Program Description: LEAP for Education works in partnership with Salem Public Schools to offer summer programming for middle school students. The Expanding Horizons Summer program in Salem works to prevent summer learning loss through fun hands-on learning that helps students explore their interests and develop social emotional and critical thinking skills. Project-based learning (PBL) opportunities in a variety of subject areas are offered in the morning to provide academic support and collaborative learning opportunities focused on big questions. During the afternoons, students participate in enrichment classes in the arts, sports, and hands-on science/STEM activities. In Summer 2024, the program will be working with students in groups of 16-18 (total of 100 in the program).

Job Description: Behavior and Academic Support Specialists are essential in supporting students and assisting Lead Facilitators and the Site Coordinator in the day- to-day operations of the program. Specialists will provide behavior and academic support for students in their assigned cohort, assist group leaders with leading games and activities to build students’ social emotional skills, assist Lead Facilitators with learning activities, and collaborate with Lead Facilitators on the development and consistent use of behavior expectations and positive behavior supports. Behavior and Academic Support Specialists will build strong positive youth-adult relationships. Behavior and Academic Support Specialists will be assigned to primarily support one or two groups of 16-18 students in the mornings and in the afternoons.

The majority of our students are bilingual (Spanish and English) and many are currently identified as English learners. We need 1-2 Spanish speaking Behavior and Academic Support Specialists to help support students with limited English proficiency.

Program hours: The summer program runs from 8:30 - 2:30 (staff on site from 8:15-2:50) on Monday-Thursday for 5 weeks from July 8-August 8. Specialists will occasionally be asked to stay late or come early for team meetings. Some professional development will be provided prior to program start. All meeting and training time will be paid.

Job Responsibilities:

• Aid students in transition from home to program, addressing any needs or concerns students identify.
• Support Group Leaders with facilitating welcoming routines/rituals and assisting with student check-in at the beginning of day.
• Identify and facilitate games and activities for students that build SEL and communication skills, develop peer and adult-peer relations, and offer opportunities for fun.
• Supervise student breakfast and lunch breaks and work with group leaders to organize and facilitate activities after/before lunch.
• Support and build in accommodations for students on IEPs and Behavior Plans.
• Provide one-on-one and small group support to students.
• Work with individual students on self regulation strategies (as needed).
• Support students in following the program’ rules and safety procedures.
• Assure all students are learning, have a voice in decisions, and are having fun.
• Communicate specific student needs to Site Coordinator.
• Participate in staff training on June 20 (possible half day at end of June) and in periodic staff meetings (dates TBA).

Job Requirements:

• Must have earned a HS diploma or GED and have at least 2 years of previous experience working with youth in an in-school, out-of-school time or camp setting; some college education strongly preferred
• Experience supporting students in educational settings to help increase focus, self regulation, and learning
• Proficiency in Spanish required
• Experience working with middle school youth from diverse backgrounds, preferred, not required
• Proven ability to engage, motivate, and inspire students to learn
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and be flexible
• A successful candidate will be motivated and proactive in engaging the students

Affirmative Action Policy: It is the policy of LEAP for Education to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Americans with Disabilities Act: LEAP for Education complies with all aspects of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state disability laws. This means that we will not discriminate against qualified individuals with a disability in any phase of the employment relationship including application for employment, hiring, promotions and/or advancement opportunities, termination, compensation, training and any other conditions or privileges of employment.

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: $30.00 per hour

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Weekdays

Work setting:

• In-person

Experience:

• working with youth: 2 years (Preferred)

Language:

• Spanish (Required)

Work Location: In person