Looking for EcSA volunteers in Island County! 

Description:

(Bilingual Mentors Needed, but not required for this volunteer position)

Position Summary:  

The Opportunity Council’s Early Learning and Family Services (ELAFS) department is recruiting mentors in Whatcom and Island counties for Economic Security for All (EcSA) – a yearlong program designed to help families and individuals gain financial literacy and improve their employment opportunities. EcSA provides financial education, coaching and monetary incentives for the families and individuals in the program. Participants with children will also receive age-appropriate curriculum to help the entire family gain financial knowledge and skills. Both parents and children will actively participate. As a mentor, you will help to coach families through an individualized plan that includes group learning and one-on-one opportunities. Our participants will also have access to the service of the Northwest Workforce Council to help them explore job training opportunities and the participants can work with NWC to research employment options. 

You can make a difference in the lives of our enrollees. Mentoring will consist of providing one-on-one financial coaching using our financial toolkit and collaborating with the enrollee(s) to develop goals in a Family Resiliency Plan.  

Responsibilities:  

Mentors will be trained to work closely with a participant to develop goals to improve financial health while providing needed social and emotional support. We prefer mentors who can commit to assisting an EcSA participant for the entire year of the program. Mentors will meet one-on-one, through Zoom, phone calls or text, with a selected family an average of 10 hours of mentorship, creating financial goals, and virtual Knowledge Night attendance.  

Training: 

Training is provided, and no previous experience is required to volunteer as a mentor. Prior to being matched with a family, all mentors will receive quality training in poverty culture, goal setting, financial coaching, and the financial tool-kit with continued support and opportunity for personal and professional development from staff and coordinators. Our mentors will attend virtual financial training in January 2025 for 6 weeks, then begin working with program participants through January 2026.

Requirements:  

Applicants must be dedicated, supportive, patient, and flexible individuals who are willing to be an advocate for a family regardless of difference in lifestyle, beliefs, culture, or background. As a mentor, it is important to have good listening skills, initiative, and the ability to maintain confidentiality. Applicants should also demonstrate an interest in supporting low-income families through one-on-one coaching.  

To Apply: 

PLEASE CONTACT US WITH ANY QUESTIONS: 360-679-6577, x2137

Apply online at https://www.oppco.org/howtohelp/volunteer/, please specify “EcSA/Project X-It Mentor” in the “Special Skills” field of the application. 

Please contact our EcSA/PX Specialist at kevi_veldman@oppco.org or call at (360) 305-5999 with any questions.