Check & Connect Mentor

Job ID #: 101518

Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, San Jose Unified School District (SJUSD) is collaborating with SRI International, a nonprofit research organization, to conduct a study of the efficacy of Check &Connect (C&C) in five SJUSD high schools. Check & Connect Mentor Job Description The Check & Connect mentor will fill a part-time hourly position (15-20 hours per week). The project is expected to last 3 years. The C&C mentor is a trained professional who follows a deliberate process to engage or connect with student in a positive way. Mentors will be assigned a caseload of 15-20 students and will work with those students for 3 years. Mentors work directly and collaboratively with their students, and their families, school staff, and community service providers to implement strategies that address school success, engagement, and ultimately, completion of high school for students in need of additional support to graduate. Mentors will continue working with a student, even if he/she changes high schools (as long as the high school is within the San Jose Unified School District). Mentors will familiarize themselves with the policies, regulations, and culture of the schools where they work, and strive to create collaborative relationships with school staff. Mentors meet regularly, on a one-on-one basis with each student on their caseload. Mentors also attend group meetings with other C&C mentors and the C&C Implementation Coordinator. Mentors complete monthly forms and a contact log as a tool to assess absences, truancies, suspensions, and grades/credits earned. Mentors work as a liaison to facilitate communication and promote problem solving, both at the individual student level and between home and school. Mentors attend various school-based meetings, e.g., site team meetings, IEP meetings, and other relevant meetings. Mentors should have knowledge of community services and be able to refer students to appropriate services when needed. Other responsibilities include attending staff meetings, facilitating student/family transportation for dropout prevention and school completion related activities, and conducting home visits. Job Duties Assist in gaining parent consent and student assent for participation in the C&C project. Be available to attend a multi-day training on the C&C model, and any follow-up training, as needed. Willingness to adhere to the C&C model, as well as receive feedback about individual performance on using the model. Become familiar with the policies, regulations, and culture of assigned schools. Take the initiative in forming collaborative relationships with staff. Regularly check on students attendance, grades, and behavior, providing regular feedback to students, communicating regularly with families, and initiating efforts to keep youth engaged in school. Collaborate with adults already involved with the youth, such as teachers, case managers, counselors, probation officers, and social workers as well as developing community agency linkages. Regular communication with teachers to gather and share information about student progress. Facilitate communication and promote problem solving between home and school.

Contact parents via phone, home visits, and email to share information and to develop plans to re-engage students in school and to promote school success. Collect and document student progress and monitor efforts on a regular basis (i.e. completing monitoring forms, intake forms, and contact logs). Attend staff meetings and student meetings (e.g. IEP meetings, student support teams, etc.). Timely communication: acknowledge and/or respond to students, families, school personnel, and phone messages within 48 hours. Be flexible and willing to arrange schedule to accommodate job duties. Be able to drive to/from different schools, agencies, and other places as needed.

Required Qualifications Bachelor degree in education or human service field preferred. Experience working with children and adolescents, youth agencies, social services, and school systems. The ability to work independently, with little supervision. Strong initiative, and the ability and willingness to integrate into the school culture and take initiative to form relationships with staff, learn about school policies, problem-solve, etc. Persistence. Belief that all youth have the ability to learn. Ability and willingness to work with families in a non-blaming approach. Advocacy skills, including good communication skills and the ability to negotiate, compromise, and confront conflict. Organizational skills, flexibility and ability to work in a variety of settings. Knowledge of community and educational resources. Bilingual capabilities in Spanish preferred. Valid drivers license, auto insurance, reliable means of transportation. Applicants must pass a background check.

For more information about the Check & Connect program (not specifically about this job position) please visit checkandconnect.org. About SRI International: SRI International, a leading independent research institute, conducts research in information and engineering technologies, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, chemistry and materials, education, health sciences, and economics. SRI's Policy Division (www.sri.com/policy) helps government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and commercial clients solve problems and capitalize on opportunities posed by complex issues in education, training, health, economic development, and human services. The products of our research are used to inform policy and shape innovations to improve productivity and the quality of life at home, at school, and in the workplace. How to apply: Apply via our web page: www.sri.com/jobs to job number 101518. SRI is an equal opportunity employer. www.sri.com