Community School Success Mentor

About Us

Founded as an orphanage in 1831, Rising Ground has been at the forefront of evolving community needs. Driven by the belief that each of us can thrive when life has hope and opportunity, Rising Ground provides caring support and proven paths to positive change, helping children, adults, and families rise above adversity, and each year, Rising Ground is a positive force in the lives of more than 72,000 individuals annually. We do this through 101 programs across 138 sites, throughout New York City and Westchester. Our strong belief and commitment to diversity is shown not just through our work with supported persons but is integral to the building of a strong staff that reflects the communities we serve. Rising Ground is headquartered in New York City.

Role Overview

• Mentor a caseload of students experiencing or at risk of chronic absenteeism, building positive, trusting relationships as a coach and supportive sounding board.
• Meet regularly with students to address attendance barriers, set goals, identify strengths, develop problem-solving strategies, and support social-emotional growth, leadership, and school engagement.
• Prepare age-appropriate activities, materials, and resources tailored to students’ needs and interests.
• Connect students with school and community resources when additional support is needed.
• Collaborate with the Attendance Coordinator to identify and engage students, assess attendance barriers, and communicate concerns to the Community School team.
• Complete daily attendance outreach calls and follow up with students and families.
• Support the VIP Lounge, attendance incentives, recognition activities, student engagement events, and school-wide initiatives.
• Maintain and update attendance tracking tools and boards as assigned.
• Communicate with students, families, school staff, and program colleagues; promptly document interactions, outreach, concerns, and follow-up, provide student updates, and participate in case discussions.
• Maintain confidentiality and follow policies for student information and records, professional boundaries, and child safety.
• Participate in biweekly individual supervision, team meetings, group check-ins, and training on mentoring, attendance engagement, youth development, leadership, and social-emotional learning.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Demonstrated commitment to young people’s academic, personal, and social goals.
• Strong interpersonal, relationship-building, and verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with diverse students and promote an inclusive, welcoming, respectful environment.
• Excellent organization and ability to manage a student caseload, multiple responsibilities, accurate records, and timely follow-through.
• Ability to collaborate with students, families, school personnel, and program staff.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and comply with applicable child safety requirements.

• At least one year of experience working with youth.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English.

• No supervisory responsibilities.

• School-based setting at JHS 123 in Bronx, NY.

• Authorization to work in the U.S.
• Ability to work in person in New York City at least three days per week.
• Ability to travel to other Rising Ground sites, if required.
• Ability to travel within the community and conduct visits.