Mentor ULS

NEW LIFE CENTERS OF CHICAGOLAND NFP•Chicago, IL

14h•Onsite

About The Position

The ULS Mentor position is full‑time, 40 hours per week (non‑exempt, benefits available). ULS Mentors work to build trust with community members and individuals at the highest risk of involvement in violence. They help prevent shootings and retaliatory incidents while providing linkages and robust accompaniment to prosocial opportunities including activities, employment, education, case management, and social services. As part of a collaborative team, the ULS Mentor services referrals from the State’s Attorney and pre‑trial services and actively engages participants to prevent violations of pre‑trial conditions and reduce the likelihood of rearrest. Responsibilities include modeling prosocial behaviors, supporting consistent engagement in positive activities, and accompanying participants through the case management process. The ULS Mentor is also responsible for ensuring that participants consistently participate in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The role includes attending court on a designated day each week to provide participant status updates. Some weekends and on‑call crisis response will be required. A flexible schedule is essential; evening programming is required five days a week (4 hours per evening). Focus neighborhoods include Little Village and Pilsen. Local travel may be required and is reimbursable. This is an in‑person position.

Requirements

Must become a Certified Mandated Reporter. Training provided.
Must pass a background check, must not have any pending cases.
Must pass a Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System background check.
Must pass a National Sex Offender Registry background check.
Must have a working phone and phone number.
One year experience working in the human services field in a capacity that involves direct services to at-risk youth.
Cross-cultural competency.
Firsthand knowledge of the specific the Little Village, Pilsen, and/or the Brighton Park community area and knowledge of current street conflicts.
Emotional maturity; good judgment; integrity; tolerance of differing points of view and beliefs.
Willingness to learn and commit to the principles of nonviolence, restorative justice and trauma-informed practices.
Ability to work one-on-one and in groups with high-risk individuals to resolve conflicts and promote prosocial behaviors
Willingness to work on the street and in other unstructured situations
Ability to communicate effectively both written and verbally.
Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.
Must be willing to be trained and proficiently utilize database(s) and information tracking systems relevant to duties.
Must keep confidentiality of participant information.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
Valid Illinois driver’s license, insurance, good driving record, access to a vehicle. Subject to driving background check.

Nice To Haves

Experience or training in crisis intervention preferred.
Bilingual English/Spanish preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Works with outreach colleagues and supervisor to identify potential participants who are the highest risk individuals, and the people who know them.
Maintains a caseload of up to 10 high-risk participants, referred by the SAO and Pre-Trial Services.
Develops and maintains supportive and effective relationships with participant caseload.
Works to intervene in circumstances in which violence is likely.
Works as a member of a team, communicating all relevant information to team members and supervisors instantly.
Develops and delivers one-to-one support sessions and facilitates circles with participants to support participants in resolving conflicts and adopting prosocial behaviors.
Connects participants with case-managers to provide linkages and support for individuals to enhance their use of opportunities and programs in the community (job programs, GED, drug treatment, mentoring, etc.). May provide linkages as well.
Provides client accompaniment to court, social services, etc.
Outreach to the community (individually and as a team member) to build strong relationships with youth, residents, businesses, and community groups.
Works closely with referring partners and any other stakeholders to ensure that goals are met.
Maintains positive relationships with stakeholders.
Provides support and advocacy to participants and their families through home visits, phone calls, criminal justice advocacy, and referrals to other support organizations.
Ensures that participants consistently attend and engage in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) sessions as part of their individualized support plan.
Attends court once per week to provide participant status updates and collaborate with court partners.
Participates in family engagement hours and activities to strengthen support networks and promote long‑term success for participants.
Provides one‑on‑one mentoring to build trusting, supportive relationships with participants and guide them in adopting prosocial behaviors.
Leads group mentoring and structured programming with participants five days a week for four hours each day, promoting positive peer interactions and skill‑building.
Develops relationships with partner organizations and builds “warm referral” network for linkages.
Documents participant contacts and services provided and assists data team with data collection and required reporting.
Works with team to identify and address safety concerns and create a plan for long term safety and well-being.
Documents detailed participant case-notes and other items as assigned.
Maintains accuracy of budget and assures spending within budget.
Participates in required evaluations.
Demonstrates New Life Centers’ values.
Attends required meetings and trainings.
Other duties as assigned by the Supervisor.