Facilitator

NATIONAL CARES MENTORING MOVEMENT| THE RISING

• Multiple CARES markets across the United States -(NY, CA, WA, IL, MI, GA)
• Part-time independent contractor
• 2026–2027 program year

National CARES Mentoring Movement seeks RISING Wellness Mentoring Circle Facilitators in participating communities. Assignments depend on approved partner sites and program needs.

The Opportunity

Facilitators lead one-hour Wellness Mentoring Circles using the RISING curriculum. They create a safe, structured setting for discussion, reflection, relationship building, and positive youth development. The market RISING Program Manager coordinates assignments and implementation support.

What You Will Do

Lead one to four assigned weekly circles, each for approximately 24 active program weeks, during school or partner-site hours.

Use the approved curriculum with fidelity while adapting activities to group needs; engage assigned mentors in circle activities.

Prepare materials and the circle space, record attendance and session notes in SmartSuite, document follow-up, and reset the space after each delivered circle.

Promptly report safety concerns, significant behavioral concerns, and students of concern under CARES procedures.

Complete required onboarding, monthly Program Manager check-ins, a midyear refresher, and closeout activities.

Qualifications

At least three years of group facilitation, wellness circle, counseling group, or comparable youth development experience.

Experience with young people in under-resourced schools or communities; strong group dynamics, de-escalation, youth engagement, and professional boundary skills.

Licensed or credentialed social worker, counselor, psychologist, educator, or comparable qualified youth wellness professional preferred. Provide applicable credentials and professional liability insurance as CARES requires.

Current CPR and First Aid certification; ability to complete background screening and partner-site clearance requirements.

Ability to use SmartSuite or comparable digital tools and availability for weekday site programming and required training.

Schedule and Compensation

Approved, documented services actually completed are compensated at $70 per hour. Each delivered one-hour circle may include up to one additional approved hour for related preparation, documentation, setup, reset, and circle-specific follow-up. Undelivered sessions are not billable. Additional circles or hours require advance written approval. Specific terms are governed by the executed consulting agreement.

Bilingual ability may be preferred for assignments where it helps participants and families engage; it is not required for every opening.