Mentor-Elementary-Elmhurst

Mentor for Elementary School Program, Elmhurst, Queens (Part-Time Position) South Asian Youth Action (SAYA)

Are you interested in a career in education? Do you want to gain professional skills? As a Mentor at South Asian Youth Action (SAYA), you can gain valuable experience in youth development while developing professional skills transferable to any setting. SAYA is committed to providing its employees opportunities for growth and room for creativity in a supportive community environment.

SAYA: Belong. Grow. Thrive.

Organization Description

Established in 1996, SAYA is a 501(c)3 youth development organization providing valuable life skills and holistic, impactful programming to underserved New York City youth. As one of the first South Asian organizations created in the United States, SAYA is the only organization of its kind in the NYC metropolitan area providing inclusive and secular comprehensive youth development services while centering our community’s experiences.

Our continued mission is addressing the critical need for culturally-affirming resources, mentorship, and academic support outside the classroom for low-income, immigrant youth. In order to meet these needs, all of our programs provide meaningful guidance to prepare for and complete educational transitions, including elementary to middle, middle to high school, and high school to college - as well as equipping youth for careers. Our consciously designed offerings provide ongoing individually adapted support and navigation during high school years, including throughout the college application process. During their time at SAYA, youth build vital social and emotional learning (SEL) and academic skills, as well as a sense of belonging and community which will help them thrive throughout their journeys.

Position Summary

As a Mentor for Elementary/Middle School Programs, you will design an engaging and intellectually stimulating experience for students while supervising and ensuring the safety of the youth under your care. You will develop a rapport, provide guidance, serve as a role model for youth and assist the Activity Specialist during program activities.

Reports to: Program Director

Compensation: $22-$24 an hour, commensurate with experience and qualifications. T his is an in-person position for the school year from September through June with potential rehire for summer and the following school year.

Responsibilities

• Create a fun, safe, and structured environment for youth which is inclusive to all youth, parents, staff, and key stakeholders.
• Plan, develop and implement age-appropriate curriculum including interactive challenging activities and games that enable the youth to develop core competencies and social emotional skills.
• Manage classroom and maintain positive learning environment
• Provide assistance with homework and encourage academic progress; feel comfortable providing homework help
• Actively monitor and engage youth during all program activities including meals, transitions, field trips, clubs, program activities, recreation and dismissal.
• Provide guidance, problem-solving facilitation, and behavior modification direction.
• Serve as a role model for youth by demonstrating professional language and behavior.
• Develop positive, caring relationships with young people and their families.
• Use youth development principles to improve program quality and support youth’s growth.
• Collaborate and communicate constructively with supervisory staff and team members.
• Ensure proper care of all spaces and materials, organize room and report any misused or damaged materials to the Program Director.
• Complete and submit in a timely manner all program reports relative to this position, including but not limited to: supply request, lesson plans, incident reports, attendance, snack count and timesheets.
• Actively participate in training and professional development opportunities to continuously improve on program quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or current college students preferred; high school diploma or equivalent required.
• Prior experience working with school age children required.
• Interest and experience in youth development, academic enrichment and creating interactive, educational/artistic activities.
• A genuine enthusiasm for developing professional skills through training opportunities and field practice.
• Comply with School Age Child Care (SACC) requirements including background check and medical clearance.
• Bilingual (Spanish) is considered a plus.

Key Competencies

Ideal Candidate Will Excel In The Following Areas

• Communication: The candidate will have the ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of people including youth, teachers, school administrations, parents, and other staff. They will be able to work as part of a team with the school community and other SAYA programs. They will be able to consider situations from multiple perspectives in order to avoid and manage conflict.
• Flexibility: The candidate will be comfortable adapting to changing circumstances. They will be able to work with youth of various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.

SAYA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer