Success Mentor (Part Time)

Dreamyard Project, Inc.•New York, NY

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The NYC Success Mentor Corps is a research-based, data-driven mentoring model that seeks to improve attendance, behavior, and educational outcomes for at-risk students in low-income communities citywide. Success Mentors are trained to serve as advisors, motivators, connectors, confidence-builders, and early warning systems for chronically absent students at risk of getting off track – both in school and in life. As part of the Mayor’s multi-agency campaign to improve school attendance and educational outcomes, Success Mentors are uniquely positioned to make an impact: they come into schools at a leadership level, have direct communication with key players in schools and community-based organizations, have unprecedented access to critical student data, are able to take advantage of interagency resources and expertise, and are part of a centralized, innovative infrastructure that supports their work in real time. Mentors are typically matched with 10-15 target students, who they see in school at least three times a week. Mentor responsibilities are determined by what research shows are the most effective practices for engaging at-risk students and their families. These include personally greeting students in the morning to make them feel welcomed and noticed, calling home every day a child is absent, and connecting students and families with a wide range of services to help them overcome barriers to success. PRIMARY FUNCTION: At PS 51, the Success Mentors will work with chronically absent youth to address the barriers keeping them from going to school every day and to help them reach their educational outcomes. Success Mentors will help to identify the causes of poor attendance, which may include family struggles or poor health, and work with PS 51 staff to seek solutions. Success Mentors will also work directly with groups of youth, lead activities, classroom push-ins, home visits, and organize events in connection with recess, and lead some after-school programming.

Requirements

Previous after school experience, ideally with elementary school aged youth
High School/GED required
Ability to collaborate effectively with school-based and after school staff
Excellent written and spoken communication skills
Commitment to fostering a student-centered, safe, respectful, and productive environment for all participants, families and school partners
Proficient in Microsoft products, Google Suite and ability to learn other online platforms
Remain positive and energetic while working with a high-needs population
All staff must pass NYC Dept of Education fingerprinting clearance before beginning work
All staff must be fully vaccinated to work at this site

Nice To Haves

1-2 years of experience in a school setting preferred

Responsibilities

Oversee a caseload of youths and mentees for the school year.
Meet and greet assigned mentees each morning/afternoon when arriving at school or program site.
Track attendance to conduct morning calls to absent students or to celebrate improvements.
Meet with mentees regularly, both one-on-one and in small groups, to check school progress and student needs.
Provide one-on-one tutoring support or small group instruction daily for one classroom.
Support classroom behavior/management, instruction, hall support, lunch support, and event planning during day school.
Develop and maintain an effective system of classroom management that encourages students to develop pro-social behavior and self-discipline.
Work with school and site leadership to identify appropriate interventions to support and engage the mentees.
Seek advice and identify targeted sources of youth or family supports from appropriate school staff and community-based partners under the direction of the Community School Director.
File notes of youth attendance patterns, needs, and interventions to ensure monitoring of data is strategic.
Attend weekly/bi-weekly student success meetings to share any best practices or challenges and to present a student progress summary.
Communicate regularly with the Community School Director or other designated personnel regarding needs and supplies to support mentees.
Perform other related duties and responsibilities as requested by the Community School Director.