Characteristics of a MercyWorks Applicant
- Positive role model for children in all areas, including moral & spiritual growth
- Desire to grow spiritually
- Ability to make friends and live in community with other volunteers
- A calling to serve children in need
- College educated
- At least 21 years of age
- Willing to dedicate a year of volunteer service
- Reliable and flexible
- Appreciation of diversity
- Sense of humor
- Leadership qualities
Applying to MercyWorks
MercyWorks accepts applications on a rolling basis, beginning in the fall, with priority given to applications received by March 15th. It is to the applicant’s advantage to apply early. If applying after March 15th, please email mercyworks [at] mercyhome [dot] org to find out about available positions.
Once your application is received, the Program Director will contact you for a phone interview. If, after the phone interview, you are found to be a viable candidate for the MercyWorks program, you may be invited to visit Mercy Home for an in person interview.
If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us at (312) 738-7556 or lizkuh [at] mercyhome [dot] org (email).
Please Note: MercyWorks does not discriminate on basis of race, religion, gender identity or expression, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or personal information for any other illegal purpose.
Application
The application form (pdf document) is available for download.
When finished with the application form, save the file and email it to mercyworks [at] mercyhome [dot] org
If you choose to print the application and send it via mail, please send to:
Katie Keller Smith
MercyWorks Volunteer Program
Mercy Home for Boys & Girls
1140 W Jackson Blvd
Chicago, IL 60607
Additional documents to complete your application:
- Resume (see instructions below) (email as attachment to mercyworks [at] mercyhome [dot] org)
- Essays (see instructions below) (email as attachment to mercyworks [at] mercyhome [dot] org)
- Photo (optional) (email as attachment to mercyworks [at] mercyhome [dot] org)
- Official Transcript (mail from college or university)
- 2 employer/supervisor references available for download
- 1 mission reference available for download
- 1 peer reference available for download
Resume Instructions:
Please submit a resume of no more than two pages; the resume should include:
Contact Information
Education
Professional Credentials
Work Experience
Volunteer Experience
Related Skills and Experience
Essay Instructions:
We wish to hear about your life experience. Your candid answers to the following questions, written in three essays, will help both you and Mercy Home for Boys & Girls to examine your readiness to make the commitment to the values of the MercyWorks Volunteer Program and to carry out its mission to transform young lives of suffering into lives of hope and promise.
Please explain your answers in terms of specific experiences in your life. Please answer all questions.
The three essays—(A) Motivation, (B) Exploring MercyWorks Values, and (C) Interpersonal Relationships—should each begin on a new page which includes your full name at the top. You are welcome to include additional information that you feel is pertinent.
Essay A: Motivation (write approximately two pages)
Describe specific experiences and relationships in your life which have led you to apply to be a MercyWorks volunteer.
What personality characteristics do you possess that you feel would contribute to your success as a MercyWorks volunteer? Why?
What kinds of activities do you enjoy engaging in with children and youth?
What are your future career goals?
Essay B: MercyWorks Values (write approximately two pages)
The MercyWorks mission statement is, “The MercyWorks program offers a diverse group of highly motivated women and men—who are inspired by the gospel call to faith and justice and who possess a desire to make a difference in the lives of hurting children—a unique opportunity to acquire professional experience while growing spiritually, personally and professionally.” How do your personal values and beliefs relate to the mission of MercyWorks?
What experiences have you had working with children in any capacity? What did you learn from these experiences? What did you learn about yourself?
What does a simple lifestyle mean to you? What changes in your lifestyle will you need to make to live more simply?
Describe two specific communal living situations. What role did you play and what skills did you develop in them?
Essay C: Interpersonal Relationships (write approximately three pages)
How would you describe a good mentoring or parenting style?
Give a recent example of how you dealt with conflict between yourself and a friend/peer. What was the result?
Describe a time when you were wrong. What did you say or do as a result?
Describe an experience you have had working or living with someone different from yourself with respect to ethnicity, social class, age, or sexual orientation. How did you change through this experience?
What are your expectations, needs, and apprehensions about living in the MercyWorks volunteer community?
