Volunteer Youth Mentor

Citizens for Safe Schools

Volunteer Youth Mentor

Citizens for Safe Schools (CFSS) is a grassroots, positive youth development, non-profit 501c3 committed to igniting the power and promise of youth in the Klamath Basin. CFSS is seeking Volunteer Mentors for the 'Kids in the Middle' mentoring program. 'Kids in the Middle' (KIM) is a one-to-one, Best Practice Prevention Model community-based mentoring program for youth in the 4th-12th grades. Each Volunteer Mentor is matched with a youth of their choosing from our waiting list (based upon shared goals, interests, experience, and compatibility) and the pair commit to spending at least one hour a week, every week, for at least one year together. The dependable, enduring presence of a supportive role model in a young persons life can be life changing. Among many social-emotional benefits, youth in the KIM program are also:

• 2X more likely to plan for their futures
• 3X less likely to commit an act of violence or delinquency
• Demonstrate better attendance and grades over non-mentored peers.

Designated Quality Based Mentoring (QBM) program implementing all Elements of Effective Practice, 'Kids In The Middle' has been evaluated by numerous 3rd party entities and the Department of Education, ranking in the top 5% of mentoring programs nationwide in terms of outcomes.

We provide all training and ongoing support at no cost to our Mentors, and facilitate many fun, engaging, and educational activities to share during the course of the mentorship. Scheduling is up to the convenience of the Mentor, activities are informed by the interests of the youth, and always determined by the Match.

Why Mentor?

Mentoring, at it's core, empowers youth with someone who cares for and understands them, helps them navigate barriers, and guides them toward success.

Personal Characteristics

• A strong commitment to CFSS vision, mission and goals with a particular passion for healthy relationships as the foundation to positive youth and community development
• A great friend able to relate with youth openly, honestly, and with respect and compassion
• Mature judgment, positive nature, and an example of the 'Six Pillars' of Character: respect, caring, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, and citizenship

Requirements:

• Over 18 years old
• Maintain a valid drivers license and vehicle insurance
• Ability to pass a federal fingerprint-based criminal background check
• Anticipate remaining in the community for at least one year and ability to maintain commitment to your Mentee for at least one year

Other Essentials

Citizens for Safe Schools provides equal opportunity in all of its practices. Decisions for suitability as a Volunteer Mentor are made without regard to race color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, the presence of a disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, familial status, veteran status, or source of income. Discrimination or harassment based upon any of these factors is inconsistent with our philosophy and will not be tolerated at any time.

The interests of the youth are CFSS's first priority when selecting applicants to the 'Kids In The Middle' Program, and an applicant may be declined at any point in the enrollment process should it be determined in the best interest of the youth.

This is an unpaid Volunteer position, equating to a commitment of about 4 hours monthly at no cost to the Volunteer. Ongoing Professional Development in subjects relevant to service will be offered and provided at no cost throughout active enrollment with agency.

Citizens For Safe Schools' mission is to create a safe and drug free community where all children, especially those at risk for delinquency, academic failure, or victimization have opportunities to succeed, build resilience, and character and all adults feel empowered to help them.

Job Type: Contract

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Professional development assistance

Work Location: In person