SIP COUNSELOR

MISSION STATEMENT: Oliver Scholars prepares high-achieving Black and Latinx students from underserved New York City communities for success at top independent schools and prestigious colleges. We provide crucial support for our Scholars so they can realize their full potential and ultimately give back to the city, the nation, and the world.

JOB TITLE: SIP Counselor

REPORT TO: Director of Academic Affairs

DEPARTMENT: Academic Affairs

POSITION TYPE: Seasonal part-time — Summer

FLSA: Exempt

SUMMARY: Oliver Scholars seeks high school seniors and college students 18 years of age or older to provide management support for the Summer SIP (Scholar Immersion Program) for rising eighth and ninth grade students. All applicants must have proof of completed Covid-19 vaccination. SIP equips middle school students with mindsets and practices to flourish at rigorous independent high schools. Counselors will coordinate with teachers to support instruction, and function as academic and social advisors to middle school students. Under the leadership of the Director of Academic Affairs and classroom teachers, the Counselor will ensure an environment of community, safety, accountability, discipline, and fun for students. This position reports to the Director of Academic Affairs and is an excellent opportunity to experience various aspects of scholarship, youth development and rare managerial experience with an educational nonprofit organization.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• June to August 2024; support, design, and administer instructional and community activities. The role entails 5 weeks at a day school in NYC and 1 week at a boarding school in MA, for which Oliver Scholars will provide transportation and room & board.
• Follow, communicate, and enforce community expectations and guidelines aligned with the SIP Handbook.
• Promote an inclusive community experience. 
• Communicate and partner with Oliver Scholars administrators and faculty to ensure student safety and wellbeing.
• Partner with Oliver Scholars administrators and faculty to proctor tests, plan lessons, substitute teach, co-teach classes, and grade assignments.
• Plan and administer elective courses, homeroom curriculum, and SIP community events.
• Attend classes as assigned (History, Math, Writing, etc.) 
• Assist faculty in monitoring student attentiveness, behavior, and progress during classes
• Work with students both 1:1 and in small groups as directed by Oliver Scholars administrators and faculty.
• Supervise homeroom, lunch, study hall, and office hours.
• Guide students and facilitate learning in study hall and office hours
• Check in with students and offer support in managing their various responsibilities
• Supervise activities inherent to day and boarding school life, which includes leading on- and off-campus activities and managing dormitory life, such as enforcing curfew and lights out. 
• Mandatory attendance at orientation sessions, faculty meetings, program planning meetings, and SIP staff meetings.
• Other duties, as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Proof of completed Covid-19 vaccination booster. Individuals are considered fully boosted for COVID-19 two weeks after receiving an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine that follows a two-dose series (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) or two weeks after receiving an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine that follows a single-dose course (Johnson & Johnson [J&J]/Janssen). 
• Overall GPA 3.0 or above
• Previous youth experience preferred
• Leadership experience a plus 
• High level of maturity, responsibility, and accountability
• Outstanding speaking, writing, and editing skills
• A flexible, creative individual able to find alternative ways to connect with students
• Emotionally mature with a good sense of humor and the flexibility and sensitivity to work with diverse personalities and situations
• A “doer” with a willingness to work hands-on in developing and executing a variety of activities
• A good listener who is comfortable receiving feedback

DESIRED COMPETENCIES

• Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and ethically; upholds organizational values.
• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; willing to learn new techniques and procedures; Manages competing demands; changes approach or method to best fit the situation; able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Innovation & Initiative - Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities.
• Planning/Organizing & Project Management - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget.
• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; listens to others without interrupting; keeps emotions under control; remains open to others' ideas and tries new 

COMPENSATION: Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. Salary is $4,300. 

VACCINATION STATEMENT

We are committed to ensuring our office and alternate educational and event locations are safe for employees and the constituents we serve. The policy of the organization requires all employees to be vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 to safeguard the health of our employees, visitors, partners, and the constituents we serve.

EEO

Oliver Scholars is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.