Title: Summer Support Specialist (grades 3-8)
Hours: 8:15am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday, June 26th-August 18th
*no work the week of July 3rd-7th
Paid Stipend for Staff Training Dates: June 21st - 23rd
Type: Full Time- Seasonal
Salary: $20 per hour
Saturday Academy seeks a broad spectrum of employees that reflect our community and those we serve. Saturday Academy is strongly committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment. Qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. This position is available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, political affiliation or religion. We provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals. Saturday Academy is an equal-opportunity employer.
BACKGROUND:
Founded in 1983, Saturday Academy (SA) is a nonprofit educational organization that helps thousands of youth experience hands-on learning with community experts in a way that enriches young lives and develops a life-long curiosity and passion for learning. Saturday Academy offers classes, summer camps, and afterschool programs throughout the Portland Metropolitan area (grades k-12) as well as a state-wide high school internship program placing students in some of Oregon’s most well-known businesses. We inspire children to pursue their curiosity, but concentrate our programming on topics in science, technology, engineering, arts and math. Saturday Academy strives to make our programs accessible to all and as an organization values Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Quality Programming/Student Experience, A Growth Mindset, Our Staff and STEAM.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
Saturday Academy is looking for individuals who have a passion for supporting Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and the Arts (STEAM) based educational opportunities and experiences, and who value reducing barriers to access through STEAM-educational opportunities for youth. As a Saturday Academy Support Specialist you will be responsible for supporting both campers and Educators. Support Specialists are an integral part of making sure campers have successful outcomes throughout all parts of their camp experience. This position is responsible for cultivating a safe and functional environment for the learning and development of every camper, with special attention to the well-being and needs of each individual. Support Specialists are empowered to assist Educators in implementing pre-written curriculum and classroom management strategies.
Close coordination and communication with Educators and Saturday Academy internal staff is essential to the success of our summer camps.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
Provide supportive and compassionate classroom management strategies throughout programming with a focus on addressing individual needs.
Assist in facilitating age appropriate-hands-on activities for campers.
Opportunities to lead in activities within camp classroom spaces (as requested by educators) and during all camp gatherings
Support a variety of activities that range from low to high impact, that can span in subject areas from mixed-media art projects to science and engineering experiments to outdoor sports and games.
Maintain high levels of engagement and exude positive energy throughout the day.
Provide for the well-being and safety of campers by meeting physical and emotional needs in compliance with the state and Saturday Academy’s policies
Communicate with the Lead Support Specialist regarding any needs, concerns, etc.
Model full engagement of activities for campers, participating and demonstrating throughout the day.
DESIRED SKILLS OR EXPERIENCE:
Passionate commitment to the transformative power of hands-on learning
Experience working with diverse populations of youth in one or more of the following: childcare, before or after school programming, summer programs, schools or other capacities
Exemplifies a high level of patience and understanding with any emotional and physical needs of youth that may arise
Positively supports inclusion in all forms: ethnic, gender, gender identity, religious/spiritual affiliations, disabilities, political perspectives, etc.
Strives for excellence, is self-motivated and able to problem solve. We appreciate folks who meet challenges as opportunities.
Possesses strong oral communication skills
Thinks strategically, acts resourcefully, and makes decisions with conviction
Exhibits a strong work ethic and personal integrity, and can remain enthusiastic and successful in a fast-paced work environment
Shows strong interpersonal skills, a sense of humor, and the ability to network and build lasting relationships
Works well independently and as part of a cohesive team
Fully vaccinated
Possess reliable transportation or means of transport to join us on-site at The University of Portland
TO APPLY:
Send cover letter reflecting how you meet the required/preferred qualifications and a resume to teach@saturdayacademy.org
Use the subject line “YOUR NAME- SUPPORT SPECIALIST Application”
Review of applications and interviews will occur on a rolling basis. The deadline for application is Friday, May 26.
For further information visit our website at: www.saturdayacademy.org.
BENEFITS:
Eligibility for Sick Leave Accrual during the course of this contract that can be accessed during the 2023-2024 school year, contingent upon continued employment with Saturday Academy
Opportunities for Professional Development on July 6th and/or July 7th
A competitive hourly rate for services rendered.