Volunteer Mentor Position Description

Position: Kinship Mentor/Volunteer

Mission of Kinship: Empowering local youth to reach their full potential through the support of consistent, positive adult role models and life-long friendships.

Duties

• Commit to Consistency: Initiate weekly contact and aim for at least six hours of quality time with your mentee each month to build a stable relationship.
• Focus on Friendship: Act as a supportive adult friend and positive role model rather than a disciplinarian or a substitute parent.
• Prioritize Safety: Ensure the child’s safety at all times and adhere to program-specific safety guidelines and prohibited activities.
• Communicate with Parents: Maintain a partnership with the parent or guardian by obtaining prior approval for activities and being reliable with pick-up and drop-off times.
• Maintain One-on-One Interaction: Focus your attention on your assigned Kinship Youth rather than siblings, parents, or other friends during your scheduled time.
• Model Responsible Behavior: Demonstrate a positive and nonjudgmental attitude, showing the child healthy ways to navigate life and social situations.
• Keep it Affordable: Focus on sharing time and experiences rather than spending money; your presence is the most valuable gift.
• Respect Family Values: Be mindful of the family’s values and beliefs, treating them with respect even if they differ from your own.
• Stay Connected with Staff: Provide periodic updates to Kinship staff and share any highlights, concerns, or changes in your contact information or availability.
• Fulfill Mandatory Reporting: Promptly notify the Director if you ever suspect a child is being subjected to abuse or neglect.
• Remain Drug and Alcohol-Free: Never use substances prior to or during visits with your mentee to ensure a safe and professional environment.
• Honor the Commitment: Commit to the relationship for at least one full year to ensure the mentee experiences the long-term benefits of a stable mentor.

Qualities and Skills Required

• Care for the safety of children.
• Love for children.
• Time to spend with a child.
• Dependability and enthusiasm.
• Wide variety of interests.
• Nonjudgmental attitude.
• Reliable transportation.

Commitment Details

• Time Required: Minimum of six hours per month (time will vary according to specific activities).
• When Mentoring Occurs: After school hours or on weekends; negotiable with the child and their parent(s)/guardians.
• Length of Commitment: One-year minimum.

Support and Supervision

• Training Provided: Initial orientation, periodic training sessions, and ongoing support/consultation with staff.
• Supervisor: Directly responsible to the Kinship Director.

Benefits

• Experience the fulfillment of watching a child grow, mature, and develop self-confidence.
• Be a friend and have a friend; receiving by giving of yourself.
• Experience the satisfaction of offering a child new opportunities.
• Become part of an ongoing experience by reaching out and personally shaping another life.