Main Function:

The role of the volunteer veteran mentor is to act as a coach, a guide, a role model, and advocate, and a support for the individuals he or she will work with.  The mentor will encourage, guide, and support the veteran as that person progresses through the court process.  This will include listening to their concerns, making general suggestions, assisting in determining where their needs may lie, and acting as a support for the veteran at a time when they may feel alone in a way that only another veteran can understand. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Attend at least one Veterans Treatment Docket court session per month; court sessions are on Tuesdays.
• Participate in and lead mentoring sessions with veterans who have come into contact with the criminal justice system.
• Be supportive and understanding of the difficulties veterans may experience.
• Assist the veterans as much as possible to resolve their concerns around the court procedures as well as interactions with the Veterans Administration system.
• Be supportive and helpful to the other mentors within the program.

Requirements:

• Be a veteran from one of the branches of the United States Military, or from one of their corresponding Reserve or Guard branches, or be in Active Duty status.  If you have been discharged, you must have an Honorable Discharge and provide a DD Form 214 stating such. 
• Adhere to all of the Cleveland Municipal Court Veterans Treatment Docket policies and procedures.
• Commit to program participation for a minimum of six months.
• Participate in training as deemed appropriate by the court throughout your time of service, and sign a confidentiality agreement.
• Not be currently on probation or parole for the conviction of any crime (felony or misdemeanor).  Have no felony or misdemeanor convictions within the past three years and be able to pass a security background check.

Desirable:

• Willing listener
• Encouraging and supportive
• Tolerant and respectful of individual differences

For more information or for an application, please contact the Cleveland Municipal Court Veterans Treatment Docket, Mentor Coordinator, Derek Moore, at (216) 664-4712.