Join our growing team of people who care and make a difference one-by-one. We all know the value of a good friend … someone to lean on when life gets overwhelming. Hand in Hand Family Mentorship pairs mentors with families in need.

Here’s the job description

Hand in Hand Family Mentorship seeks to form meaningful, long-term connections by being an encouragement, friend, and support. We work hand in hand with struggling individuals and parents to inspire progress and give hope that life can improve as individuals grow in their capacities to gain knowledge, develop skills, and enjoy greater self-reliance.

Mentor Role

• Build a relationship of friendship and trust with your assigned family 
• Be a support and good listener 
• Help them discover their gifts and recognize their potential 
• Work together to set goals that are important to the individual and family 
• Determine what skills and/or education could help in their particular situation 
• Help your mentee network and build new relationships and connections within their community 
• Encourage follow-through on family reunification or case plans when applicable 
• Promote personal growth, resilience, and self-worth 
• Refer mentees to appropriate community resources as needs arise (tools and resource links will be provided to you) 
• Encourage mentees to attend monthly Zoom skill-building classes on topics such as parenting, financial literacy, emotional resilience, and self-worth. Attend via Zoom with them, when possible. 
• Maintain healthy boundaries and uphold confidentiality 
• Collaborate with DHW social workers when needed and appropriate, supporting the family’s case goals. 

Time Commitment

• Make a one-year commitment 
• Connect regularly through calls, texts, or in-person visits (some form of weekly communication). 
• Participate in the online Mentor Training Video (Approx. 1.5 hour) 
• We highly recommend that mentors attend the monthly mentee Zoom workshop so they can learn alongside their mentees, reinforce the instruction, and better support its application in everyday life. 
• Attend yearly Gala event hosted by Hand in Hand 
• Record mentor/mentee interaction on your Mentor Manager Profile to track time spent, mentee progress, share needs, record observations, and make suggestions to Hand in Hand staff. Mentor logs need to be submitted at least monthly.  

Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years old 
• Must reside in Idaho 
• Be willing to complete the screening and application process 
• Be willing to adhere to all program policies and procedures 
• Submit an online monthly mentor update 
• No use of illicit drugs 
• No inappropriate use of alcohol or controlled substances 
• Not currently in treatment for substance abuse and have a non-addictive history for five years 
• Not currently in treatment for a mental disorder or hospitalized for such in the past three years. 
• Not currently utilizing the welfare system as a source of financial support. 

Mentor Qualities

• Admirable 
• Good interpersonal skills 
• Caring and encouraging 
• Good listener and communicator 
• Flexible and empathetic 
• Reliable, open-minded, and solution-oriented 
• Comfortable working with people from diverse backgrounds and life experiences

Application Screening Process

• Complete mentor application online 
• Send in one non-familial reference letter 
• Background check through the Department of Health and Welfare 
• Phone Interview with HNH Staff
• Complete Mentor Training Online Workshop