Van Driver/Mentoring Assistant

STARS; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

STARS in Pasadena seeks a Van Driver/Mentoring Assistant to safely transport K–5 students between partner schools and Stars sites, while also providing mentoring support during transitions. The role emphasizes maintaining a welcoming, safe environment and modeling positive behavior for youth.

Responsibilities include vehicle inspections, log maintenance, and coordination with staff for transportation to events and field trips.

Qualifications

• Dependable and punctual with driving schedule
• Experience working with youth or in educational settings preferred
• Spanish-speaking ability is highly desirable and helpful

Responsibilities

• Safely transport K–5 students between partner schools and Stars program sites.
• Operate a 10-passenger Stars van in compliance with traffic laws and safety policies.
• Assist with mentoring activities and youth supervision during transport and site transitions.
• Maintain vehicle cleanliness and accurate driving/mileage logs.
• Provide transportation for staff, youth, volunteers, and community partners as needed.

Skills

Reliable and punctual

Interpersonal skills

Spanish-speaking ability

Ability to work with youth

Authorized to work in the UnitedStates

Job description

Description

TITLE: Van Driver/Mentoring Assistant

CLASSIFICATION: This position is classified as a non-exempt, part-time, hourly position.

COMPENSATION: $21.00 per hour

HOURS: 12 - 15 hours per week

About the Organization

Stars provides a variety of college preparatory, educational, and wellness-focused programs to youth in the Pasadena area. Our mission is to affirm, equip, and embolden students for a life of success by surrounding them with an inclusive support system of peers, mentors, and caring adults.

Stars takes a whole-student approach to youth development. In addition to academic and college-readiness support, we prioritize mentorship, social-emotional learning, wellness, and community connection. Through partnerships with schools, families, and community organizations, Stars helps youth develop the confidence, resilience, and life skills needed to thrive.

About the Position

The Van Driver / Mentoring Assistant is responsible for safely transporting K–5 students from partner schools to Stars program sites while also serving as a supportive mentoring presence for youth during transportation and program transition periods.

This role plays a key part in ensuring students experience a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment as they transition from school into Stars programming. In addition to transportation responsibilities, this position assists with mentoring activities, youth supervision, and program support.

The Van Driver / Mentoring Assistant interacts directly with youth and is designated as a Mandated Reporter under California law.

Schedule

Tuesday 7:00 AM to 11:00AM , 2:00 PM to 4:00PM, Wednesday-Thursday 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, working 15 hours per week

Schedule may vary slightly based on school dismissal times, program needs, or traffic conditions.

Primary Responsibilities

Transportation Responsibilities

• Transport students safely and punctually from partner schools to Stars program sites.
• Operate a Stars 10-passenger van in compliance with all traffic laws and organizational safety policies.
• Conduct basic pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the vehicle.
• Maintain accurate driving and mileage logs.
• Report all vehicle maintenance needs or safety concerns promptly.
• Follow all Stars transportation policies and safety procedures.
• Pick up weekly food distribution items as directed by staff.
• Assist the Stars organization with transportation and logistical support for organizational projects.
• Provide transportation for staff, youth, volunteers, and community partners when needed.
• Transport youth, staff, and volunteers to events, Stars program sites, and field trips.
• Assist the Community Engagement Coordinator with transportation needs for community events and outings.
• Transport Stars equipment, office supplies, and program materials to various locations as needed.

Student Support & Mentoring Responsibilities

• Serve as a positive adult presence and mentor for students during transportation and program transitions.
• Model respectful behavior, kindness, and appropriate boundaries with youth.
• Support staff in maintaining a safe, calm, and welcoming environment during pick-up and drop-off.
• Encourage positive peer interactions and reinforce program expectations.
• Assist program staff with basic student supervision when students arrive at program sites.
• Support students’ social-emotional development by modeling patience, encouragement, and respectful communication.
• Communicate student concerns or behavioral observations to program staff when appropriate.
• Lead a weekly boys group providing mentorship and structured support for participating youth.
• Demonstrate the ability to mentor and supervise youth in school and program settings.
• Communicate important information regarding student behavior, participation, or safety to parents and caregivers when appropriate.
• Follow all Stars mentoring program policies, procedures, and program structure.
• Complete required mentoring training and certifications as assigned.

Youth Development Competencies

The Van Driver / Mentoring Assistant contributes to the positive development of youth by demonstrating competencies aligned with youth development best practices and program outcomes.

Key competencies include:

• Relationship Building: Establish supportive relationships that foster trust and belonging.
• Positive Youth Development: Encourage youth strengths, confidence, and self-awareness.
• Role Modeling: Demonstrate responsible behavior and positive decision-making.
• Youth Engagement: Promote participation, teamwork, and inclusive peer interactions.
• Social-Emotional Support: Recognize basic emotional needs and communicate concerns to program staff.
• Professional Boundaries: Maintain appropriate adult–youth boundaries in accordance with organizational policies.
• Cultural Responsiveness: Respect and affirm diverse backgrounds and identities.
• Observation and Communication: Share relevant student information with supervisors as required for safety and program success.

Community Engagement & Partnership Support

Stars believes strong communities are built through collaboration with families, schools, and community partners.

The Van Driver / Mentoring Assistant supports this mission by:

• Assisting staff with transportation and logistical support for community events and outreach activities.
• Supporting transportation for community programs, field trips, and partner collaborations.
• Helping create a welcoming experience for families, volunteers, and partners.
• Demonstrating professionalism when interacting with school staff, families, and community partners.
• Supporting transportation and logistics for food distribution, wellness initiatives, and community resource programs.
• Representing Stars in a manner consistent with the organization’s mission, values, and youth-centered culture.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Dependable and punctual with the ability to consistently meet the driving schedule.
• Valid California Class C driver license with completion of van safety certification (training provided by Stars), or a valid California Class A or B driver license.
• Ability to safely operate a 10-passenger van.
• Acceptable driving record as determined by Stars and its insurance carrier.
• Experience working with children or youth in educational, mentoring, recreation, or community settings preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact positively with youth.
• Ability to model patience, respect, and positive communication.
• Spanish-speaking ability is highly desirable.
• Authorization to work in the United States as required by federal law.

Safety, Wellness & Trauma-Informed Culture

Stars is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and trauma-informed environment for youth, families, and staff.

The Van Driver / Mentoring Assistant supports this commitment by:

• Prioritizing physical safety and emotional well-being in all interactions with youth.
• Demonstrating calm communication and de-escalation strategies when responding to student behavior.
• Supporting environments that promote belonging, dignity, and respect.
• Recognizing that students may experience stress, trauma, or adversity, and responding with patience and empathy.
• Following all Stars safety protocols, youth protection policies, and transportation procedures.
• Participating in required safety, youth protection, and mandated reporter training.
• Immediately reporting any safety concerns or incidents according to organizational policy and California law.

Mandated Reporter & Background Requirements

• This position is designated as a Mandated Reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA).
• Required to complete mandated reporter training upon hire and as required thereafter.
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of required background screenings, including DOJ/FBI Live Scan fingerprinting and DMV driving record review.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Ability to work around students, including sitting, standing, kneeling, running, and climbing stairs for extended periods.
• Ability to see, hear, and respond quickly to situations and alerts.
• Ability to work in environments with moderate to high noise levels.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds on Tuesdays and other occasions
• Exposure to varying weather conditions during student pick-up and drop-off.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and maintain written records.
• Ability to use basic technology, including computers, keyboards, and mobile devices.