It starts with a Little.

Since 1967, Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Fredericksburg has been changing children's lives by matching them with a one-to-one mentor to guide them on a path to success.

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POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

MATCH ADVOCATE

Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Fredericksburg (BBBS) is seeking an experienced part-time (25 hours week/afternoons) Match Advocate-Schools/Community.

BBBS has a mission to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.  Research confirms that reliable one-to-one adult mentors help children build resilience needed to navigate the challenges in their lives and reach their potential.

A successful candidate will:

  • Assist in recruiting volunteers and handle all aspects of enrollment and making matches

  • Provide match support (regularly scheduled case management contact) for volunteer mentors, parents/guardians and children to ensure child safety, to develop and maintain constructive relationships.

  • Utilize online database to accurately record all child and volunteer match details.

  • Work with School Staff to coordinate Bigs In Schools programs.

  • Collaborate with other staff members to achieve our mission.

  • Assist in planning and facilitating match group activities.

 We are searching for individuals with:

  • Bachelor's Degree and 1-3 years of experience in Human/Social Services, Education or related field

  • A proven track record in supporting children and families in a case management role

  • Experience in interviewing and assessment of children and adults

  • Experience in checking references and conducting background checks

  • Experience in making presentations and providing training

  • Demonstrated professional customer service, relationship development, and problem solving skills

  • Ability to relate to parents, volunteers, staff and children from various backgrounds

  • Knowledge of child development and family dynamics

  • Knowledge of social service resources available in the region

  • Demonstrated knowledge of schools and education system

  • Ability to present information concisely and efficiently

  • Excellent oral and written communications skills

  • Ability to work occasional nights and weekends

  • Valid US driver's license, legally insured vehicle and ability and willingness to travel locally

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office – Word, Outlook, Excel, Power Point

Our service area includes the City of Fredericksburg, and the Counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George and Caroline.  If you have the knowledge and experience listed and would like to join us in enhancing the impact of our evidence-based mentoring program for youth, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your cover letter and resume via e-mail to Michelle Hedrich, Executive Director, [email protected] or by mail 325A Wallace St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 or Fax 540-371-7445. Deadline is May 12, 2019.  Salary is $15 per hour.  NO CALLS.  Big Brothers Big Sisters is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

 

How does Big Brothers Big Sisters help Kasaius?

Matching Relationship Management Activities Screening and Training

Matching

When Big Brothers Big Sisters works to match a Little with a Big, we take into account the needs, personality, interests, and goals of both the child and the adult volunteer. We introduce the Little and his or her family to the Big slowly and make sure everyone is fully committed to the match before it is made official. Little Brother Kasaius is outgoing and up for anything, so he needed a Big who was creative and had a variety of interests.

Relationship Management

Children like Kasaius get the most out of their one-to-one relationship with their Big when the Big, the parent or guardian, and the child talk openly with their Match Support Specialist. Working as part of the team helping the child succeed, the Match Support Specialist can help identify problems, brainstorm solutions, and connect the family with essential services.

Activities

When Kasaius’ Big Brother saw the email from BBBS saying that there were spots open in a free acting class, he jumped at the chance to take Kasaius. BBBS affiliates across the country provide activities for Bigs and Littles and also alert Bigs to opportunities in the community. This enables Bigs to get to know other Bigs, who might be experiencing similar things and who might have great suggestions for more new activities.

Screening and Training

Child safety is Big Brothers Big Sisters’ highest priority. To achieve the highest standards possible, we work constantly to review and strengthen our background check systems as new best practices in the industry emerge. We also make sure our Bigs and our staff have the training and resources they need to help Littles on their path to success.