If you are interested in serving as a Youth Job Center volunteer, please complete the Volunteer Interest Form. (Please note that volunteers will need to submit to a background check before being able to participate in any volunteer activities.)

Have questions or just want to learn more? Fill out our Volunteer Interest Form to get the conversation started, and someone will reach out to you.

Workforce Readiness Training Volunteer - Virtual

Currently we are providing training and coaching virtually. YJC’s Workforce Readiness Training (WRT) includes soft skills development, such as workplace expectations, communications, conflict resolution, and customer service.  Volunteers assist YJC clients with resumes, mock-interviewing, online job applications, and providing basic technological assistance.

Duties/Activities

  • Use YJC training materials to teach young people how to develop resumes

  • Describe different career paths as part of career exploration activities

  • Assist with technological questions, i.e. attachments, emails, online applications

  • Provide feedback to young people during one-on-one mock interview sessions

  • Provide coaching and mentoring during application events

Scheduling/Length of Commitment
WRT volunteers usually work during afternoon WRT sessions on an as-needed basis.

Qualifications
College graduate preferred or minimum of two years of professional experience. Familiarity with the components of a resume and strong written & verbal skills. Comfortable working one-on-one and providing constructive feedback to young people.  Interest in teaching employment-related skills youth ages 14-25.

Training
Volunteers will receive one training session prior to volunteering and on-the-job training from our Training Manager and Volunteer Coordinator.

Volunteer Mentor - Virtual

A mentor with Youth Job Center is a caring, responsible, adult volunteer who serves as a trusted friend and guide to a young person 18+. They help to ensure that YJC clients develop important career and life skills, is exposed to new opportunities and a wide array of resources, makes positive life choices, and stays in school or training.

Duties/Responsibilities

  • Be able to commit to spending at least a year in a relationship with a young person.

  • Spend at least five-eight hours a month engaged in mutually agreed-upon activity with their protégé.

  • Communicate with their protégé weekly – by telephone, text, or email – to keep in touch about what’s going on in their lives.

  • Honor all commitments made to the protégé.

  • Be respectful of the protégé’s time, opinions and decision-making.

  • Serve as a positive role model by modeling desirable behaviors – e.g. patience, tolerance, and reflective listening.

  • Be comfortable and able to establish appropriate boundaries with the protégé and their family.

  • Be encouraging and supportive of the protégé.

Every Volunteer Mentor should:

  • Check in with program staff at least once a month.

  • Attend ongoing trainings when needed or requested.

  • Recognize role as mandated reporter and report any problematic issues (under 18).

  • Be patient and understand the mentoring relationship is a process that takes work and time.

Qualifications
Mentor should be at least 21 years of age. A good standard of education, especially in literacy and numeracy. Experience working with young people, either through work or volunteering. A positive outlook and growth mindset are essential.

Training
Mentors need to have met with the Volunteer Coordinator, volunteered for Workforce Readiness Training (WRT) and attend a mentor training session prior to mentoring.