ASCEND Mentor Before-School Program

Job Description: Part-Time Mentor (Before School Program)

Location:

Visalia, California

Pay Rate:

$ /hour

Job Type:

Part-time, hours/per week)

Position for the 2025/2026 School Year.

Paid Professional Development & Training.

Schedule:

Monday -Friday (Morning Hours + Prep Time),

ABOUT THE PROGRAM:

ASCEND is a brain-based, before-school mentorship program for students. Our mission is to transform campus culture by fostering inspiration, inventiveness, connection, curiosity, and confidence through structured, neuroscience-informed activities. We work with middle school (and sometimes elementary) students in the early hours of the day to set them up for academic and personal success.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

We are seeking highly motivated and relational individuals to serve as ASCEND Mentors in Visalia, CA. This part-time role is ideal for candidates with a background (or current education) in psychology, education, counseling, neuroscience, athletic training, or similar fields who are looking to gain innovative, live experience working in classrooms and obtaining Brain-Based Learning Certification.

Mentors play a vital role in creating a safe and inspiring environment for students before the school day begins.If you are someone who is energized by working with youth, thrives in a creative and structured environment,and takes initiative in both leadership and communication - this is the role for you.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Build meaningful mentor-student relationships through daily interactions, activities, and discussions.

• Facilitate brain-based curriculum and group activities aligned with ASCEND's educational framework.

• Maintain high standards of student safety, engagement, and participation.

• Collaborate with team members and leadership in virtual meetings (ZOOM, Microsoft Teams, etc).

• Support program data tracking, case notes, and goal planning.

• Can effectively use online data tools and supply inventory.

• Highly organized and values collaboration.

• Participate in team trainings, program development, and professional development.

• Occasionally travel for paid trainings or regional meetings as needed.

This Role is a Great Fit If You:

• Lead by example. Make informed, creative pivots to the program to meet your students' daily needs while staying within the ASCEND framework.

• Communicate proactively with your team and leadership to address incidents, support peers, and meet student needs. Lead or participate in peer debriefs, small-group incident reviews, and solution planning.

• Are passionate about mentoring and innovative education, and can bring energy and imagination to your work. Can self-manage, self-initiate, and lead with empathy and clarity.

• Care deeply about student success and are eager to help shape school culture. Think creatively and don't default to "what's always been done"

• Want to continue your education in neuroscience, cognitive development, and Brain-Based Learning. Have a desire to gain valuable work experience within schools.

• Highly value collaboration with others and building lasting positive relationships with peers, students, admin, parents, and families.

• Can support student conflict resolution, engagement strategies, and team problem-solving. Help identify students who are withdrawn, struggling socially or academically, or disengaged-and guide both students and team toward meaningful support.

Required Qualifications:

• Reliable availability for additional prep hours each week. Consistent participation in virtual meetings for weekly debriefs and quarterly trainings.

• Exceptional communication skills, emotional intelligence, punctuality, and follow-through.

• Live within 30 miles of the site or less, and have reliable transportation.

• Must pass a background check and TB test (upon hire).

- CPR/First Aid and Mandated Reporter certification (can be completed after hire).

- Has education or working experience (paid or volunteer) related to the fields of: psychology, counseling, child development, education, neuroscience, organizational leadership, athletic training, or similar.

• Experience in curriculum development or youth enrichment programming

Preferred (Not Required):

• Bilingual (Spanish/English)

Why ASCEND?

We believe in moving the needle in students' lives. ASCEND is not a typical enrichment program - it's a reimagined school experience built on brain science, belonging, and mentorship. Our mission is to regulate the nervous system, relate through connection, and reason with purpose - transforming how students engage with school, and how school engages with students.

Mentors at ASCEND become champions of hearts - helping students build trust, confidence, and curiosity every morning before the bell rings. If you're looking to be part of a movement that is paving a better way to start the school day, we want you on our team.

Site Leads are the frontline champions of the mission to bring out the best in every child.

They play a valuable role in equipping students and their fellow Mentors who are working alongside you. You will receive support and training from the ASCEND Director, while also developing valuable leadership experience in team support, site management, and educational innovation. Learn more at

Value Add:

ASCEND Mentors receive paid training and certification in "Brain-Based Learning" as part of their role. This professional development equips you with the tools and research-backed strategies to become an innovative, neuroscience-informed mentor.

How to Apply:

Email your cover letter, resume, and 2 letters of recommendation to

Include the following:

• Updated resume with accurate contact information.
• A short paragraph explaining WHY you're applying for the ASCEND Site Lead role.
• 2-3 professional or character references.
• Any relevant certifications (First Aid/CPR, etc.)

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $ $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20 – 25 per week

Benefits:

• Professional development assistance

Experience:

• Education: 1 year (Preferred)

Location:

• Visalia, CA Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Visalia, CA Required)

Work Location: In person