Risk Mentor

Starting Rate: $22 /hour Environment:
Alternative Education Program, Grades 9-12

Ombudsman Educational Services
, a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope, is seeking an At-Risk Mentor to join our award-winning Alternative Education team and perform meaningful work in a culture that welcomes innovation, encourages creative expression and offers limitless potential for personal and professional satisfaction!

If you excel in a dynamic, student-centered alternative education environment, are driven to make a meaningful difference in the lives of at-risk youth, and bring resilience, strong relationship-building skills, sound judgment, and a positive, solutions-focused mindset —

As an At-Risk Mentor
, you will manage a focused portfolio of students identified through attendance, academic performance, and behavioral indicators. In this highly relational and impact-driven role, you will provide strategic case management and individualized support, building strong, growth-oriented relationships while partnering with families, educators, and support teams to drive measurable student success.

• Leveraging targeted strategies such as home visits, collaboration with teachers and clinical professionals, and coordination of after school and community-based supports to develop a comprehensive understanding of each student’s academic, social, and home environment.
• Building high-trust, accountability-centered relationships with students and key stakeholders while maintaining a self-directed, outcomes-focused approach to student growth.
• Reviewing and analyzing student-level academic, attendance, and behavioral data to assess intervention effectiveness, identify trends, and communicate measurable progress.
• Connecting students to appropriate supports and interventions while consistently following up and strengthening partnerships with families, educators, and internal teams.
• Identifying and re-engaging students experiencing attendance challenges through proactive outreach, home visits, relationship-building efforts, and structured intervention planning to remove barriers to school participation.
• Leading case management and re-entry planning for students returning from suspension, home stay, or extended leave, ensuring a structured, supportive and successful transition back to campus.
• Collaborating as an integral member of the Clinical Care Team to align strategies, share insights and drive coordinated, student-centered action plans.
• Facilitating cross-functional meetings with security and advocate associates to review student circumstances, align interventions, and ensure consistent practical implementation.
• Utilizing student information systems and data tools to monitor performance, track progress toward goals, and recommend timely evidence-based interventions.
• Supporting additional initiatives and responsibilities as assigned to meet evolving student, campus, and program needs.

• High school diploma or equivalent w/ passage of basic skills test.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a closely related field of study preferred.
• Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining a paraprofessional, para educator, education assistant or similar credential preferred.
• Hold currently or have the ability to obtain a valid IL state driver’s license.
• Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company approved crisis management training.
• Prior experience providing instruction, guidance, and/or support to children; preferably in an alternative, special education and/or behavioral health program setting.
• Well-versed in alternative educational services for at-risk youth and working with students with diverse needs at various levels.
• Proficiency in providing motivation and having critical conversations with students that help move them toward realistic goals.
• Highly skilled in building relationships with students, parents, teachers and/or community partners.
• Proven ability to effectively prioritize tasks and meet deadlines while maintaining organization and attention to detail.
• Highly skilled in providing mentoring, coaching, administrative support and/or technical support…