Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is the third-largest school district in the United States, serving over 340,000 students in 600 schools and employing nearly 36,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. In order to fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability, and integrity. Six core values are embedded within these commitments – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.

The Transitional Youth Leader (TYL) Program Mentor will work under the direction of the Office of School Counseling and Postsecondary Advising (OSCPA) leadership designees in collaboration with other Chicago Public Schools offices and departments, administrators, school-based staff, and external partners to carry out the mission of OSCPA: To ensure that Pre-K-12 postsecondary teams (School Counselors, Coaches, others engaged in advising) implement comprehensive, student-centered, data-informed practices to positively impact academic, social-emotional, and postsecondary outcomes for all students in the district.

The TYL Program Mentor will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

Typical Duties/Responsibilities:

• Supervise a cohort of near-peer mentors, called Transitional Youth Leaders or Near-Peer Mentors, to help ensure graduates follow through on their Learn.Plan.Succeed. plans.
• Provide guidance to TYLs in supporting CPS Alumni to navigate postsecondary pathways including: enrolling in 2- and 4-year colleges, looking to secure employment, enlisting in the military, and/or enrolling in a job training, gap year, or certification programs.
• Coordinate strategic and ongoing communication efforts with CPS Alumni such as making phone calls, forwarding mass electronic communication, and/or serving as a liaison/recruiter for their respective postsecondary institution or pathway.
• Collaborate with institutions of higher education to connect TYLs and CPS Alumni with staff and resources, especially the Student Affairs and Support Services (College Compact Members).
• Partner with a select group of CPS High School Alumni Coordinators to identify Alumni in need of outreach and support.
• Review and approve transitional youth leader weekly time reports.
• Support the development and implementation of a strategic professional development model for Transitional Youth Leaders (TYL).
• Support the creation and administer a performance assessment for each TYL.
• Attend or facilitate required TYL meetings and professional development sessions.
• Perform additional work duties as assigned.

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the TYL Program Mentor must possess the following qualifications:

Type of Education Required:

• High School diploma required, preferably from a CPS School or a school within the city of Chicago
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, and current enrollment in a postgraduate degree program is strongly preferred.
• If bachelor’s degree has not been attained, candidate must be actively enrolled in, and in progress of completing the 3rd or 4th year of, a bachelor’s degree program in education, school counseling, social work, psychology, or related field at an accredited college or university

Type of Experience Required:

• Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in youth development and programming, or postsecondary (college and career) related work; directly relevant internship experience may be considered
• Bilingual or multilingual preferred (in select communities)
• Leadership experience, and experience with the needs of CPS students and their families from diverse communities is preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Capable of building strong working relationships with students, parents, and school personnel as well as representatives from universities, businesses, government, and community-based organizations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to produce professional, visually appealing communications, presentations, and interventions
• Collaborative, effective supervisor capable of providing diligent support, fostering ongoing development, and motivating a team to meet high expectations.Unyielding commitment to continuous improvement and an unwavering dedication to ensuring that all students have the support necessary to achieve at high levels.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of academic and college/career development, including advising models and strategic systems of support to develop Transitional Youth Leaders and Youth Ambassadors
• Innovative, enthusiastic and positive professional; capable of adapting in a fast paced environment.
• Strong organizational skills; Able to prioritize activities and manage large, complex projects
• Working knowledge of Google Suite (Google docs, sheets, forms, slides, etc.), Dashboard, and Naviance.
• Skills and ability to serve as an educational leader and advocate, including the ability to support planning, organizing and facilitating school level services, processes, and community events established by Transitional Youth Leaders and Youth Ambassadors.

Conditions of Employment

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:

• Be Fully Vaccinated or Submit to Weekly COVID-19 Testing - Employees are required to be fully vaccinated within 30 days of their hire date. Full vaccination is defined as at least two weeks after your second shot of a two-shot vaccination course, or at least two weeks after a one-shot vaccination course. Unvaccinated staff must submit to weekly testing.