About

Job Summary:

The Mentoring Specialist (MS) is responsible for interviewing, assessing, matching and supporting the volunteers and children that are matched in the one-to-one mentoring program. The MS will ensure child safety, promote positive impacts for youth, foster constructive and satisfying relationships between children and volunteers, and cultivate a strong sense of affiliation with Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles on the part of the volunteers.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct volunteer enrollment interviews.
• Conduct child and family enrollment interviews, and present child safety information.
• Prepare written assessments and recommendations based on interviews of volunteers and children/families. All match recommendations and/or approvals are based on the professional judgment of the Mentoring Specialist.
• Create safe and appropriate match relationships based on a current pool of volunteers and children.
• Conduct Match Introduction Meetings for new matches, match intervention meetings, and other meetings as needed with match parties.
• Conduct regularly scheduled Match Support contacts (either in person or through phone or electronic contact) with the volunteers, children and parents/guardians in order to ascertain that the elements of child safety, match relationship development, positive youth development and volunteer satisfaction are fulfilled. Identify and address potential problems and barriers as early as possible.
• Document comprehensive written summaries of all match support contacts in real-time, web-based contact management software, in order to comply with BBBS standards.
• Monitor and meet metrics for enrollment and match support goals for length and customer satisfaction.
• Conduct exit interviews by phone with all parties at match closure. Assess reasons for match closure and re-match/re-engagement potential and conduct re-assessments accordingly.
• Maintain accurate files and documentation on all volunteers and children/families
• Utilize the Strength of Relationship survey (SOR) to determine health and progression of the match relationship, and use additional survey tools to determine child’s growth in the program.
• Identify and promote re-engagement of volunteers as Bigs, board members, donors and in other volunteer capacities.
• Collaborate and share information and resources with other agency staff and management.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications:

We are seeking a candidate with a strong belief in the Mission and Vision of JBBBSLA, as well as the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in social services, human services or related field.
• 1-2 years of experience working with children in a social services environment, and/or understanding of child development and family dynamics
• Assessment, case management and/or relationship development experience with child and adult populations (and preferably with volunteers as well).
• Ability to work effectively and sensitively with confidential information.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work both in a team and independently, to exercise good judgment, make sound decisions & problem solve.
• Document comprehensive written summaries of all match support contacts in real-time, web-based contact management software, in order to comply with BBBS standards.
• Collaborative workstyle with strong interpersonal skills
• A strong commitment to quality and results
• Strong computer skills: proficiency in Microsoft Office and internet-based applications
• Reliable transportation, valid drivers license, state-required auto insurance minimums and willingness to travel as necessitated by job responsibilities.
• Ability and willingness to work on average 1-2 evenings per week and/or some weekends for events or meetings with constituents.

Benefits Package:

Competitive salary, paid vacation and sick leave, paid federal and Jewish holidays, 3 additional personal days, and early Friday closure. Medical/vision/dental insurance, retirement plans (403(b) and Defined Contribution Plan), Life Insurance and Employee Assistance Program.