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)—which we’re currently providing virtually—supports soft skills development, covering topics like workplace expectations, communication, conflict resolution, and customer service. Volunteers assist YJC clients by reviewing resumes, facilitating mock interviews, offering support with 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 (e.g., 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 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 receive one training session prior to volunteering and on-the-job training from our Training Manager and Volunteer Coordinator.
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.
