Youth Mentor InternshipAt — Higher Ground Youth & Family Services

\ud83c\udf1f Transform a Life: College Internship as Youth Mentor at Higher Ground \ud83c\udf1f

Overview: Make an Impact Where It Matters Most

Are you a college student seeking a meaningful Internship, Service Learning, or Field Study placement? Higher Ground Youth & Family Services is looking for passionate, positive mentors to empower youth in under-resourced communities.

This is a hands-on opportunity to serve as a positive role model and leader in our afterschool programs, helping children from grades 2 through 12 find their purpose, possibilities, and hope.

This role is ideal for students pursuing degrees in Social Work, Education, Psychology, Child Development, or related fields.

About Higher Ground

Founded in 2013, Higher Ground is a nonprofit family resource center in Orange County dedicated to providing wraparound support, mentorship, and enrichment programs. Our mission is to meet the needs of the whole person and community through collaborative care.

Core Responsibilities: Be a Leader, Mentor, and Guide

As a Youth Mentor, you are the heart of our program. You will use a trauma-informed, strength-based approach to:

• Build Relationships: Establish meaningful, supportive connections with youth through intentional mentorship and sharing your own experiences.

• Facilitate Enrichment: Lead and assist with a diverse range of activities, including homework help, performing arts, fine arts, sports, digital media, cooking, and discussion circles.

• Promote Growth: Support youth in developing essential social-emotional skills, strong interpersonal relationships, and leadership capacity.

• Model Values: Actively model and promote values like kindness, respect, and Jackie Robinson’s Nine Core Values (courage, determination, integrity, etc.).

• Ensure Safety: Be responsible for the emotional and physical safety of all children, supervising them during activities, snacks, and play, and resolving conflicts as necessary.

• Team Collaboration: Work effectively with staff, volunteers, and other interns to maintain a safe, inclusive, and welcoming program space.

What You'll Gain (Learning & Growth)

This internship offers valuable professional and personal development:

• Professional Mentorship: Receive guidance from experienced professionals in education and nonprofit work.

• Real-World Experience: Gain hands-on experience in education, social work, community outreach, and program planning.

• Enhanced Skills: Sharpen essential skills in communication, leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork.

• Deeper Understanding: Develop a deep understanding of socio-cultural issues, equity, and community resilience within a marginalized population.

Position Requirements

• Must be currently enrolled in a class that requires internship hours (Field Study/Service Learning).

• Strong oral communication skills and a passion for creating positive youth experiences.

• Ability to plan, lead, organize, and implement program activities.

• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

• Experience working with grades 2 through 8 is preferred.

Schedule & Next Steps

• Schedule: Monday–Friday, approximately 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM (during afterschool programing).

• Important: All successful candidates must pass a required background check and complete Mandated Reporter Training and Sexual Harassment Training

Ready to start transforming lives?

Tasks:

As a Youth Mentor, you'll be on the frontline, providing direct support and positive engagement for our youth. Your daily tasks will fall into three core areas:
1. Direct Youth Engagement & Activities
- Program Facilitation: Lead and assist in a variety of activities, including games, sports, arts, crafts, and educational endeavors.
- Literacy & Technology: Read aloud to children, encourage independent reading, and teach basic computer skills and educational games.
- Life Skills Mentoring: Teach and reinforce basic health and personal hygiene practices.
- Values Promotion: Actively model and promote the goals and mission of Higher Ground, and instill Jackie Robinson’s Nine Core Values (courage, teamwork, excellence, etc.).

2. Safety, Supervision, and Care
- Supervision: Actively supervise youth during all program times, including playground activities, in the cafeteria, and throughout all scheduled activities.
- Conflict Resolution: Responsibly resolve conflicts within groups, ensuring a peaceful and safe environment for all children.
- Safety Assurance: Be responsible for the emotional and physical safety of all children under your care.
- Meal & Snack Support: Assist in handing out lunches and snacks and facilitate the clean-up of eating areas with the children.

3. Program Support & Collaboration
- Teamwork: Work effectively and collaboratively with other staff members and interns.
- Program Preparation: Organize and prepare program areas before activities begin.
- Cleanliness: Teach and model proper clean-up techniques to maintain an organized program space.
- Program Planning: Have the opportunity to assist in the planning and implementation of a variety of enrichment and educational programs.

Training:

We are committed to making sure you have a supported and impactful experience. Your training will focus on hands-on practice, collaborative learning, and professional guidance:
- Comprehensive Orientation: Your Internship Supervisor will provide a full orientation covering Higher Ground's core mission, program objectives, and expectations for your role as a mentor.
- Collaborative Learning: You'll have the opportunity to work collaboratively with staff to gain firsthand experience in the wide range of community services we provide for our youth and their families.
- Activity Leadership Training: Work directly with experienced staff to learn and practice leading youth in various activities across education, art, music, and sports.
- Dedicated Feedback & Guidance: Participate in regularly scheduled meetings with your Internship Supervisor to discuss your progress, reflect on your experiences, and receive constructive feedback.

Learning Outcome:

Upon completion of this internship, you will be able to:
- Develop and Apply Mentorship Skills by providing individualized guidance and support to youth in academic subjects, social skills, arts, music, and sports.
- Utilize Trauma-Informed Practices to identify and implement positive, effective methods for engaging youth who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
- Conduct Community Needs Assessment by engaging with youth and their families to gain a practical understanding of the unique needs and assets of our population.
- Analyze Socio-Cultural Dynamics to effectively understand and begin to address systemic socio-cultural issues impacting the community we serve.
- Integrate Contextual Awareness to inform your mentorship practice, demonstrating an appreciation for the psycho-social and cultural nuances of working with a marginalized population.