COMPASS MENTORING COORDINATOR JOB DESCRIPTION
REACH Background:
Refugee Education & Adventure Challenge (REACH) annually engages more than 100 refugee youth and family members from places like Afghanistan, Burma, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, and other newcomer communities. REACH’s ecopedagogical model uses experiential learning to cultivate planetary citizens: young people who understand their connection to land, community, and the wider world. All programming is adapted to the Asset‑Based Community Development (ABCD) model, centering the strengths, cultural knowledge, leadership potential, and resilience that youth and families already possess. Through Summer and Weekend Adventure Camps, Adventure‑Based ESL, Peer Mentor Leadership Development, Compass Young Adult Mentoring, Family‑Focused Nature Therapy, and social‑emotional supports, REACH creates culturally responsive learning environments where newcomer youth build confidence, belonging, ecological awareness, and long‑term pathways toward self‑sufficiency.
Position:
The Mentoring Coordinator will oversee the implementation of REACH’s Compass Mentoring Program, including group‑based mentoring sessions, individualized youth/young adult support, mentor recruitment and training, and coordination of group activities. Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Mentoring Coordinator will ensure high‑quality, culturally responsive mentoring experiences that promote social inclusion, academic confidence, vocational readiness, and long‑term self‑sufficiency for newcomer youth and young adults (ages 15-24,) with an emphasis on those who have lived in the U.S. for five years or less.
This position is part‑time, hourly, not to exceed 1040 hours annually, with an option to continue based on grant renewal. Work may include evening and weekend programming, extended hours in an outdoor setting, routine exposure to the elements, and direct engagement with youth, families, volunteer mentors, and partner institutions.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Mentee Outreach, Enrollment & Engagement
- Conduct youth enrollment interviews, home visits, and registration meetings in collaboration with Peer Mentors and staff.
- Maintain trusting relationships with resettlement agencies, schools, mutual aid networks, and community partners to support ongoing recruitment.
- Coordinate intake processes for both adolescents (12–18) and young adults (19–24), ensuring ORR eligibility documentation is complete.
- Meet quarterly with mentees and families to review schedules, progress, behavior expectations, and areas for growth.
- Provide enrollment and program information in mentee and family preferred languages whenever possible.
Mentor Recruitment, Training & Support
- Recruit, screen, and conduct preliminary interviews with adult mentors, including refugee/immigrant mentors with lived experience and American mentors with academic, vocational, or wellness expertise.
- Train mentors in REACH’s ecopedagogical, experiential learning, and ABCD asset‑based approaches.
- Facilitate quarterly mentor workshops focused on leadership, cultural humility, safety, and program expectations.
- Provide ongoing support to mentors, including coaching, conflict resolution assistance, and structured feedback loops.
- Ensure all adult mentors complete required background checks, child‑abuse clearances, and safety screenings prior to engagement with youth.
- Assist the Volunteer Coordinator with maintaining accurate mentor records, updating clearance documentation, and tracking compliance.
- Provide or co‑facilitate sufficient training for mentors, including orientation, safety protocols, trauma‑informed practices, intercultural communication, and youth development principles.
Program Implementation
- Plan and facilitate monthly group mentoring sessions integrating experiential learning, STEAM exploration, outdoor activities, leadership development, reflective circles, and social‑emotional supports.
- Coordinate individualized mentoring supports such as tutoring, wellness check‑ins, college exploration, job‑readiness coaching, and application assistance.
- Adapt all mentoring activities to the ABCD model, centering youth strengths, cultural assets, leadership potential, and ecological awareness.
- Support mentees in translating REACH experiences into personal statements, resumes, portfolios, and academic or vocational narratives.
- Collaborate with partners across science, arts, sports, environmental justice, and sustainable living fields to expand mentee access to internships, volunteer opportunities, and job placements.
- Build and maintain a Compass Mentoring Program library of activity sheets, lesson plans, skills assessment forms, and advancement literature in coordination with the Executive Director and Data Assistant.
- Drive rented vehicles, as needed, to transport Mentees to /from homes and REACH session locations.
Vocational & Academic Supports
- Guide mentees through career exploration, job search processes, resume development, interview preparation, and workforce navigation.
- Assist mentees with high school, college, scholarship, and financial aid applications.
- Support mentees in securing summer jobs, internships, and early employment opportunities; assist with work permits as needed.
- Facilitate alumni panels, career workshops, and skill‑building sessions that strengthen vocational readiness and long‑term self‑sufficiency.
Youth Leadership & Peer Mentor Collaboration
- Work closely with the Peer Mentor Leadership Coach to integrate Peer Mentors into mentoring sessions prospective participants.
- Provide coaching to Peer Mentors on leadership, facilitation, stewardship, and youth‑centered communication, as needed.
- Support Peer Mentors in planning service‑learning projects, stewardship activities, and wilderness learning expeditions.
Participant Advocacy
- Provide individualized mentoring to youth and young adults as requested by families or the Executive Director.
- Refer youth to appropriate service providers and follow up to ensure quality support.
- Encourage informed decision‑making, self‑determination, and healthy integration while supporting youth in achieving stability and long‑term goals.
- Maintain culturally responsive, trauma‑informed practices throughout all interactions.
Data, Documentation & Quality Assurance
- Maintain participant files, attendance records, mentoring logs, case notes, and progress reports.
- Track outcomes related to social inclusion, academic confidence, vocational readiness, leadership development, and ecological awareness.
- Coordinate with the Operations Coordinator to ensure accurate reporting for ORR performance standards.
- Maintain all Mentee and Adult Mentor evaluation surveys, skills progress reports, and advancement records in coordination with the Executive Director and Operations Coordinator.
- Assist with monthly data reports, narrative updates, and other required documentation.
Risk Assessment / Child Safety
- Ensure safe, supportive environments during all mentoring sessions, including outdoor activities.
- Assess youth ability levels and adapt activities accordingly.
- Monitor weather conditions and adjust plans to ensure group safety.
- Maintain equipment and ensure it is clean, safe, and functioning.
- Review and apply REACH’s Risk Assessment protocols during all program activities.
- Maintain current CPR or Wilderness First Aid certification (or obtain within first 6 months).
Needed Qualifications:
- 20 hours per week availability, including at least two weekend days per month for mentoring sessions and periodic evening programming.
- Strong intercultural competence and the ability to work sensitively and effectively with individuals from diverse cultural, linguistic, educational, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Experience working with refugee, immigrant, or newcomer youth or with youth facing significant barriers to social inclusion, academic success, or early employment.
- Demonstrated skill in experiential learning, youth development, or outdoor education, or a willingness to learn REACH’s ecopedagogical and ABCD asset‑based approaches.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to communicate across cultures and support youth in reflective, strengths‑based goal‑setting.
- Strong organizational and time‑management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, maintain accurate records, and coordinate logistics for monthly mentoring sessions.
- Ability to recruit, train, and support adult mentors, including ensuring completion of background checks, child‑abuse clearances, and compliance documentation.
- Ability to collaborate with a small, interdependent team to maintain mentor records, track training completion, and ensure mentors receive sufficient orientation and ongoing support.
- Independent, critical thinker with strong problem‑solving ability, patience, adaptability, and comfort navigating constantly changing situations.
- Proficiency in MS Office, SalesForce and general technology skills, including email communication, spreadsheets, and basic data entry.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required; background in youth development, education, social work, outdoor recreation, or immigrant services preferred.
- Fluency in second language preferred, but not required.
- Must be at least 23 years old.
- Must be able to work evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays.
Certifications/Clearances Required:
- Criminal background checks and child abuse clearances
- Willing to obtain certification in Wilderness First Aid
- Valid Illinois Driver’s License
Application Procedures:
Submit a brief cover letter and resume to [email protected] with the subject heading “Application for REACH Mentoring Coordinator Position.”
Refugee Education & Adventure Challenge (REACH provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
At REACH, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core our mission. We are committed to fostering a culture of diversity, inclusion and equity for refugee youth and their families in the U.S. We believe that every person deserves respect, dignity and opportunity regardless of their background, identity or circumstances. We strive to create a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment where refugee youth and their families can thrive, learn and contribute to their new communities. We collaborate with partners across sectors to advocate for the rights and needs of refugee youth and their families and to promote access and inclusion for all
Pay: Up to $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL 60659
