Youth Mentor 1:1 at Centers For New Horizons Inc – Chicago, Illinois

Founded in 1971, Centers for New Horizons, Inc. (Centers) is a nonprofit organization that assists children, youth, and families to become self-reliant. With 100+ full-time staff, most of whom live in or near its service communities, Centers provides programs in seven locations throughout the Bronzeville and Riverdale communities of Chicago's Southside that reach over 1,000 individuals daily.

Position Overview
Centers for New Horizons is seeking Part-Time Youth Mentors to support a Department of Family and Support Services-funded, community-based mentoring program serving youth ages 10–21 in Altgeld Gardens (Far South Side) and Bronzeville (Near South Side).

This program is part of a citywide upstream prevention model focused on building strong, consistent relationships between youth and caring adults. Through individualized mentoring, youth gain access to social capital, skill-building opportunities, and support for making healthy, informed life choices.

This is a part-time role (up to 20 hours/week) with a minimum 6-month commitment strongly encouraged to ensure continuity of relationships.

Essential Functions
Build Consistent 1:1 Mentoring Relationships
• Provide individual mentoring sessions at least 2 times per month (45–120 minutes each)
• Build trusting, supportive relationships that center youth voice, choice, and interests
• Serve as a consistent, reliable adult presence in each participant’s life

Support Youth Growth & Development
• Focus on strengths, potential, and personal growth rather than deficits
• Help youth build confidence, decision-making skills, and a sense of belonging
• Support goal-setting, life skills development, and exposure to new opportunities

Facilitate Engagement & Enrichment
• Participate in quarterly group activities focused on wellness, academics/career, life skills, and cultural enrichment
• Create engaging, youth-centered experiences that foster connection and peer support

Promote Safety & Well-Being
• Maintain a safe, structured, and inclusive environment for all participants
• Follow all safety protocols, including communication guidelines, transportation policies, and mandated reporting requirements
• Identify and escalate any concerns related to youth safety or well-being

Maintain Communication & Documentation
• Track attendance, mentoring sessions, and participant engagement
• Document interactions and progress in accordance with program requirements
• Communicate regularly with program staff regarding participant updates and needs

Collaborate with Program Team
• Participate in trainings and ongoing coaching (including youth development, de-escalation, and trauma-informed practices)
• Work closely with staff to ensure strong mentor-mentee matches and address challenges if needed

What You Bring
Experience & Background
• Experience working with youth or young adults (ages 10–21 preferred)
• Background in mentoring, education, social services, or community-based programs is a plus
• Familiarity with or connection to South Side communities strongly preferred

Skills & Strengths
• Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to connect authentically with youth
• Ability to engage youth in both one-on-one and group settings
• Strong communication, active listening, and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to maintain boundaries while building trust

Personal Traits
• Patient, empathetic, and dependable
• Consistent and committed to showing up for youth
• Flexible, adaptable, and solutions-oriented
• Passionate about equity, youth development, and community impact