(P/T Limited) Youth Mentor- Guiding Stars

Job Overview

Organization: The Children’s Home Network

Location: Hillsborough County, Florida

Pay: $20 per hour Hours: 5–19 hours per week, depending on the number of mentees assigned

The Guiding Stars Mentor provides one-on-one support to children in kindergarten through 8th grade who experience social-emotional challenges, developmental delays, or disabilities. Mentors build positive, supportive relationships with children through community-based activities that promote confidence, communication, emotional regulation, social skills, and healthy relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Build safe, stable, and nurturing relationships with children using trauma-informed practices.
• Plan and participate in activities that encourage social-emotional growth, confidence, and independence.
• Help children develop communication, emotional regulation, life, and academic skills.
• Encourage children to recognize their strengths, talents, and abilities.
• Model positive behavior and provide encouragement and reinforcement.
• Support families and connect them with helpful services and community resources.
• Attend monthly team meetings, group activities, and regular progress check-ins.
• Participate in quarterly Family Team Conferences with the child and family.
• Document weekly mentoring activities, track hours, and report progress or concerns to the Program Manager.
• Maintain confidentiality and follow organizational policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• High school diploma required; an associate degree is acceptable, and a bachelor’s degree is strongly preferred.
• At least two years of experience working with children.
• Experience working with children with varying abilities.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook Calendar, and web-based data management tools.
• Valid driver’s license, safe driving record, and reliable personal vehicle.
• Personal cell phone for communication with families and the organization.
• Must pass required drug screening, fingerprinting, and background checks.

Work Schedule

• Mentoring typically takes place on weekday afternoons after school and/or weekends.
• Mentors spend approximately 1.5 hours per week with each child.
• Flexible scheduling is required, including occasional Saturday group activities and family meetings.

Key Skills and Qualities

• Patience, compassion, and dedication to helping children succeed.
• Strong communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Understanding of trauma-informed care and child development.
• Reliability, flexibility, and professionalism.
• Commitment to supporting children with diverse needs and abilities.