Manage a portfolio of at-risk students by providing strategic case management and individualized support to drive academic and behavioral success. Coordinate with families, educators, and clinical teams to remove barriers to school participation and facilitate successful re-entry planning.
Requirements summary
Requires a high school diploma and a valid driver's license, with a bachelor's degree and paraprofessional certification preferred. Candidates should have prior experience supporting children in alternative education or behavioral health settings.
Ombudsman Educational Services [https://careers.chancelight.com/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 — We Should Talk! 📲
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.
‖ Responsibilities Include
Leveraging targeted strategies such as home visits, collaboration with teachers and clinical professionals, and coordination of afterschool 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.
Benefits
Dental Insurance
Disability Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Life Insurance
Paid Time Off
Vision Insurance
Medical Insurance
Health Savings Account
Flexible Spending Account
Employee Discount Program
Growth and Development Opportunities
Paid Holiday Schedule
401k Retirement Saving Plan
Health Advocacy Services
Legal Services Insurance
Pet Health Insurance
Nurse Line
Cigna Healthy Pregnancies Healthy Babies Program
Personal Protection Insurance
Personal and Life Event Paid Leave
Telehealth and Virtual Counseling
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.
‖ Qualifications Required
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, paraeducator, 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 functions.
Advanced oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving and decision-making ability.
Knowledgeable in the use of relevant technology including experience with computers, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry and basic office equipment.
Ombudsman Educational Services [https://chancelight.com/locations/brands/ombudsman/]is a division of ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education [https://chancelight.com/], the nation’s leading provider of alternative and special education programs for children and young adults. For more than 50 years, and in partnership with over 235 school districts nationwide, we have helped change the direction of more than 240,000 student lives!
> 💻 Learn more about our history, our mission, and the program services we > provide by visiting the link below: >
At ChanceLight we believe in providing more than just a job, as a member of our team you'll receive the opportunity to make meaningful impacts, the support needed to achieve success, and all the tools essential to reaching your personal & professional fulfillment! Your path to a truly rewarding career starts here – where growth, empowerment, and collaboration define our culture; and every day is a Chance to transform lives through education!
‖ Perks and Benefits Include
Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
FREE Telehealth and Virtual Counseling Sessions
FREE Health Advocacy Services and 24/7 Nurse Line
Company Paid Life & Disability Insurance
Company Paid Employee Assistance Program
Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
Personal Protection Insurance Plans
Cigna Healthy Pregnancies, Healthy Babies Program
Legal Services Insurance
Pet Health Insurance
Accrual-based Paid Time Off
School Hours and Paid Holiday Schedule
Extensive Personal and Life Event Paid Leave Policy
401k Retirement Saving Plan
Perks at Work Employee Discount Program
Opportunities for Growth & Development
And So Much More!
If you're ready to start making lasting impacts on the lives of students and contribute to the creation of a brighter future — This Is Your Chance!
Join us and together, we can empower students to overcome challenges, build confidence and unlock their full potential!
Illinois teaching assistants remain in steady demand
In Illinois, teaching assistant roles are commonly driven by school staffing needs in special education and general classroom support, especially where paraprofessional licensing is required. These positions can be competitive because employers often look for a valid TASN paraprofessional license, at least 60 semester hours or a paraprofessional exam, plus strong communication and knowledge of disabilities. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits from the original posting to save research time, then confirm your license status and readiness to follow classroom directions before applying.
