JOB TITLE: Alternative Education Mentor Specialist

DEPARTMENT: Operations

REPORTS TO: Director of Program Innovation & Data

FLSA STATUS: Full-Time, Non-Exempt, Hourly

MISSION: Creating and supporting mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of the next generation.

VISION: Through mentorship, all youth achieve their full potential. 

JOB SUMMARY

In partnership with the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) – ACCESS (Alternative, Community, Correctional, Education Schools & Services), the Alternative Education Mentor Specialist provides mentoring and support to youth who may be credit-deficient, at risk of not graduating, or experiencing personal and academic challenges. This role provides onsite small-group sessions and individualized engagement to strengthen student attendance, boost academic achievement, and promote collaborative skills that support productive citizenship. The Specialist is responsible for enrolling students, facilitating group sessions, and offering individualized guidance as students transition through alternative and continuation school settings, while collaborating with school and district leaders to support long-term student success.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Recruitment & Enrollment
• Present program benefits to school staff and students through engaging presentations and one-on-one conversations.
• Guide students into the program by clearly explaining expectations and helping them understand the level of commitment required.
•  Conduct a thorough enrollment process to gather information about each student’s background, home environment, academic performance, and social networks.
• Collaborate with students to set personal goals for their mentoring experience and use these to shape Youth Outcome Development Plans (YODPs).
• Communicate regularly with school staff and BBBS leadership to share important updates and insights.
• Develop and maintain detailed student profiles in MatchForce to track progress, ensure continuity of support, and inform ongoing mentoring strategies.

Group & Individualized Case Management
• Design and lead group activities that introduce students to mentoring, encourage peer connection, and build teamwork skills.
• Facilitate small-group mentoring sessions that create space for shared dialogue, problem-solving, and skill development.
• Manage a cohort of students, providing consistent one-to-one support focused on setting goals, monitoring progress, and offering tailored support through Youth Outcome Development Plans (YODPs).
• Apply best practices in engagement by adapting activities and communication to accommodate diverse learning styles, cultural backgrounds, and motivational needs.
• Deliver educational materials, presentations, or other approved content developed collaboratively by BBBS and OCDE to enhance student learning and strengthen the mentoring experience.

Student Support & Engagement
• Build trust and belonging with students who may be credit-deficient, justice-involved, or experiencing instability at home through trauma-informed and restorative practices that promote consistency and resilience.
• Conduct goal-oriented check-ins aligned with students’ YODP goals, helping them build self-regulation, confidence, and positive decision-making skills while recognizing and reinforcing progress toward re-engagement and graduation.
• Promote a safe and supportive learning environment by modeling non-violent communication, guiding de-escalation, and teaching conflict resolution.
• Collaborate with teaching staff, probation officers, counselors, and families to address barriers to engagement and support transitions between alternative and traditional education settings.
• Connect students and families with school and community resources that address basic needs and promote long-term stability—especially for highly mobile, housing-insecure, or foster youth.

School & District Collaboration
• Serve as a liaison between BBBS, OCDE, and continuation schools to ensure program visibility and alignment with school priorities.
• Engage principals, teachers, counselors and OCDE representatives in regular meetings to share program impact, highlight student progress, and build stronger collaboration.
• Maintain a regular presence within the school buildings to support students directly & foster stronger relationships with school staff.
• Prepare and deliver presentations for academic administrators that showcase student outcomes, program successes, and alignment with district goals.
• Prepare reports highlighting student growth, mentoring outcomes, and key program performance indicators.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning
• Keep accurate records of mentoring sessions, student progress, and outcomes in compliance with BBBS and OCDE standards.
• Use tracking tools to measure student growth in engagement, social-emotional development, and academic progress.
• Collect and analyze data to inform a white paper highlighting program outcomes, insights, and impact.
• Administer surveys and feedback tools to gather input from students, mentors, and school staff for continuous program improvement.
• Any other duties as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Minimum 2 years of professional experience working with youth, preferably in alternative education, continuation schools, juvenile justice, reentry education programs, mentoring, or social service
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to facilitate group sessions and conduct individualized case management.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic school-based environment.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing to a collaborative team environment.
• Proficiency in Google Suite, MS Office, and case management/data entry systems (Salesforce/MatchForce experience a plus).
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is highly preferred.

Preferred Qualifications
• Training in non-violent crisis intervention, conflict de-escalation, or restorative engagement practices.
• Experience working with youth in continuation schools, alternative education settings, or juvenile justice systems.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care, restorative practices, and/or motivational interviewing.
• Candidates with lived experience in alternative education or justice-involved pathways are strongly encouraged to apply.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer, as well as occasional standing and walking.
• Must be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Occasional bending, stooping, reaching, and lifting up to 25 pounds (such as program materials, supplies, or office equipment).
• Ability to travel to various sites, events, and meetings as required by the role.
• May occasionally work in outdoor environments and be exposed to varying weather conditions.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Routine office environment.
• Frequent independent travel required.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• Frequent sitting, walking, and bending. Must be able to move or carry up to 40lbs.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and required skills. Job Description may be subject to change to meet the needs of the organization. Your employment with BBBSOC/IE will be “at will,” meaning that either you or BBBSOC/IE may end your employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause.

JOB TITLE: High School Bigs Program Specialist

DEPARTMENT: Site Based Programs, High School Bigs

REPORTS TO: High School Bigs Program Manager

FLSA STATUS: Full Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt

MISSION: Creating and supporting mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of the next generation.

VISION: Through mentorship, all youth achieve their full potential. 

JOB SUMMARY

The High School Bigs Program Specialist is responsible for facilitating sessions, conducting match support and providing overall support of site-based matches to ensure child safety and long-term caring relationships between matches while focusing on positive outcomes for youth.  

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Facilitate and supervise site sessions, ensuring positive match development and safety of both mentors and mentees.
• Work with the Site Based Program Manager to build positive relationships with school partners to attract and retain qualified mentors and mentees.
• Work effectively with partner schools to schedule and plan weekly sessions and meetings when appropriate.
• Responsible for the cultivation, stewardship and ultimate retention of assigned school partners, mentors, and mentees.
• Provide a high level of professionalism in presentation and communication when conducting all program related operations with school partners and program liaisons.
• Support with any enrollment functions through recruitments, interviews, and assessments of any potential mentors and mentees.
• Provide timely and comprehensive written assessments and recommendations for participation in the program.
• Conduct volunteer orientations and training.
• Identify suitable potential matches and provide ongoing support to achieve length of match, closure and outcome evaluation goals.
• Conduct bi-monthly and quarterly match support contacts that are accomplished through in-person, email or telephone contact.
• Maintain accurate file documentation for each match according to BBBSA standards and agency policies.
• Ensure high-level expertise in applying child safety and risk management knowledge, policies and procedures throughout all aspects of job function.
• Effectively use active and attentive listening to confirm understanding; coach matches through the use of reflective questioning; personalize communication content and delivery to fit different perspectives, backgrounds or styles of audience; document information about matches clearly and concisely in order to keep records accurate and up to date.
• Contribute to the development of site curriculum.
• Provide accurate and timely program statistics.
• Effectively communicate with marketing and/or grants teams on press worthy activities, volunteer highlights and program successes to enhance visibility of the program and within the community.
• Complete appropriate trainings as directed by supervisor and attend agency staff and departmental meetings.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• Must be fluent in Spanish
• Experience with at-risk/high-risk youth (volunteer and/or paid) preferred
• Familiar with Windows XP software applications
• High level of customer service with significant experience working with external stakeholders/clients (specifically schools with the ability to build strong relationships for greater agency initiatives of stewardship)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills reflecting solid customer service both in-person and via the telephone
• Excellent public speaking skills with ability to engage a variety of audiences (including both high school volunteers and elementary aged youth).
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to multi-task and work independently in fast paced environment with heavy workload while exercising good judgment, decision making and problem solving skills.
• Maintains confidentiality throughout daily operations.
• Must have access to a reliable automobile, valid driver’s license and automobile insurance.

COMPETENCIES

Customer Focus
Is dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; gets first- hand customer information and uses it for improvements in products and service; talks and acts with customers in mind; establishes and maintains effective relationship with customers and gains their trust and respect; ensures customers feel they have been listened to; establishes credibility quickly.

Interpersonal Savvy
Relates well to all kinds of people; builds appropriate rapport; practices active listening; builds constructive and effective relationships; deals effectively with diversity; uses diplomacy and tact; capable of diffusing difficult situations comfortably; manages frustration appropriately; is easy to approach and talk to; spends the extra effort to put others at ease.

Active Listening
Is actively able to process information, listen to understand, and listen to learn; to listen and meet the needs of internal and external customers; handles and utilizes feedback effectively; listens with depth and thoughtfulness.

Foster Teamwork and Collaboration
Is successful in working with a team; fosters teamwork and participating in group activities; collaborating with others effectively and efficiently; establishes and maintains teamwork building activities; builds trust, respect, and rapport with the team; is an active player in Agency culture.

Conflict Resolution Skills (Internal & External)
Manage and resolves conflict in a healthy positive way; mediates conflicts with nonverbal communication skills, professionalism, focusing on the bigger picture and prioritizing and strengthening relationships; being respectful of others and their viewpoints; encouraging others to share their issues, clarify, restate, and validate any concerns and strategically resolve them.

Organizational Ability
Can marshal resources to get things done; orchestrate multiple activities at once to accomplish a goal; uses resources effectively and efficiently; arranges information and follows established process.

Results/Outcome Oriented
Can be counted on to meet goals successfully; is constantly and consistently one of the top performers; steadfastly pushes self and others for results; sets clear objectives and measures process and progress

Promotes Vision and Mission
Creates and communicates a compelling and inspired vision or sense of core purpose; sees beyond today; sees possibilities; is optimistic; creates mileposts and symbols to rally behind the vision; makes the vision shareable by everyone; can inspire and motivate entire units or organizations

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Routine office environment.
• Frequent independent travel required.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and required skills. Job Description may be subject to change to meet the needs of the organization.

Your employment with BBBSOC will be “at will,” meaning that either you or BBBSOC may end your employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause.

JOB TITLE: High School Bigs Recruitment & Enrollment Specialist

DEPARTMENT: High School Bigs Program

REPORTS TO: High School Bigs Program Manager

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt, Full-Time, Hourly

MISSION: Creating and supporting mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of the next generation.

VISION: Through mentorship, all youth achieve their full potential. 

JOB SUMMARY

Essential to the BBBS brand, the purpose of this position is to ensure department-wide match growth and quality through the leadership of services and delivery. A high-level customer service, focusing on volunteer options and child safety, is to be demonstrated throughout the match process.

This position requires a dynamic, adaptable, and organized sales recruiter focusing on engaging and recruiting Elementary School Students and High School Students for an after school mentoring program with Big Brothers Big Sisters Organization. This position requires an energetic candidate to strategically develop and maintain relationships with academic faculty, staff, and student organizations. You will also provide subject matter expertise to manage brand (BBBS) and image on high school campuses, inform management on recruitment strategy, processes, and data while being the main point of contact (POC) for students. This position is goal driven and has a sales and service mentality with required availability to travel in assigned local territory and be the face of the organization during recruitment efforts. Engaging presentation skills are a must.

This position cultivates prospective new volunteers for the High School Mentoring Program and works to bring back prior year volunteers. Additionally, this position is responsible for ensuring all program launch timelines are met, all volunteers are efficiently screened and matched to ensure the best possible outcome. This position is indirectly responsible for the overall satisfaction of our school partners and manages the recruitment of youth volunteers and youth mentees. This position is also responsible for communicating the vision of BBBSOC in addition to the department goals, outcomes, and processes to outside constituencies.

A successful incumbent will produce positive outcomes in volunteer yield, processing time, and match satisfaction.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Research territory to create and execute individual campus strategies for assigned schools to include but not limited to: Events, information sessions, student clubs, organizations.
• Conduct recruitment of elementary and high school students applying sales techniques in order to recruit and enroll students.
• Conduct enrollments (including orientations & interviews), and completion of any other activity required for the enrollment process.
• Professionally communicate organizational and programmatic goals to potential volunteers as well as child safety measures.
• Assess high school students “fit” for all standards, expectations, and safety measures required by BBBSOC.
• Assist matching of volunteers (high school students) to youth mentees (elementary school students) for assigned caseload.
• Identify and eliminate barriers to the enrollment process by being solution focused on all aspects of stakeholder support and school partnership satisfaction.
• Review and follow up with references as necessary for all volunteers.
• Review enrollment queue and conduct informational sessions as necessary to yield increased volunteer interest for all individual school partners.
• Identify new potential partners for volunteers on an as needed basis and facilitate opportunities through high-level stakeholders.
• High degree of collaboration with Program Specialists responsible for facilitating the program of designated caseload and sharing an equal partnership in setting and accomplishing desired goals.
• Facilitate match acceptance and initial meetings as necessary for volunteers and mentees.
• Work closely with on-going volunteers to further recruitment needs and provide development and fundraising opportunities.
• Cultivate long-term and sustaining relationships with volunteer-rich organizations (i.e., schools, youth volunteer organizations, etc.)
• Track and evaluate recruitment and outreach efforts. Provide weekly progress reports of enrollment activity.
• Work well in a fast paced environment with continuous team collaboration in order to meet programmatic goals and metrics.
• Be part of the site coverage schedule for any needed assistance upon the absence of a team member.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• Ability to apply sales techniques to recruitment process
• High level of customer service
• Familiar with Windows XP software & G-Suite applications.
• Must have access to a reliable automobile; valid driver’s license and automobile insurance.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills reflecting solid customer service both in-person, via the telephone; and high-level interviewing skills.
• Excellent public speaking skills with the ability to connect with youth and high-level stakeholders.
• High level, engaging presentation skills
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Maintain confidentiality throughout daily operations.
• Excellent attention to detail.

COMPETENCIES

Customer Focus
Is dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; gets first- hand customer information and uses it for improvements in products and service; talks and acts with customers in mind; establishes and maintains effective relationship with customers and gains their trust and respect; ensures customers feel they have been listened to; establishes credibility quickly.

Interpersonal Savvy
Relates well to all kinds of people; builds appropriate rapport; practices active listening; builds constructive and effective relationships; deals effectively with diversity; uses diplomacy and tact; capable of diffusing difficult situations comfortably; manages frustration appropriately; is easy to approach and talk to; spends the extra effort to put others at ease.

Organizational Ability
Can marshal resources to get things done; orchestrate multiple activities at once to accomplish a goal; uses resources effectively and efficiently; arranges information and follows established process.

Results Oriented
Can be counted on to meet goals successfully; is constantly and consistently one of the top performers; steadfastly pushes self and others for results; sets clear objectives and measures process and progress

Promotes Vision and Mission
Effectively promotes the agency mission and vision, internally, as well as with the broader community.

Innovative Management:
Has the ability to bring forward creative ideas and suggestions; always looking for better/more efficient ways to improve process and systems; has a sense about managing the creative process of others; can facilitate and participate effective brainstorming; can project how potential ideas may play out in the marketplace; is good at bringing the creative ideas of others to market.

Perseverance:
Pursues everything with energy, drive and a need to finish; seldom gives up before a project is complete; especially in the face of resistance or setbacks.

Managing Vision and Purpose:
Creates and communicates a compelling and inspired vision or sense of core purpose; sees beyond today; sees possibilities; is optimistic; creates mileposts and symbols to rally behind the vision; makes the vision sharable by everyone; can inspire and motivate entire units or organizations.

Ability to Prioritize:
Spends his/her time and the time of others on what’s important; identifies and acts on critical issues; can quickly sense what will help or hinder accomplishing a goal; eliminates or navigates around roadblocks, creates focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Frequent independent travel.
• Routine office environment.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and required skills. Job Description may be subject to change to meet the needs of the organization.

Your employment with BBBSOC will be “at will,” meaning that either you or BBBSOC may end your employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause.