Job: Mentor
Job Description
Job Type: Part time, Hourly
Wage: $18-$20/hr.
Location: Salida, CO.
Job Description:
HOURS: 3-20 hours/week, based on successful candidate’s availability
COMPENSATION: $18-$20/hour, based on qualifications/experience (see additional benefits below); Achieve also welcomes volunteer mentors
SCHEDULE: Morning and/or afternoon shifts, 1 to 6 days/week, flexible based on successful candidate’s interest
SUMMARY OF POSITION: Achieve, Inc. provides innovative opportunities for individuals with neurodivergent and mental health challenges in rural Colorado to cultivate meaningful job and life skills. Brew & Bloom is a year-round social enterprise coffee shop that provides paid, hands-on job-skills training for program participants (“Achievers”). The Job Skills Mentor works alongside Achievers during coffee shop shifts to model tasks, provide guidance, and reinforce workplace behaviors and life skills. Mentors create structure and predictability, adapt instruction to individual needs, and help Achievers build confidence in a supportive, inclusive environment. Mentors are friendly, encouraging, and approachable, while maintaining a professional trainer/mentor role (not a peer or social buddy). This includes using Achieve-approved communication channels, protecting confidentiality, and following clear professional boundaries.
WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS:
• Breaks down tasks into teachable steps and reinforces learning through practice, checklists, and positive feedback.
• Promotes an inclusive, judgment-free atmosphere and supports Achievers in navigating customer and team interactions.
• Communicates observations to program leadership so supports and accommodations can be adjusted in real time.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
A. Job-Skills Support (Coffee Shop Tasks)
• Assist Achievers in learning and performing coffee shop tasks (e.g., beverage preparation, basic food prep, cleaning, stocking, dishwashing, and customer service).
• Break down complex tasks into manageable steps; demonstrate processes clearly and verify understanding.
• Model safe and efficient work habits, including proper use of equipment and tools.
• Support Achievers with taking orders and processing payments (POS), including dietary restrictions and customizations.
• Support opening/closing routines, daily setup/takedown, cleaning, restocking, and basic inventory tasks (e.g., cups, lids, coffee beans, syrups, pastries).
• Coach Achievers on product quality and consistency by following recipes and standards.
B. Life-Skills Coaching (Workplace Success)
• Reinforce soft skills such as communication, time management, problem-solving, and self-advocacy.
• Support Achievers in navigating social interactions with customers and team members (greeting, tone, repair after mistakes, handling feedback).
• Help Achievers practice coping strategies for stress, sensory overload, or unexpected changes, using approved support strategies (e.g., asking for clarification, requesting a break, using a checklist).
C. Inclusive Mentorship and Accommodations
• Adapt teaching methods to accommodate sensory, communication, attention, or processing differences.
• Use visual supports, checklists, timers, structured routines, and clear expectations to reduce anxiety and increase predictability.
• Provide positive reinforcement and constructive feedback in a respectful, encouraging manner.
• Escalate requests for additional accommodations or support needs to the Program Director/Manager.
D. Progress Tracking and Communication
• Observe performance and document progress using Achieve's tracking tools (as assigned).
• Flag challenges, barriers, or safety concerns promptly and share relevant observations with program leadership.
• Help Achievers set short-term goals and track progress toward shared job-skills and life-skills outcomes.
• Participate in brief check-ins or debriefs with the Manager/Assistant Manager and Program Director to align strategies and goals.
E. Safety, Cleanliness, and Professional Standards
• Follow all health, food safety, and sanitation procedures; model cleanliness and safe work habits for Achievers.
• Maintain a calm, respectful presence and de-escalate conflict using approved approaches; seek assistance from the Manager/Assistant Manager when needed.
• Protect confidential participant information and follow Achieve policies regarding privacy and documentation.
F. Professional Boundaries and Mentor Conduct
• Maintain a professional mentoring relationship focused on training and skill-building; be friendly and supportive while avoiding a peer or social 'buddy' dynamic.
• Use Achieve-approved communication channels for participant-related communication; Program related texting is permitted (e.g., quick questions, schedule/logistics, clarification on tasks, or when an Achiever feels unsafe), provided communications remain respectful, professional, and aligned with Achieve guidelines.
• Maintain communications that are appropriate and time-bound (e.g., within reasonable hours when possible) and loop in the Program Director when a situation involves safety concerns, significant personal issues, or ongoing support needs.
• Do not connect with Achievers on personal social media accounts or engage in one-on-one socializing outside of program activities without approval from the Program Director.
• Avoid conflicts of interest with Achievers (e.g., financial relationships, lending/borrowing money, gifts, housing arrangements).
• Mentors should not provide transportation to Achievers without approval from the Program Director. However, in an emergency or immediate safety situation, a mentor may provide transportation when no safer/appropriate option is available, and must notify the Program Director as soon as possible and follow any documentation/reporting procedures.
• Set and maintain appropriate boundaries regarding personal disclosures; keep conversations age appropriate, workplace-appropriate and supportive without becoming the Achiever’s primary personal support person.
• Promptly report boundary concerns, repeated requests to blur boundaries, or any situation that feels unsafe or inappropriate to the Program Director.
G. Other Duties
• Attend training sessions and staff meetings as requested
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience
• Required: Ability to work in a fast-paced, public-facing environment while modeling professionalism and calm communication.
• Preferred: Experience in hospitality, food service, retail, education, coaching, or training.
• Preferred: Experience working with neurodivergent individuals and/or people with disabilities.
Skills & Qualities:
• Passion for mentoring neurodivergent teens and adults; ability to motivate, support, and empower Achievers.
• Empathy, patience, and a strengths-based approach to coaching.
• Clear, calm communication and ability to explain tasks step-by-step.
• Positive reinforcement mindset; ability to give respectful, constructive feedback.
Problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills appropriate for a public-facing environment.
• Ability to learn and follow coffee shop procedures, including basic beverage preparation, food prep, and cleaning routines.
• Ability to handle sensitive information responsibly and maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
• Technology comfort using basic apps/tools for communication and progress tracking.
Required Licenses, Certifications, and Equipment:
• Working cellphone and ability to reliably access the scheduling/timekeeping system and training tools as needed.
• Must complete Achieve training on neurodiversity-informed coaching and professional boundaries within 30 days of hire.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS: This position takes place in a fast-paced coffee shop environment. Requirements include:
• Ability to read and interpret printed materials (e.g., safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals) and computer screens.
• Ability to perform basic math for orders and transactions as needed.
• Hearing ability sufficient for customer interactions; noise levels are moderate.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 30 pounds.
• Frequent standing for extended periods (approx. 45%) and walking (approx. 50%), with occasional sitting (approx. 5%).
• Occasional stooping, kneeling, balancing, reaching, crawling, crouching, and other light physical tasks commonly associated with food service.
• Mental focus for problem-solving, decision-making, and real-time coaching in a public environment.
• Ability to manage stress related to deadlines, public interaction, and mentoring/coaching.
ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS: Reports to the Program Director. Receives on-shift direction from the Coffee Shop Manager and/or Assistant Manager. Provides coaching and task support to Achievers but does not have responsibility for hiring/firing, formal discipline.
BENEFITS IN ADDITION TO COMPENSATION: Paid sick leave is provided in accordance with Colorado law. Employees are eligible for a 3% employer match to a SIMPLE IRA (or similar plan) after 90 days of continuous employment, subject to plan requirements. Benefits, waiting periods, and eligibility requirements are governed by Achieve policies and applicable plan documents, which may be updated from time to time. Volunteer mentors are welcomed and will receive training; volunteer roles are unpaid and are not eligible for employee benefits.
TO APPLY: Submit resume, brief cover letter, and application (available on Achieve’s website). Applications reviewed on a rolling basis until filled.
**Disclaimer: The duties and responsibilities described above are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the employee, time to time; the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands. Click “View Application” below for more detail on this specific job.