Mentor Coordinator

Volunteers of America Los Angeles•South Gate, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

VOALA is a non-profit human services organization committed to serving people in need, strengthening families, and building communities. VOALA provides a variety of social services to Los Angeles area communities such as Head Start programs, Upward Bound college prep programs, veterans’ services, homeless shelters, low-income housing program as well as drug and alcohol rehabilitation. The Mentor Coordinator role supports the delivery of mentoring services to youth who are currently abusing or addicted to drugs (including opioids and methamphetamine), youth at risk for abusing drugs, and youth with family members who are currently abusing or addicted to drugs. The program goal is to improve outcomes (such as improved academic performance and reduced school dropout rates) for youth impacted by opioids and drug addiction through mentoring. The program will provide potential mentors with an initial Overview of program guidelines, benefits, responsibilities and expectations, and acceptable behavior boundaries. Individuals who agree to become mentors after participating in the orientation must complete 15 hours of core pre-match training focused on effective mentoring of youth who have been impacted by the opioid crisis.

Requirements

Must be able to pass a fingerprint clearance, background check, including criminal history, personal references, employment and education verifications
Ability to perform under circumstances of possible emotional stress and conflicts dealing with difficult, uncooperative, and potentially aggressive clients as VOALA serves the neediest of the needy in our programs which may include clients with homelessness, mental-illness, substance abuse, recently released from incarceration and other challenges.
Bachelor’s Degree in social work, psychology or counseling from fully-accredited college or university Or Four years of relevant mentoring or counselling experience.
3 years of experience working with homeless youth population, including substance abuse prevention (in addition to the education requirement, that is, a candidate without a degree must have four years of experience providing counselling/mentoring plus three years working with the target clients).

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree in social work, psychology or counseling from fully-accredited college or university
Bilingual preferred (Spanish)

Responsibilities

Actively recruit and train mentor volunteers in a program that assists human trafficking survivors in their reintegration into society
Develop and implement introductory mentor training, and scheduled ongoing training
Participate in outreach events to recruit volunteers and outside support for program participants
Screen volunteers in coordination with Case Managers to ensure mentor qualification and commitment
Provide oversight and support to mentors and staff in the areas of life skill development, victim support, job skills development, mental health advocacy and substance abuse support
Match Mentors with clients, with matches made to ensure compatibility of personality, interests, and culture (values, preferences, and beliefs).
Monitor and facilitate engagement activities
Assist Program Manager in daily operations of the program including providing insight, support, and problem solving to challenges that mentor volunteers may encounter working with participants
Coordinate with Case Managers and Peer Support specialist the use of Evidence Based Practices, including trauma informed care, Positive Youth Development, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Seeking Safety and Harm Reduction.
Review and monitor participants’ assessments and Individual Service Plan, tracking achievement of goals
Ensuring appropriate evaluation and reporting of program activities
Participate and assist with community awareness events, including providing survivor awareness and identification training to law enforcement, FBOs and CBOs
Recruiting and screening Volunteers
Develop initial training and ongoing Mentor training
Supervise Volunteer Mentors, provide oversight and support
Coordinate with Case Management staff, supporting best practices, ensuring appropriate records of services provided, goals achieved.
Advise Program Manager on needs and accomplishments of Volunteer Mentors as they support participants
Support Case Management Staff in providing Intensive Case Management Services
Participate in community outreach events
Other duties as required to support the mission and goals of the program.