HIGHER SITES MENTOR COACH

SGA YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES NFP•Chicago, IL

About The Position

Case Management & Participant Support • Provide ongoing support and case management to a mixed caseload of approximately 50– 60 Higher Sights participants, including both college and high school students. • Conduct a minimum of two monthly contacts per participant, including school visits, campus visits, video calls, and in-person meetings to monitor academic progress and well-being. • Maintain active engagement with students to monitor high school grades, attendance, credits, graduation readiness, college schedules, GPAs, and degree progress. College Persistence & Postsecondary Readiness • Assist college participants with: o Enrollment, registration, and add/drop processes o Navigation of campus systems and support services o Financial aid renewal, FAFSA verification, scholarship applications o Troubleshooting barriers related to academics, finances, housing, and wellness • Assist high school participants with: o College exploration, postsecondary planning, and career pathway alignment o FAFSA completion, scholarship search, and application support o Readiness workshops on study skills, time management, and transition to college Recruitment & Outreach • Identify and recruit eligible high school and college participants into the program. • Build strong relationships with high schools, colleges, and community partners to maintain a robust referral pipeline. Workshops, Resources & Opportunities • Research, design, and facilitate workshops for both HS and college students, including: o College readiness o Mental health and wellness o Career exploration and job readiness o Financial literacy • Identify and share opportunities for jobs, internships, externships, enrichment programs, and leadership development. Family & Community Engagement • Connect participants and families to community resources, including academic supports, basic needs services, and wellness providers. Documentation & Data Management • Maintain accurate case notes, progress reports, and participant data in the agency’s system (Efforts to Outcomes). • Complete and store all required intake forms, consent documents, and eligibility paperwork. • Produce and maintain: o A quarterly newsletter for college students o Periodic resource updates for high school participants Additional Responsibilities Participate in professional development to maintain knowledge of high school and college timelines, retention best practices, and youth development strategies. Perform additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor's in related field.
Previous experience in college student services, youth development, or academic advising preferred.
Minimum three years of experience mentoring, coaching, or case managing students.
1–3 years of recruiting or student outreach experience.
Strong knowledge of both college persistence milestones and high school graduation/college readiness timelines.
Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate with diverse students and families.
Understanding of the communities served and sensitivity to cultural, emotional, and socioeconomic factors.
Thorough knowledge of community and educational resources.
Access to a reliable vehicle, a valid driver’s license, and current auto insurance
Proficient in Microsoft Office and data entry systems; experience with Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) preferred.
Ability to administer and utilize screening tools.
Strong organizational skills, time management, and flexibility in balancing a diverse caseload.
Must be able to remain stationary 50% of the time.
Must be able to frequently move inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
Must be able to transport oneself to and from work sites.
Occasionally ascends/descends stairs.
Constantly moves to assist during program activities.
At times may be required to lift up to 25 lbs. for various classrooms and events needs.
Frequently moves in outdoor weather conditions.

Responsibilities

Provide ongoing support and case management to a mixed caseload of approximately 50–60 Higher Sights participants, including both college and high school students.
Conduct a minimum of two monthly contacts per participant, including school visits, campus visits, video calls, and in-person meetings to monitor academic progress and well-being.
Maintain active engagement with students to monitor high school grades, attendance, credits, graduation readiness, college schedules, GPAs, and degree progress.
Assist college participants with enrollment, registration, and add/drop processes, navigation of campus systems and support services, financial aid renewal, FAFSA verification, scholarship applications, and troubleshooting barriers related to academics, finances, housing, and wellness
Assist high school participants with college exploration, postsecondary planning, and career pathway alignment, FAFSA completion, scholarship search, and application support, and readiness workshops on study skills, time management, and transition to college
Identify and recruit eligible high school and college participants into the program.
Build strong relationships with high schools, colleges, and community partners to maintain a robust referral pipeline.
Research, design, and facilitate workshops for both HS and college students, including college readiness, mental health and wellness, career exploration and job readiness, and financial literacy
Identify and share opportunities for jobs, internships, externships, enrichment programs, and leadership development.
Connect participants and families to community resources, including academic supports, basic needs services, and wellness providers.
Maintain accurate case notes, progress reports, and participant data in the agency’s system (Efforts to Outcomes).
Complete and store all required intake forms, consent documents, and eligibility paperwork.
Produce and maintain a quarterly newsletter for college students and periodic resource updates for high school participants
Participate in professional development to maintain knowledge of high school and college timelines, retention best practices, and youth development strategies.
Perform additional duties as assigned.