At-Risk Mentor

Starting Rate: $25.57 /hour

Environment: Alternative Education Program, Grades 9-12

About the role

Ombudsman Educational Services is seeking an At-Risk Mentor to join our award-winning Alternative Education team. In this highly relational and impact-driven role, you will manage a focused portfolio of students identified through attendance, academic performance, and behavioral indicators. You will provide strategic case management and individualized support, building strong, growth-oriented relationships while partnering with families, educators, and support teams to drive measurable student success.

Responsibilities

• Leverage targeted strategies such as home visits, collaboration with teachers and clinical professionals, and coordination of afterschool and community-based supports to develop a comprehensive understanding of each student’s academic, social, and home environment.
• Build high-trust, accountability-centered relationships with students and key stakeholders while maintaining a self-directed, outcomes-focused approach to student growth.
• Review and analyze student-level academic, attendance, and behavioral data to assess intervention effectiveness, identify trends, and communicate measurable progress.
• Connect students to appropriate supports and interventions while consistently following up and strengthening partnerships with families, educators, and internal teams.
• Identify and re-engage students experiencing attendance challenges through proactive outreach, home visits, relationship-building efforts, and structured intervention planning to remove barriers to school participation.
• Lead case management and re-entry planning for students returning from suspension, home stay, or extended leave, ensuring a structured, supportive, and successful transition back to campus.
• Collaborate as an integral member of the Clinical Care Team to align strategies, share insights, and drive coordinated, student-centered action plans.
• Facilitate cross-functional meetings with security and advocate associates to review student circumstances, align interventions, and ensure consistent, practical implementation.
• Utilize student information systems and data tools to monitor performance, track progress toward goals, and recommend timely, evidence-based interventions.
• Support additional initiatives and responsibilities as assigned to meet evolving student, campus, and program needs.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent with passage of basic skills test.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in a closely related field of study preferred.
• Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining a paraprofessional, paraeducator, education assistant or similar credential preferred.
• Hold currently or have the ability to obtain a valid IL state driver’s license.
• Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company-approved crisis management training.
• Prior experience providing instruction, guidance, and/or support to children; preferably in an alternative, special education, and/or behavioral health program setting.
• Well-versed in alternative educational services for at-risk youth and working with students with diverse needs at various levels.
• Proficiency in providing motivation and having critical conversations with students that help move them toward realistic goals.
• Highly skilled in building relationships with students, parents, teachers, and/or community partners.
• Proven ability to effectively prioritize tasks and meet deadlines while maintaining organization and attention to detail.
• Highly skilled in providing mentoring, coaching, administrative support, and/or technical support functions.
• Advanced oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem-solving, and decision-making ability.
• Knowledgeable in the use of relevant technology including experience with computers, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry, and basic office equipment.
• Availability to work evening hours as needed.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans
• FREE Telehealth and Virtual Counseling Sessions
• FREE Health Advocacy Services and 24/7 Nurse Line
• Company Paid Life & Disability Insurance
• Company Paid Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
• Personal Protection Insurance Plans
• Cigna Healthy Pregnancies, Healthy Babies Program
• Legal Services Insurance
• Pet Health Insurance
• Accrual-based Paid Time Off
• School Hours and Paid Holiday Schedule
• Extensive Personal and Life Event Paid Leave Policy
• 401k Retirement Savings Plan
• Perks at Work Employee Discount Program
• Opportunities for Growth & Development