Mentoring Program Facilitator, Ames School District (56003)

YSS•Ames, IA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

At YSS, we believe one caring adult can change a young person's life. As a Mentoring Program Facilitator, you'll help make those life-changing connections happen. You'll recruit and support dedicated volunteer mentors, partner with schools and YSS programs to identify youth who can benefit from mentoring, and thoughtfully match mentors and mentees based on personalities, interests, and goals. Through relationship-building, coordination, training, and ongoing support, you'll help create meaningful mentoring experiences that inspire confidence, connection, and brighter futures. This is a full-time school-based position working August-May with summers off. Primary schools will be the Ames Elementary and Middle Schools.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in something relevant (education, public health, prevention, or anything youth-related).
At least 2 years of experience doing similar awesome work.
You’re cool with hitting the road and traveling to schools within 25 miles of any YSS location.

Nice To Haves

Experience in public health, prevention work, youth development, or volunteer wrangling.
You've worked with school-aged kids before—and loved it!
You've worked with high-risk youth.
Communication skills that command attention - whether you’re speaking, listening, writing, or presenting.
You’re the person who can start a conversation with anyone, anywhere—and keep it engaging.
A natural collaborator who can: Solve problems with style, Think on your feet, Manage time like a pro, Juggle projects and people without dropping a thing.
The IDEAL Candidate Is rooted in purpose and driven by equity, inclusion, and positive social impact.
Brings humility, respect, and cultural awareness to every interaction.
Speaks a second language (especially one spoken in our communities).
Have you navigated recovery from addiction, mental health challenges, trauma, or housing instability? Your lived experience offers a unique, compassionate perspective that can inspire real change. By sharing your story and serving as a role model or mentor, you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of youth and families.

Responsibilities

Build Meaningful Mentoring Relationships: Recruit, screen, train, and onboard volunteer mentors following program standards and best practices.
Thoughtfully match mentors and mentees based on personalities, interests, needs, and availability.
Provide ongoing coaching, training, encouragement, and recognition to help mentors build successful, lasting relationships with youth.
Partner with Youth, Families & Schools: Collaborate with YSS staff, school personnel, parents, and guardians to identify youth, obtain participation approvals, and support successful mentoring relationships.
Establish clear expectations and coordinate mentoring schedules, activities, and meeting locations.
Coordinate Programs & Events: Plan and organize group activities, seasonal events, and special gatherings for mentors and mentees.
Promote the Mentoring Program through community outreach and volunteer recruitment.
Ensure Program Success: Monitor mentoring relationships and complete evaluations to support positive outcomes and continuous program improvement.
Maintain accurate participant records, documentation, grant data, and program statistics.
Collaborate & Grow: Partner with the Mentoring Manager and fellow Facilitators to strengthen and grow the program.
Participate in required meetings and professional development, including a minimum of six hours of annual training related to mentoring, prevention, or volunteer management.
Follow YSS policies and procedures.