Youth MentorAt — Higher Ground Youth & Family Services

Higher Ground Internship/service learning/field study placement

Afterschool program for underserved youth

Field study students are strong, positive mentors to elementary and junior high school children.  They foster a commitment to the youth, as leaders/mentors, that promote good educational habits, strong interpersonal skills and a sense of empowerment through activities.  They help our students gain confidence and open up their world to new purpose and possibilities for their lives.

Field study students are asked to share their own experiences with our youth, grades two through twelve. These interns will assist our youth with activities such as homework help, performing arts, fine arts, digital video media, cooking, and all sports.  We try to uphold a 4:1 ratio of children to mentor so the interaction is close and meaningful.  Our goal is to motivate students to find their own personal and positive path in life. 

Leader/mentors are the heart of our program.  They ensure that our children feel welcome and safe through their daily interactions with each child under their care.  They have a special opportunity to transform the life of a child while engaging them in a variety of fun, extracurricular activities. Our leaders may also gain valuable experience developing professional skills and program planning experience.

 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Facilitate games, sports, art, crafts, and activities with children
• Supervise while playing with children on the playground equipment, in the cafeteria, & during activities
• Hand out lunches and snacks
• Facilitate clean up of eating areas with children
• Teach children to use computers and computer games
• Teach/reinforce basic health and personal hygiene
• Read aloud to children, encourage them to read by themselves
• Organize areas before programs
• Teach/model proper clean up techniques
• Responsible for the emotional and physical safety of children
• Resolve conflicts within the groups as necessary
• Work collaboratively with other staff
• May assist in the planning and implementation of a variety of programs
• Support the goals, spirit and mission of Higher Ground
• Promote Jackie Robinson’s Nine Core Values: courage, determination, teamwork, persistence, integrity, citizenship, justice, commitment and excellence 

 

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POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Strong oral communication skills
• Experience working with grades 2 through 8 preferred
• Passionate about working with youth and creating positive experiences
• Ability to plan, lead, organize and implement program activities
• Ability to work as a member of a team as well as accomplish tasks on your own

 

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TRAINING

Supervisor will provide interns and service learners with orientation for Higher Ground program objectives and expectations.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Engage with youth and their families to better understand the needs of our population.
• Understand and address socio-cultural issues within the community.
• Appreciate the psycho/socio-cultural nuances of community needs within a marginalized population.

 

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Schedule: Youth mentoring will run from 1:00-6:00 pm, approximately. 

Background checks are required for all students working with Higher Ground youth.