(RAY) REENTRY ACTION FOR YOUTH

Job Announcement

Date: 6/15/2026

Agency: Champions In Service

Job Title

Role Full-Time “Mentor”

Hourly Range: $28.85 - $30.21

Opening Date: 6/15/2026

Closing Date: Until Filled

Open Positions: 1

SUMMARY STATEMENT:

The Reentry Action for Youth (RAY) Program is a vital initiative of the Los Angeles County Department of Youth Development that supports justice-involved youth and young adults ages 12 to 25 as they transition back into their communities. The program serves individuals exiting Probation Department facilities, girls and gender-expansive youth, young adults, and those referred by defense counsel, the Courts, the Probation Department, or DYD facility staff. Youth under community supervision may also participate when they can benefit from RAY’s trauma responsive and supportive services. Led by mentors with lived experience in the justice system, the program focuses on empowering youth and young adults of color and others who face barriers to accessing services. Through equitable prevention, early intervention, and reentry support, RAY promotes positive outcomes in education, employment, personal development, and community reintegration. Program staff work closely with the Chief Operating Officer and the RAY Program Manager to ensure effective service delivery and successful achievement of program goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Assessment and Planning:

Conduct thorough assessments of youth to identify needs, strengths, and barriers to successful reentry.
Develop individualized service plans that align with the goals of the RAY Program, ensuring they are tailored to each participants unique circumstances.

Direct Support:

Provide case management services that include resource coordination, advocacy, and emotional support to facilitate the successful reintegration of youth into their communities.
Connect youth with various resources such as educational opportunities, vocational training, mental health services, and mentorship programs.

Collaboration and Referrals:

Collaborate with defense counsel, the District Attorney’s Office, Probation, the Courts, and community partners to ensure seamless referrals and transitions for participants entering the program.
Engage with families and community organizations to build a robust support network around each youth.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

Regularly monitor participants progress toward their goals, adjusting service plans as necessary based on ongoing assessments and feedback.
Collect and maintain accurate documentation of case notes, outcomes, and other relevant data to evaluate program effectiveness.

Advocacy and Empowerment:

Advocate for the rights and needs of justice-involved youth and young adults at all levels, ensuring they have access to necessary services and support.
Empower participants through skill-building workshops, counseling sessions, and access to mentors with lived experience in the justice system.

Cultural Competency:

Approach all interactions with cultural sensitivity and an understanding of the challenges faced by youth of color and those from marginalized communities.

Promote an inclusive environment that respects and values diversity among program participants.

Mentorship, Case Management, and Reentry Navigation Services Caseload Management:

Maximum of 10 cases per Mentor.
Proactive engagement to maintain full caseloads.
Notification to Program Manager if caseloads fall below 6 to increase referrals.

Services for Youth Participants:

Intake Assessment: Conducted during enrollment to create an individualized care plan, with reassessments every six months.
Ongoing Contact: Active participants will be maintained on caseload for 6-12 months, with the possibility of service extension upon DYD approval.

Contact Requirements:

Minimum of two weekly contacts (one in person) for each participant. All interactions must be documented, and care plans should be updated based on progress. Participants can only be discharged when they are gainfully employed or enrolled in an educational/vocational program, with documentation noted in case files.

Reentry Navigation and Supports:

Connection to supportive services, including:

Substance use and mental health treatment,
Housing resources,
Maintenance of social services.
Family counseling.
Financial literacy education.
Legal support.
Appointment accompaniment.

Adherence to Guidelines:

The Case Manager must follow DYD’s program guidelines on referrals, outreach, intake, enrollment, caseload management, supportive services, collaboration, and administrative obligations.

Monetary Incentives for Program Participation:

The Mentor shall provide youth participants with monthly monetary incentives to encourage active engagement and participation. The monthly amount shall not exceed two hundred dollars ($200) per youth, with a lifetime maximum amount of two thousand, four hundred dollars ($2,400) per youth.

Qualifications & Experience:

A background in social work, psychology, or a related field, with experience working with justice-involved youth preferred.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and trust with youth, young adults, and their families.

Knowledge of community resources and a commitment to helping youth break the cycle of involvement in the juvenile/criminal legal system.

Additional Requirements:

Lived Experience: Must have been incarcerated in the criminal justice system.
Education & Experience: High school diploma and case management experience or equivalent.
Adaptability and Professionalism: Ability to work effectively within program requirements.
Legal Eligibility: Permanent resident or U.S. citizen with proof of work eligibility.
Driver’s License: Must have a valid California Class C Driver’s license and be willing to transport clients to appointments or deliver goods.
Independent Case Management and Deadline Adherence: Demonstrated ability to manage a caseload effectively with minimal supervision, ensuring timely completion of tasks and meeting established deadlines. Skilled in prioritizing competing demands while maintaining quality service delivery.
Proficient in Case Management Software and Computer Operations: Experienced with utilizing case management software to track and document client interactions, progress, and outcomes. Comfortable with basic computer operations, including data entry, report generation, and general software navigation, ensuring smooth workflow and accurate record keeping.
Insurance and Vehicle: Must have an appropriately insured vehicle.
Bilingual (Spanish): Preferred, but not mandatory.
Preferred Experience: At least 2-3 years of experience working with juvenile justice-involved community as of the date of application.

By fulfilling these responsibilities, the Mentor will significantly contribute to the mission of the RAY Program, helping justice-involved youth and young adults navigate their pathways to success and reclaim their futures.

Mentor

About the Job