Afterschool Program Instructor - Building Blocks for Success Afterschool Program (Allegheny County)

The Homeless Children’s Education Fund (HCEF) is currently seeking candidates for Afterschool Program Instructor positions in the Building Blocks for Success Afterschool Program at our partner agencies in Braddock and Pittsburgh. Applicants with a teaching certification are preferred. All applicants must possess current Act 33/34 and FBI clearances.

Principle duties – Instructors report to the Homeless Children’s Education Fund as well as the staff at the shelter. The instructor is responsible for developing individual tutoring plans for children, assisting children with homework assignments and literacy skills development, providing guidance to afterschool volunteers in serving the literacy needs of children, and planning one-on-one and small group activities appropriate to an academically oriented afterschool setting. Hours vary by location but generally occur Monday through Thursday between 3:45 and 6:00. Anticipated number hours worked is between 9-12 weekly. This is a part-time contract position.

Responsibilities:

Homework Help

Creating a positive learning environment using resources available at the shelter

Assisting students with homework assignments and projects

Literacy Development

Fostering student’s interest in reading and helping them to develop literacy skills through a diverse range of activities, including but not limited to:

· playing literacy-based games

· reading books, magazines, and other literature appropriate to the client’s age and reading level

· creative writing activities

· reader’s theater

2. Data Monitoring

Collecting student data and completing all required program documentation, including monthly reports, in a timely manner.

Working collaboratively with agency staff and the HCEF Literacy Consultant to develop individual tutoring plans for each child in the program to guide parents and volunteers in developing student’s literacy skills/reading abilities.

Ensuring that student timesheets are filled out accurately and consistently.

3. Parent Engagement

Communicating with parents about children’s academic progress, participation and behavior via meetings and and/or written notes on an ongoing basis

4. General Responsibilities:

Working

Providing feedback to HCEF Manager of Educational Programs on a monthly basis or as needed regarding program and Learning Center needs.

Sharing best practices and tutoring tips with HCEF staff, volunteers, and fellow Afterschool Instructors at different HCEF program sites by attending monthly meetings and through social media

The Reading Tutor will work to represent the mission of the HCEF at all times.

Qualifications:

Minimum of 3 years’ experience teaching/leading afterschool programming
Knowledge of and experience administering literacy assessments for grades K-6 strongly preferred
Sensitivity to unique needs of students experiencing homelessness, including confidentiality
Previous experience working with at-risk youth strongly preferred
Creativity and ability to foster a love of reading in children of all ages
Ability to build positive relationships with students, parents, shelter staff and program volunteers
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Understanding of the significance of afterschool programming in the lives of underserved children and proven ability to provide a safe, structured and enriching afterschool environment
Flexibility and a willingness to work with a constantly fluctuating population.

TO APPLY:

Please submit a current resume and cover letter to Laura Bailey, Education Program Manager by email at lbailey@homelessfund.org or by fax at (412) 562-1109. Candidates who are selected for an interview will be notified by September 1, 2012. No phone calls at this time please.