1. Mentor Job Description
Updated March 22nd, 2010
Break the Cycle of New Jersey is a movement that is aimed to mentor children with one or both parents in prison. The mentoring program seeks adult mentors to serve in their local community. These mentors are willing to commit to supporting, guiding, and being a friend to a child for one hour a week for at least one year. The mentor will help the young person make positive life choices that enable them to become positive contributing members of society. By becoming part of the social network of adults and community members who care about the youth the mentor can help youth develop and reach positive academic, career, and personal goals.
Mentor Role
Take the lead in supporting a young person through an ongoing, one-on-one relationship
Serve as a positive role model and friend
Build the relationship by planning and participating in activities together
Strive for mutual respect
Build self-esteem and motivation
Help set goals and work toward accomplishing them
Mentor Requirements
Be willing to mentor in the following counties: Sussex, Passaic, Morris, Warren, Hunterdon, Essex, Somerset, Middlesex, Mercer, Camden, Atlantic or Cumberland counties
Be interested in working with young people
Be willing to adhere to all program policies and procedures
Complete the application and screening process
Be dependable and consistent in meeting the time commitments
Be willing to communicate regularly with program staff, submit activity information
Have access to reliable transportation or an automobile, auto insurance, and a good driving record
Have a clean criminal history
No use of illicit drugs
No use of alcohol or controlled substances in an inappropriate manner
Not in current treatment for substance abuse and have a non-addictive period of at least five years
Not in current treatment for a mental illness or hospitalized for such in the past three years
Desirable Qualities
Willing listener
Encouraging and supportive
Patient and flexible
Tolerant and respectful of individual differences
Time Commitment
Make a one-year commitment
Spend a minimum of one hour per week one-on-one with a mentee
Communicate with the mentee weekly
Practical Benefits for Mentors 55 years or older
Mentors 55 years or older will be Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) enrollees
Free supplemental on-the-job Liability Insurance
Free supplemental on-the-job Accidental and Auto Liability Insurance
Mileage and expenses are tax deductible
Training sessions and group activities
Mentee/mentor group activities, complimentary tickets to community events, participant recognition events
Personal Benefits
A feeling of self-satisfaction in helping someone mature, progress, and achieve goals
Improved physical health from being actively engaged in positive acts of care and assistance
An opportunity to use your current skills and learn new skills
Personal fulfillment through contribution to community and individual
Personal ongoing support, supervision to help the match succeed
Application and Screening Process
Written application
Phone call to inquire
3 references
Background check: local police, PSI, national child offender, and motor vehicle