Senior Counselor

LEAP is seeking local college and graduate students to apply for our Senior Counselor position for the after-school program. Senior Counselors lead a group of 10 to 20 children as their counselor, teacher, mentor and positive role model while they develop academically and socially. Senior Counselors are the center of the LEAP experience for their children, and they must demonstrate the highest level of commitment.

Each Senior Counselor teaches and supports a group of children and youth between the ages of seven and twelve (7-15) with homework assistance, literacy-based curriculum, and a range of extracurricular activities (i.e. swimming, computer science, creative writing, arts and craft, etc). Counselors receive support to create, implement and participate in daily activities to encourage their youth’s academic, social, emotional and physical development.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

● With supervision, create and implement exciting curriculum, including literacy and educational activities;

● Collaborate with their Junior Counselor on the implementation of curriculum, classroom management and enrichment opportunities for children;

● Provide regular cultural and social development activities for children;

● Assist children with their homework and tutor them in difficult academic subjects;

● Assist in planning opportunities for children to learn outside of the classroom;

● Accompany children on small neighborhood trips and visits to local cultural institutions;

● Lead group in completing a final semester-long project to be presented to the community;

● Build strong, trusting relationships with children’s parents/guardians;

● Maintain regular contact with LEAP administrative staff; and

● Participate in training and professional development sessions, as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

● Currently enrolled in an institution of higher education as an undergraduate or graduate student

● For undergraduate applicants: a GPA of 2.5 or higher required

● For graduate student applicants: good academic standing in your graduate degree program

● Experience working with children preferred, but not required

● Belief in the importance of educational opportunities for developing young leaders from low-income communities

● Commitment to working with others to inspire social change through education and service

● Excellent verbal and written communication skills

● Ability to stay organized and to multi-task

● Ability to speak Spanish a plus, but not required

TIME COMMITMENT AND PROGRAM DATES:

The LEAP after-school program runs in the Fall and Spring semesters, Monday through Thursday from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. There are bi-weekly paid team meetings and professional development workshops on Fridays from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, as well.

Senior Counselors can arrive 15-30 minutes late or leave 15-30 minutes early at the start and end of specific days but only for academic reasons (classes, recurring meetings with professors or advisors, etc.). They will need to provide proof of these scheduled classes or meetings.