Family Mentor for homeless families needed in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami Dade Counties

Are you a mother who has experience working full-time while raising children? Do you want to help other mothers trying to juggle work, family, and finances? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of children experiencing the trauma of homelessness? Is your schedule flexible?

If you reside in Palm Beach, Broward, or Miami-Dade County, we need Family Mentors to work with families who have been approved for rental assistance.

Your Role as a Family Mentor

You will work with a formerly homeless family (primarily single mothers) for one year to help them remain housed.

Initial responsibilities include assisting the head of household in finding affordable housing and helping complete applications and secure required documents. You will be assigned a family who resides (or wants to reside) in the same county as you.

You will help secure housing near good schools, employment, and essential services. You will also assist with housing-related needs such as turning on utilities and accessing low- or no-cost furniture, clothing, and kitchenware.

You must commit to mentoring the family for one full year, including weekly phone calls and monthly home visits. You will complete required metrics forms and stay informed about the family’s progress across multiple areas.

You will familiarize yourself with our Family Workbook, assign reading and activities as needed, and follow up to provide guidance.

Throughout the year, you will assist the family with crisis management, as crises are common after experiencing homelessness. You will provide a balance of friendship and support, along with direct advice and honest feedback.

Your goal is to ensure the family does not become homeless again. This relationship may extend beyond the required year.

You will connect the family with community resources. A guide will be provided, though familiarity with local resources is a plus.

Some families, especially very young mothers, may require additional guidance.

The time commitment varies, but the first three months are typically the most intensive.

You will have access to an emergency fund if the family faces a housing crisis. Families are not informed of this fund. You may request assistance up to a set amount when necessary.

Qualifications

You must be able to relate to the family on an equal level and understand the challenges of single mothers working full-time while raising children on a limited budget.

Preference is given to women who have worked full-time while raising children and who have achieved stability despite these challenges.

A background check is required. Volunteers with prior convictions may be accepted unless there are convictions related to child abuse. Minor infractions are not a concern.

Experience as a single mother is a plus, though we recognize that many mothers manage households independently.

This is a secular program. Mentors must refrain from providing religious counseling.

You should have strong interpersonal and organizational skills and be able to track client metrics, maintain schedules, and submit required reports.

Knowledge of local assistance programs is helpful but not required.

Expectations

• Attend a four-hour training with existing mentors
• Review and understand the Family Workbook
• Shadow an experienced mentor
• Maintain weekly phone contact and monthly visits
• Make sound financial and safety-related decisions
• Have a flexible schedule, especially during the first three months

Ready to Make a Difference?

Send your resume and a short statement of interest to:

Laura Hansen, CEO

lh@homelessfl.org

Coalition to End Homelessness

Changing lives. Restoring dignity. Ending homelessness.