Post-Secondary Mentor

Post-Secondary Mentor Summer Search, Boston

At Summer Search, we believe in 'No Ceilings' and envision a world in which young people, regardless of circumstances, can chart their own destiny. In the United States, students from underserved communities – disproportionately BIPOC and first-generation – face systemic inequities in school, in the workforce, and in life. Nevertheless, these young people possess unique strengths, resilience, and limitless potential. Since 1990, Summer Search has partnered with young people during their transition from adolescence into adulthood by connecting them to expansive opportunities, professional mentoring, and a community of support.

Summer Searchers recognize their potential and build a toolkit to navigate and challenge systemic barriers, break new ground for their families and communities, and achieve economic equity and a life of purpose.

The Post-Secondary Mentor is an exciting and dynamic position at Summer Search Boston. The Post-Secondary Mentor will work with participants starting in their senior year through their first year after high school as they plan for, transition into, and progress through their chosen post-secondary pathway whether that be college, a vocational track, a gap year program, or joining the military or workforce.

This Post-Secondary Mentor will join a team of four, comprised of two additional post-secondary mentors, a post-secondary program manager, and a director of programs. We are passionate about working with youth and committed to building long-term, holistic, individualized relationships with each student to support them in their journey through high school and beyond.

The Post-Secondary Mentor will be responsible for a caseload of participants between the ages of 17-24. They will support each student in developing and implementing plans that are specific to their needs, interests, and strengths as they transition from high school towards their post-secondary goals. Specifically, the Post-Secondary Mentor will advance Summer Search's mission through the following job responsibilities:

• Direct Services:
  Student Mentoring and Program Facilitation (60%): Utilize Summer Search's approach to mentoring using lenses of trauma sensitivity, social and emotional learning, critical consciousness, and adolescent development while navigating situations commonly faced by first-generation, low-income participants. Identify, document, and connect participants to events, stakeholders, and other resources that will support them in their educational attainment, career readiness, and sense of financial well-being.
• 12th Grade – Mentor a caseload of approximately 30-35 high school seniors. Over their senior year of high school, provide holistic, student-centered, individualized mentoring with the following:
• Conduct monthly 1:1 mentoring with participants online/by phone or in-person.
• Conduct in-person monthly Group Mentoring workshops.
• Revise and implement workshops that are specific to each cohort's needs and strengths.
• Work with organizational partners to track student progress and engagement.
• Provide college or alternative post-secondary pathway advising as needed.
• 1st Year Post High School – Mentor a caseload of 25-35 students in their first year after High School to support their life transitions as new challenges and skills arise. This will include:
• Conduct 1:1 mentoring every 6 weeks with participants online/by phone or in-person.
• Refer participants to Career Program Manager for 1:1 coaching specific to their career goals.
• Utilize CONNECT (Summer Search's career resource portal) as a resource for participants to expand their network and build career readiness awareness.
• Provide mentoring and support towards post-secondary completion and career guidance as needed.