Bilingual (Spanish/English) Professional Mentor "Friend"

Friends of the Children - Utah is a well-established nonprofit organization with over 30 years of proven success in mentoring youth facing significant challenges. The organization is dedicated to creating generational change by partnering professional mentors, known as "Friends," with youth from kindergarten through high school graduation in a commitment that lasts over 12 years. This long-term mentoring relationship is designed to help young people overcome systemic barriers and personal obstacles while fostering their development in academic, social, and life skills. Friends of the Children - Utah offers a trauma-informed approach that supports youth in graduating high school prepared with clear plans for their future, whether that involves higher education, employment, or military service. The organization aims to keep youth out of the juvenile justice system, instill positive life goals, and promote healthy, sustainable lifestyles, ultimately helping young people break cycles of poverty and adversity to thrive as empowered adults within their communities.

The role of a Friend is critical to the mission of Friends of the Children - Utah. A Friend serves as a dedicated professional mentor to eight children, spending 3-4 hours weekly with each child in their homes, schools, and communities. This full-time, exempt position requires a non-traditional schedule including afternoons, evenings, and some weekends, adapting to the needs of youth and families. A vital requirement for this role is fluency in both English and Spanish to effectively communicate with Spanish-speaking youth and their families.

Friends invest emotionally and practically in the children they mentor by setting positive expectations, nurturing individual strengths, teaching life and academic skills, promoting healthy habits, and modeling responsible behavior. They work directly with youth to help build talents and areas of interest while also fostering behavioral management, emotional regulation, and problem-solving skills. Beyond individual mentoring, a Friend advocates for additional resources and collaborates with families, teachers, and community stakeholders to ensure comprehensive support for youth. The role involves detailed documentation of interactions, participation in ongoing program evaluations, and a commitment to uphold the organization’s values and policies.

Friends are expected to manage their allocated budgets, complete administrative tasks accurately and timely, and actively engage in team meetings and organizational events. The organization provides various benefits, including employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, long-term disability and life insurance, paid vacation and holidays, retirement plans with employer matching, parental leave, and flexible scheduling with partial remote work options. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact in the lives of vulnerable youth through professional, sustained mentorship while benefiting from competitive compensation and a supportive work environment.