Mentoring Program Specialist

Position: Mentoring Program Specialist (Big Steps to Success Program)

Reports to: Manager, One to One Programs and Director, Service Delivery

Main Objective: this position is responsible for delivery of the BBBST Youth In Care Program, Big Steps to Success from intake to match closure. This position ensures that children and youth in this program are able to receive consistent support throughout the intake process and into the introduction of the match while ensuring:

• child safety and positive impacts for children and youth
• constructive and satisfying relationships between children and volunteers, and
• a strong sense of affiliation with BBBS on the part of volunteers.

Position Responsibilities:

1. Maintain relationship with referral partners/Community Service workers
2. Liaise with referral partner in order to meet program deliverables
3. Recruit, train, and screen adult volunteers for Big Steps to Success volunteer opportunities
4. Complete assessment and training for mentees enrolling in the Big Steps to Success program.
5. Participate in program evaluations by providing program reports to BBBST, CAFC and program evaluator bi-annually.
6. Inform and support the recruitment and marketing plan in order to promote the program
7. Actively participate in regular scheduled meetings pertaining to the Big Steps to Success program including the Community of Practice meetings.
8. Introduce new matches in a timely fashion, ensuring all parties understand commitment, roles, and agency policies
9. Work closely with partners, staying up to date with child welfare legislation that may impact program delivery
10. Maintain a caseload of approximately 35-50 matches of youth In Care.
11. Abide by Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Canada National Standards as required, including following match support monitoring guidelines according to BBBSC National Standards as outlined for community based programs
12. Through scheduled in-person, telephone and electronic contact, ascertain that the elements of child safety, match relationship development, positive youth development and volunteer satisfaction are fulfilled and that potential problems and barriers are identified and addressed as early as possible
13. Ensure a positive and successful experience for all parties by assessing the needs of the match
14. Ensure high-level proficiency in applying child safety and risk management knowledge, policies and procedures throughout all aspects of job function
15. Develop strategic interventions to identify and strengthen match relationships that require extra support to continue to grow
16. Promote match activities to support ongoing volunteer involvement through individualized recognition, annual Big-Little events, and fundraising events
17. Facilitate pre-match training (Big Fundamentals) for volunteers, parent/guardians and clients
18. Facilitate program specific training “Big Steps to Success Mentor Training” prior to match introduction
19. Facilitate BIGS 101 (Information Sessions) as required
20. Attend agency events, and be an ambassador for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto as requested.
21. Identify and promote re-engagement of volunteers
22. Provide timely and comprehensive written documentation and case notes of all contacts and matches in the Service Delivery Platform (CRM)
23. Maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to the privacy statement as set out in the Policies and Procedures at Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Toronto

Job Qualifications

• A post-secondary degree in social work and/or a related field (social or human services, child and youth work, family studies, etc.) is required
• Three to five years' experience working with high priority, vulnerable communities, children, youth and/or families
• Interview and previous case management experience required
• Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills
• Knowledge of community development/connections is an asset
• Experience working in a culturally diverse setting is an asset
• Proven experience in team development, and achieving high performance levels
• Strong organizational skills and a capacity to multi task and to motivate others
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint and also any CRM software
• Ability to work flexible hours including week nights and some weekends as required
• This position requires in-office work as well as travel to Toronto communities and neighborhoods to accommodate special circumstances faced by certain families
• First Aid and CPR training are an asset
• Successful Police Clearance and Vulnerable Sector Screening is required
• Access to a vehicle is an asset

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment where all employees feel valued and respected. We actively seek to recruit, develop, and retain a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.