If you’re interested in serving as a Youth Job Center volunteer, or just want to get the conversation started, please complete the volunteer interest form, and someone will reach out to you. (Please note that volunteers will need to submit to a background check before being able to participate in any volunteer activities.)
Volunteer opportunities
Workforce Readiness Training Volunteer (Virtual)
YJC’s Workforce Readiness Training (WRT) is a week-long virtual training that covers topics like resume-building, interview preparation, LinkedIn profiles, financial planning, and networking. At the end of the training, each client participates in two mock interviews and receives helpful feedback.
Volunteers can assist YJC clients by reviewing their resumes, conducting and providing feedback on mock interviews with them, and helping them build their LinkedIn profiles. All volunteer duties are conducted via Zoom.
Duties and Scheduling
Resume Mondays (2:45–3:45 p.m.) — Spend 1:1 time with a client reviewing and providing feedback on their resume. There are times that you might be asked to work with an additional client depending on the number of clients and volunteers
LinkedIn Tuesdays (1:00–2:00 p.m.) — Execute a LinkedIn presentation and spend time in an online breakout room supporting clients in the following ways:
Help with crafting or updating their LinkedIn profile’s headline and “about” statement
Provide feedback on their LinkedIn headshot
Help them select a profile banner
Discuss LinkedIn job search techniques
Mock Interview Fridays (2:15-3:45 p.m.)— Conduct individual ten-question mock interviews with two clients and provide verbal and written feedback. Resumes will be provided in advance.
Additional Support — There may be times when additional resume or mock-interview support is needed for a client who is unable to attend WRT. These sessions will be scheduled based on the availability of the volunteer and the client.
Qualifications
College degree preferred or minimum of two years of professional experience
Familiarity with the components of a resume and strong written & verbal skills
Comfort working one-on-one and providing constructive feedback to young people
Interest in teaching employment-related skills youth ages 14-25
Training
Volunteers will be provided with an overview from the workforce readiness coordinator and will have the opportunity to shadow one to two established volunteers.
How to Get Started
Complete the volunteer interest form.
We’ll reach out to you to set up a meeting where you’ll meet the workforce readiness coordinator, learn more about YJC, and get an overview of the WRT program. This is also your opportunity to share more about your interest in volunteering, your work background, and any questions you have.
Next, you’ll complete a brief form that enables us to conduct a background check.
Once the background check is clear, you’ll be invited to shadow the session you’re most interested in.
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+. As a mentor, you’ll help to ensure that the YJC client you’re paired with develops 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
Commit to spending at least a year in a relationship with a young person
Spend at least five to eight hours a month engaged in a mutually agreed-upon activity with your protégé
Communicate with your protégé weekly—by telephone, text, or email—to keep in touch about what’s going on in their life
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
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 your role as a mandated reporter and report any problematic issues (for clients under 18)
Be patient and understand that the mentoring relationship is a process that takes work and time
Qualifications
Be at least 21 years of age
Have a solid education, especially in literacy and numeracy
Have experience working with young people, either through work or volunteering
Have knowledge to share about one or more career path/professional field
Have a desire to share your professional expertise and professional network
A positive outlook and growth mindset are essential!
Training
Mentors need to have met with the Volunteer Coordinator, completed the required DCFS training, volunteered for Workforce Readiness Training (WRT), and attended a mentor training session prior to mentoring.
Worksite Tour Provider (Virtual)
Introduce Youth Job Center’s clients to your company’s environment by providing a virtual tour of your facility. This allows young job-seekers to see what workplaces and company culture look like for different industries.
Company Career Panelist
A virtual career fair is a type of informational or recruitment/outreach event that connects recruiters and candidates in a virtual space. Attendees can learn about various positions, experiences, and career opportunities from the comfort of their own home, with the ease afforded by a virtual platform.
Special Event Volunteer
Assist YJC staff with our golf outing, annual gala, and/or other events. Potential volunteer positions include include gala host, keynote speaker, ceremony emcee, and registration assistant.
Guest Speaker
Have a talent for speaking? Know of great topics that might inspire people to engage in youth workforce? Volunteer to be a guest speaker at special events, board meetings, panel discussions, or other events. This is a fantastic opportunity to advocate and inform others about community involvement.
Worksite Visit Facilitator
YJC youth stay engaged by learning about a variety of industries and career opportunities. Opening your company to job shadowing or field experience can open YJC clients’ minds to what happens after training and/or completing school.
Career Exploration Day Mentor
Participate in a client-led informational interview day, where clients get to learn about your career path and industry. This is a fun speed-learning experience that supports career exploration.
