- Comprehensive health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability
- 401k with 3% match
- Ongoing professional development and training
Offices will be located in American Falls, Pocatello and Fort Hall