High School Mentor

Summer Search•Philadelphia, PA

6d•$55,350 - $60,761•Hybrid

About The Position

At Summer Search, we believe in 'No Ceilings' and envision a world in which young people, regardless of circumstances, can chart their own destiny. In the United States, students from underserved communities – disproportionately BIPOC and first-generation – face systemic inequities in school, in the workforce, and in life. Nevertheless, these young people possess unique strengths, resilience, and limitless potential. Since 1990, Summer Search has partnered with young people during their transition from adolescence into adulthood by connecting them to expansive opportunities, professional mentoring, and a community of support. Summer Searchers recognize their potential and build a toolkit to navigate and challenge systemic barriers, break new ground for their families and communities, and achieve economic equity and a life of purpose. THE OPPORTUNITY Summer Search Philadelphia seeks a High School Mentor to manage a caseload of approximately 36-40 high school students, building long-term relationships and providing regular mentoring through a combination of groups and individual conversations from sophomore year through senior year of high school. Joining a supportive program team that currently serves over approximately 150 high school students, this hire will have the opportunity to practice Summer Search’s unique approach to mentoring, prepare students for two challenging summer experiences, support post-secondary readiness and matriculation, and join a team that is committed to learning, social and racial equity, and the students we serve. High School Mentors partner with students to provide individualized support of the many facets of students’ lives, which includes conversations about school, family, friends, race, class, gender, sexuality, summer programs, and more. Specifically, the High School Mentor will advance Summer Search’s mission through the following job responsibilities:

Requirements

At least 2 years of professional experience working with student populations served by Summer Search (e.g. low-income families, students of color, LGBTQA+, English Language Learners, and diverse religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.)
You understand and create an environment where all people feel safe enough to explore, discuss, question, and reflect on past, current or future experiences in one-on-one or large group discussions.
You hold yourself and others responsible for processes, decisions, actions, and commitments to results to drive high quality outcomes. You're responsive to the needs of stakeholders and follow through on commitments.
You value many voices, are comfortable creating space for dialogue and handle interpersonal issues constructively. You inspire and foster commitment, connection, enthusiasm, and trust and motivate others to achieve common goals.
You understand the root causes of societal discrimination and injustices and are self-reflective about your own privilege and positional power. You apply critical thinking and act toward liberatory and inclusive practices.
Proficiency in meticulous data tracking and management; experience using Salesforce or a similar database is a plus.

Nice To Haves

Experience and skill in facilitating groups of adolescents or similar groups is preferred.
Ties, connections, contacts, and understanding of the City of Philadelphia and the school district, including charter schools, and its young people is a plus.
Spanish l anguage is a plus.

Responsibilities

Provide individual 1:1 mentoring to high school students
Mentor a caseload of approximately 36-40 high school students, building relationships and conducting regular mentoring at school, in our office, by phone, or through virtual platforms (ie Zoom).
Utilize a unique mentoring methodology based upon adolescent social-emotional development, cultural relevance, and critical consciousness.
Enable conversations that allow students to reflect upon the impact of identities and social/cultural context on their lives.
Hold students accountable to year-round program participation, as well as demonstrating a personal commitment to students that results in a high level of engagement throughout their Summer Search experience.
Monitor and promote students’ academic and extracurricular participation and performance, as well as post-secondary readiness requirements.
Communicate with students’ families, especially regarding details about summer experiences and career opportunities.
Facilitate bi-weekly group mentoring sessions -- either virtually or at designated high school(s)
Before each session, prepare by reviewing group mentoring curriculum, gathering materials and sending student reminders.
Create a safe community where students can be honest with each other by, ensuring each student has the space to be heard and challenged respectfully and setting-up physical space that is conducive to achieving the objectives of each session.
Recognize a student safety situation and how to respond and care for both the individual student and the group.
Observe and respond to group needs and adapt facilitation style accordingly.
Coordinate school outreach activities, including in-school presentations, “Back to School” functions, student and family events, and school communication, within a designated set of high schools.
Partner with the Outreach team to: coordinate resource needs for groups at your partner high school(s), including scheduling time to promote Summer Search services during the school day, securing physical space for 1:1 and group sessions and confirming session schedules and technology needs.
In partnership with Outreach team, establish and nurture relationships with staff partners at your partner high school(s).
Know the resources and people available at your partner high school(s) and how these resources intersect with Summer Search, so you can connect your students with them as needed.
Respond promptly and thoughtfully to requests from school partners, expressing gratitude at all times.
Enter and track program data accurately and daily in Salesforce database to assess student progress and drive organizational learning, to ensure high levels of program quality and professional development.
Actively participate in and/or coordinate projects that support school and student outreach, summer programs logistics, post-secondary preparation and success, and/or alumni engagement.

Benefits

Medical insurance with up to 90% employer contribution
Dental, vision, FSA, life and disability insurance plans
401 (K) and Employer Match up to $2,000 annually
Generous time off including 15 vacation days, 10 sick days, and 18 holidays (2 floating holidays of your choice, a birthday day-off, 10 company-wide holidays, and a 1-week December closure). Plus, Re-Fresh Friday’s - a paid day off the first Friday of every month!
A comprehensive Employee Recognition Program (years of service awards, spot awards, and professional development funding).
A four-week paid sabbatical after five years of continuous employment.
Individual, local, regional and national training
A commitment to developing leaders from within the organization.
An organizational culture that supports staff well-being and holistic self-care/community care
Ample opportunities to connect with the students and communities we serve.