POSITION SUMMARY

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Youth Engagement Coach will work directly with teen program participants to articulate, safeguard, model and promote the values and mission of the YMCA of Rock River Valley. Youth Engagement Coaches will work with youth in group settings to facilitate group activities and identify/create volunteer opportunities that engage program participants. The coach will serve youth at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA, and RPS 205, in addition to off-site mentoring opportunities. This role will be responsible for regular communication, evaluations and other reporting to meet program needs and expectations.

LOCATION

SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA
200 Y Blvd
Rockford, IL

Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd
1829 N Rockton Ave
Rockford, IL

OUR CULTURE
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
The Y is made up of people of all ages, from all walks of life, working side-by-side to strengthen communities. Together, we strive to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender expression, gender identity, ideology, income, national origin, race or sexual orientation has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity. Our core values are caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith — they guide everything we do.

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOUTH PROTECTION
The YMCA of Rock River Valley has a responsibility to provide safe and secure programs and services for our community. The YMCA is a leader in child abuse prevention to support the safety of children in our care. You'll support the commitment of the YMCA to child abuse prevention by:

• Report any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor.
• Follow all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children.
• Report any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor.
• Complete all child abuse prevention training as required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Develops and maintains a mentor/mentee(s) relationship with mentee(s).
2. Attends all coach training and onboarding sessions.
3. Participates in shadowing opportunities to grow and develop group facilitation skills.
4. Spends 25 hours weekly with mentee(s): in-person, via phone, or virtually (i.e., online conferencing).
5. Manages small caseloads of 10-15 students and meets with students within the YMCA and school settings, while facilitating group activities and building relationships with students.
6. Identify and create volunteer opportunities to engage program participants.
7. Honors all commitments made to the mentee.
8. Respects the mentee’s time, opinions and decision making.
9. Serves as a positive role model by modeling desirable behaviors and core YMCA values.
10. Collaborates with the mentee(s) to create a personal and professional development plan with assistance from the Teen Program Director.
11. Facilitates program activities for large groups.
12. Documents weekly contacts in the mentoring database, providing reports to the Teen Program Director to communicate participant progress and needs.
13. Assists mentee in solving work-related and other problems that interfere with mentee’s college and career readiness.
14. Serves as an ambassador of the YMCA of Rock River Valley.
15. Ensures a strong focus on character development and diversity, equity and inclusion throughout programming.
16. Reports damaged equipment or safety hazards promptly.
17. Performs any other functions necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the YMCA of Rock River Valley.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum age of 18.
• Previous experience working with or mentoring youth.
• Solid grasp of cultural competency, responsiveness and well-being, comfort in leading with empathy and a genuine desire to help their mentee(s) reach their fullest potential.
• Ability to provide transportation required.

• Excellent communication skills across diverse cultures, perspectives and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Ability to establish a relationship based on mutual responsibility and respect.
• Practical problem-solving skills and ability to suggest options and alternatives.
• CPR, AED and First Aid Certifications required within 90 days.
• Praesidium Academy trainings.
• May be required to pass fingerprinted background check per grant requirements.
• Prefer knowledge of, and previous experience with, diverse populations.
• Proven track record of developing authentic and deepened relationships with others.

SCHEDULE & COMPENSATION

2 Positions
Part Time, Non-Exempt
Monday - Friday 4:00-9:00 pm; Some Saturdays
$15.00 per hour

FUNDING SOURCE

Stadelman grant, 100%, 9/1/23-6/30/24, non-renewable

The Y is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer more than just a job, rather the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you. The Y offers work/life balance, and excellent membership & program benefits.

• Complimentary YMCA Membership
• Program Discounts
• 8% Retirement contribution following 2-year vesting requirement

The Y: We're for Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility