POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Young Adult Mentoring Coordinator
(An AmeriCorps Literacy Volunteers of Illinois VOCAL member)
Reports To: Director of Immigrant Family Services
Status: 40 hours per week for 1,700 hours from September 1, 2020 – August 2021
Some evening and weekend hours required
Organization Overview:
World Relief, in partnership with the local church, envisions the most vulnerable people
transformed economically, socially, and spiritually. World Relief Chicago assists with the
resettlement of refugees by providing cultural adjustment and employment services, mental
health counseling, English Language Training, legal services, and programs for children and
youth. Since its establishment in 1980, World Relief Chicago has assisted in the resettlement of
over 15,000 refugees. World Relief Chicago is located at 3507 W. Lawrence in Chicago’s
Albany Park Neighborhood.
Position Summary:
This position will recruit, identify, train, and match volunteers with refugee young adults as part
of World Relief Chicago’s Youth Adult Mentoring program. This program seeks to empower
refugee young adults by matching them with mentors to engage in career exploration and goal
setting. The Coordinator will oversee the volunteer matches and provide support and monitor
progress towards previously identified goals.
All applicants will need to apply to AmeriCorps to become a member AFTER they have
interviewed and been offered this position by World Relief Chicago. The VOCAL AmeriCorps
website is www.lvillinois.org. AmeriCorps provides a stipend per year of approximately $14,279
(amount from previous state fiscal year), deferment of most college loans, monthly training, and
an education award of $6,195 which can be used for past, current or future tuition and related
costs. Some members may also qualify for free medical benefits and a food allowance.
Additionally, World Relief Chicago provides a monthly $100 transportation stipend to the
member for the entire year as well as a $150 per month housing stipend.
Responsibilities and Duties:
Recruit, identify, train, and match volunteers with refugee young adults.
Oversee volunteer matches and provide ongoing support during the match period.
Monitor progress of match relationships and work with mentors to identify possible
educational and vocational opportunities for those in the Young Adult Mentoring Program.
Regularly contact mentors and mentees to monitor progress towards goals.
Coordinate 4 group events for mentors and mentees throughout the year.
Coordinate recruiting and onboarding of interns for the department.
Work collaboratively with Employment and Youth Program staff to best serve refugee young
adults.
Prepare and submit monthly program reports and other reports, as requested by World Relief
and VOCAL staff.
Attend quarterly VOCAL AmeriCorps member meetings and participate in VOCAL Days of
Service.
Attend department and office-wide meetings.
Other responsibilities as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Excellent communication skills with people of varying English levels
Excellent interpersonal and relational skills
Demonstrated ability to work sensitively and effectively in a cross-cultural setting
Self-motivated and able to handle a variety of projects simultaneously
Detail-oriented, organized, and able to follow through on projects and assignments
Demonstrated ability to multi-task, problem solve, and exercise critical thinking skills
Demonstrated ability to remain flexible and work in a fast-paced environment
Strong mediation and problem-solving skills
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
Ability to work well under pressure and in cross-departmental teams
Requirements:
Respect World Relief’s Mission, Vision and Values
Able to work a flexible schedule including nights and occasional weekends
Valid Driver’s License and good driving record is essential
Commitment to meeting all of the requirements of the AmeriCorps VOCAL program
Ability to commit to the full term of service as stated above
Application Process
World Relief Chicago is now accepting applications for this position. To apply, please submit a
resume and cover letter to Peter Zigterman, Director of Immigrant Family Services in Chicago,
at pzigterman@wr.org. Please include the following in the subject line: “Application for Young
Adult Mentoring Coordinator.” No phone calls please
