VOLUNTEER TO BE A CLASSROOM MENTOR
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Our mentors work once a week in a classroom with the students that need extra support. Teachers in both regular classrooms and in academic recovery classes request the support of our mentors to help students that are falling behind. See our current openings.
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Can't mentor but want to help? - we're looking for volunteers to help with social media and community outreach - contact [email protected] |
PROSPECTIVE MENTORS - WHAT TO EXPECT
Getting Started
- After we receive your Mentor Application, we will schedule a short interview to review your information and determine if we have openings that match your interest and availability.
- Complete a liability waiver form and we'll start you on the Department of Justice (DOJ) clearance process. Clearance requires fingerprinting at a location near you. See below for more information about the process.
- Upload TB test results. See below for more information about the test requirements.
- Attend a mandatory 2 hour Oakland Serves training session
- You must complete Mandated Reporter training if you work with us for more than one semester
Fingerprinting for DOJ/FBI clearance
Fingerprinting is required by the FBI/DOJ when working with minors and must be specifically obtained for Oakland Serves. Fingerprints obtained previously to work with another organization cannot be accepted by Oakland Serves.
Steps to complete the fingerprinting process
Step 1: After the interview, a link will be sent to register at BeAMentor. The Live Scan Fingerprint Form must be completed.
Step 2: An appointment is made with a Live Scan service provider. We recommend Certifax facilities; find a location near you.
Step 3: Bring the form (paper or on a phone) and a drivers license or equivalent form of identification to the appointment and pay the fingerprinting fee. Fees may vary with location.
Step 4: A notice of clearance will be sent when review is complete.
Steps to complete the fingerprinting process
Step 1: After the interview, a link will be sent to register at BeAMentor. The Live Scan Fingerprint Form must be completed.
Step 2: An appointment is made with a Live Scan service provider. We recommend Certifax facilities; find a location near you.
Step 3: Bring the form (paper or on a phone) and a drivers license or equivalent form of identification to the appointment and pay the fingerprinting fee. Fees may vary with location.
Step 4: A notice of clearance will be sent when review is complete.
TB Testing Requirements
Proof of a negative tuberculosis (TB) test must be provided to BeAMentor after registration at their site. Test results are valid for 4 years. Previously obtained results are acceptable.
There are 4 ways to provide evidence:
A TB test can be obtained through a health care provider or another apppropriate clinic. The Alameda County Public Health Department provides a list of TB test sites in the county.
The provider should be called beforehand to verify appropriate test, cost, and appointment times.
There are 4 ways to provide evidence:
- A satisfactory Risk Assessment carried out by a Health Care Provider if a negative TB test has previously been obtained.
- Skin Test: An intra-dermal injection of the serum from a licensed health care professional. The test must then be read by health care provider 48-72 hours later.
- Blood Test: A blood test from a licensed health care professional. This requires a referral from a health care provider.
- Chest X-Ray: Seek this option if there is a documented history of positive TB test or TB disease.
A TB test can be obtained through a health care provider or another apppropriate clinic. The Alameda County Public Health Department provides a list of TB test sites in the county.
The provider should be called beforehand to verify appropriate test, cost, and appointment times.
Mandated Reporter Training
California law requires mandated report training for volunteers that work with minors over 32 hours per year. Mentors who work with Oakland Serves more than one semester, are required to be obtain certification via this approximately 2 hour online training.
Your Safety as a Mentor
Your health
- Tuberculosis: All personnel that work with OUSD students are required to have a recent (within 4 years) negative TB test.
- Covid-19: OUSD schools follow California Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidelines for Covid procedures.
- General: Unless required by CDPH or CDC, wearing masks is discretionary.
- All personnel that work with minors are required to have their fingerprints on file with the FBI and DOJ.
- Federal law requires all paid employees to have received Harassment Training.
- Every OUSD school has a School Site Safety Plan.
- All schools have on-site parking areas
- Oakland Serves is not liable for any injuries or damage that occur at the school site or traveling to or from the school.
- You are responsible for your behavior on school grounds. Oakland Serves is not liable for unsafe or illegal actions of mentors.
