Behavioral Health Mentor

Overview

The Center for Supportive Communities (CSC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Lawrence, Kansas, is accepting applications for the 2026-27 school year.

The Behavioral Health Mentor position is focused on providing direct one-on-one support to K-12 students and their families. Members will gain supervised experience working with children, families, and schools; develop valuable professional skills; and build meaningful connections with community leaders.

Note: Applicants may explore options for earning course credit for their service by consulting a faculty member or enrolling in relevant coursework.

Position Dates — August 2026 – May 2027

Time Requirements — 5, 10, 15, or 20 hours each week

Position Location — Douglas County, KS (Lawrence, Eudora, Baldwin City, and Perry)

• Maintain a caseload of 2-5 students.
• Assist program staff with intakes and assessments.
• Assist program staff with student referrals and family and school outreach efforts.
• Facilitate weekly 1.5-hour meetings in the community per student.
• Create a safe meeting environment conducive to learning and that fosters growth and positive change.
• Act as a caring, supportive, stable, and positive role model for students.
• Implement individualized evidence-based interventions.
• Assist students with daily routines, school attendance, homework completion, problem solving, social-emotional development, skills training, relationship development, and goal setting.
• Monitor weekly attendance, grades, and behavior.
• Collaborate weekly with families and schools.
• Engage in ongoing collaboration with mental health providers, child protective service workers, assistant district attorneys, and other allied health professionals.
• Assist families in accessing community resources and services.
• Serve as a liaison between families, schools, and the community.
• Attend weekly and as-needed meetings with supervisors.
• Complete weekly documentation and progress reports.
• Attend and present at informal truancy review hearings (if applicable).
• Attend judicial hearings (if applicable).
• Submit reports of suspected abuse or neglect to the Kansas Department for Children and Families.
• Identify needs and access resources for students and families.
• Assist program staff with community engagement, outreach, and recruitment activities.
• Attend program events, fundraisers, and donation drives.
• Deliver presentations to university students and distribute informational materials.
• Support community-based events aligned with program goals.
• Collect and analyze data to inform program development and improvement.
• Support program staff as needed.
• Complete all Ameri Corps and Kansas Volunteer Commission trainings, events, and compliance requirements.

Required Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age
• U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident
• High school diploma or GED
• Good academic standing
• Valid driver’s license and car insurance
• Reliable transportation to and from weekly meetings
• Strong interpersonal, communication, problem-solving, time management, and organizational skills
• Persistent in reaching out, patient in building trust, and consistent in communicating

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)
• Proven experience working with children, families, and schools
• Background knowledge in a human-service field (e.g., applied behavior analysis, psychology, social work, social welfare, special education, or counseling) or juvenile law
• Cultural competence
• Segal Ameri Corps Education Award upon successful completion of service
• Fulfill a course or degree requirement
• Tailored experiences that meet your interests, career goals, and educational requirements
• Networking with top human service and legal agencies
• Training in evidence-based practices
• Direct clinical experience with children, youth, and families
• Opportunities for skill-building, career exploration, networking, and professional growth
• Flexible schedule to accommodate academic and personal commitments
• Professional references upon successful completion of service

• Complete our online application here:
• Complete an interview with CSC.
• If selected, you must complete onboarding paperwork, a health assessment and TB test, a comprehensive background check, and pre-service online training and orientation.