High School Wellness Mentor -- Coon Rapids

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**Please note: we are accepting applications and completing interviews, but volunteers will not be trained on positions until after the COVID-19 disruption is over. Due to the fluidity of the situation, it is difficult to know when that will be. Thank you for understanding.**

Simpson Housing Services Mentoring Program

High School Wellness Mentor Volunteer Description

The Simpson Mentoring Program builds on the inherent strengths of young people in our housing program, enabling them to maximize their potential. The High School Wellness Mentoring Program uses adult volunteers who commit to supporting, guiding, and being a friend to a young person for a period of at least 9 months. By becoming part of the youth’s social network of adults and community members, the mentor can support the young person’s development toward positive academic, career, and personal goals.

Mentor Role

• Take the lead in supporting a young person (9-12th grade student) through an ongoing, one-on-one relationship.
• Serve as a positive role model and friend.
• Build the relationship by planning and participating in activities together (both group and individual activities).
• Help connect the mentee to ongoing community activities that would support his/her development.
• Recognize and focus on the unique strengths of the mentee.
• Help the mentee set goals and develop a plan to work toward a specific goal.
• Act as a reference or support for a young person looking for employment/educational opportunities.

Time Commitment

• Make a 9-month commitment.
• Commit to meeting their mentee weekly for a minimum of 20 weeks throughout the program, and participate in activities in the area of interest of the mentee (for example; play a basketball game, attend a book club, take a cooking class, etc).
• Participate in at least 3 group mentoring outings/activities.
• Agree to attend mentor trainings as required. This includes, but is not limited to, an initial four-hour training and a two-hour goal-setting training 4-6 weeks into the program.
• Communicate with the mentee weekly.

Mentor Eligibility Requirements

• Be at least 21 years of age.
• Be willing to adhere to all Simpson Mentoring Program policies and procedures.
• Complete and pass the screening procedure.
• Be willing to communicate regularly with the program coordinator and submit monthly meeting and activity information.
• Have access to an automobile or reliable transportation.
• Have a current driver’s license, auto insurance with an acceptable level of coverage, and a good driving record.
• Have a clean criminal history.
• Have never been accused, arrested, charged, or convicted of child abuse or molestation.

Desirable Qualities

• Willing listener
• Some knowledge in the subject of health & wellness
• Ability to notice strengths and maintain an attitude of hope in the midst of challenges
• Encouraging and supportive
• Patient and flexible
• Open and respectful of individual differences
• Reliable and consistent

Benefits

• Personal fulfillment through contribution to the community and individuals.
• Enjoyment and learning that comes with building a relationship with a young person.
• Training around positive youth work, homelessness issues, cultural competency, and more.
• Mentor/mentee group activities, complimentary tickets to community events, participation in recognition events.
• Personal ongoing support and supervision to help the match succeed.
• Mileage and expenses are tax-deductible.

Application and Screening Process

• Written application
• Driving record check
• Criminal history check: national, child abuse and neglect registry, sexual offender registry
• Personal interview
• Provide three personal references
• Attend four-hours of mentor training

For more information, contact Simpson’s Mentoring Program at 612-208-9478 or semelife@simpsonhousing.org.

We are committed to building a diverse group of mentors.