Career Mentor

Position is from September 2025-November 2025

Provides mentorship to youth ages 16 – 24-year-old youth. Works with each youth to develop an Individualized Service Plan to address areas for improvement and connect to employment and/or educational opportunities.  Work to develop and maintain worksites in the Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics career field. 

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Works with Coordinator to develop and implement an employer engagement strategy to develop subsidized and unsubsidized work experiences for youth between the ages of 16 and 24.
• Subsidized work experiences include short term placement where youth gain technical skills in specific industry and SGA offers payment directly to youth.  Documentation is required from each placement that includes agreement, job description, and safety checklist.
• Unsubsidized placement can include both part- and full-time employment.  Employment Verifications must be collected by employer/youth.
• Develops employer engagement in high demand industries and career pathways, such as Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics, (Can include Manufacturing and Information Technology)
• Utilizes Career Connect and the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership for Labor Market Information and Target Occupational Profiles to target employer relationships and potential openings.
• Ensure retention in cohorts of 10-15.  During the 6-month period, there will be 3 cohorts of 7 weeks
• Week 1: Employability Skills Training
• Week 2-7: Worksite placement (Monday-Thursday) and Social Enrichment activities on Friday. 
• Markets, recruits and maintains relationships with employers that will expose youth to long-term career and education opportunities. 
• Develop an Individualized Service Plan to address areas for improvement; assists with employment placements for specific career goals for each youth in the cohort.
• Works with SGA leadership to develop and implement hiring events and job fairs for youth.
• Works with other youth advocates, justice system representatives, etc. to help support youth remain in compliance of all mandates.
• Works in collaboration within the targeted communities to cultivate relationships with local community resources.
• Reaches out and re-engage youth that have inconsistent attendance, work with families to bring resources to the home, and connect with programs.
• Conducts Home Visits.
• Transporting students in vehicle to and from program related activities may be required.
• Implements other services requested by SGA.
• Supports employability skills training for all youth that will lead to gainful employment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education:

• Associate's in criminal justice or related field preferred

Experience:

• Experience working with teens and young adults, preferred.
• Experience working in neighborhoods on Chicago’s south and west sides.
• Experience working with individuals dealing with factors that put them at-risk of becoming victims of aggressive behavior.
• Experience working one on one with youth involved in the juvenile justice system.

Other:

• Sensitivity to cultural diversity is required. Ability to communicate and cooperate with diverse families, various professionals and community groups.
• Evening and weekend availability required.
• Experience working one on one with youth involved in the juvenile justice system.
• Displays excellent organization skills and ability to move quickly from one task to another.
• Exercises discretion and independent judgment in executing tasks.

Key Competencies:

• Competent in Microsoft Office tools and inputting services in an online database.
• Schedule may be flexible and may include some evening and weekends
• Valid Driver's License and Automobile Insurance

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to remain stationary 50% of the time
• Must be able to frequently move inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Must be able to transport oneself to and from work sites.
• Occasionally ascends/descends stairs.
• Constantly moves to assist during program activities.
• Frequently moves desks, chairs, tables and easels.
• At times may be required to lift up to 25 lbs. for various classrooms and event’s needs.
• Frequently moves in outdoor weather conditions