Visual Arts Program Instructor

Job Title: Visual Arts Program Instructor

Reports to: Visual Arts Specialist

FLSA Status/Hours: Non-Exempt/Up to 40 hours per week

A Place Called Home is a dynamic, non-profit youth and community center in South Central Los Angeles. APCH provides educational programs, counseling, mentoring, music, dance and art classes, fitness and health and wellness opportunities. As youth participate in our programs, they discover interests and talents and develop a better sense of themselves and their place in the world around them. Our goal is to increase the likelihood that youth will stay in school, pursue higher education, attain viable jobs, and become active community members capable of making positive change in the world in which they live. 

SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Visual Arts Specialist, the Visual Arts Program Instructor will ensure program execution aligns with department goals, strategy, budget and expectations. 

The Visual Arts Program Instructor develops and administers program and agency goals, REACH objectives, agency best practices, and program efficiencies. The Visual Arts Program Instructor  designs and  implements innovative engaging hands-on, arts activities and community opportunities for APCH members

PROGRAM INSTRUCTION & CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT 

• Facilitate and lead Visual Arts classes in various visual arts disciplines (Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Mixed Media, Printmaking, Textile Art, etc)
• Facilitate art workshops and classes during the school year (August-May)

• Conduct specialty visual arts camp(s) and/or provide visual arts dosage to support general day camp(s) during the summer months (June-July)

• Implement high quality and engaging exposure based lesson plans for different ages (elementary, middle school, teen) and levels (beginner, intermediate, advanced)
• Ability to create their own lesson plans and curriculum to teach various levels and interests in visual arts in alignment with the VA Specialist.
• Ensure curriculum is responsive to members’ interests, culturally relevant, and incorporates a variety of instructional techniques and tools (e.g. project-based learning, independent assignments, group projects, etc.) Will evaluate success through surveys and youth feedback
•  Provide classroom and project management
• Serve as a mentor and role model for members
• Curate talent for the annual Gala and culminating event
• Ensure cleanliness and maintenance of the Visual Arts Programming Area

ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES 

• Track attendance and program participation within the Visual Arts program
• Maintain accurate inventory of art supplies and materials including submitting orders
• Support the Visual Art Program Specialist and Associate Director of ACE on internal projects, culminating events and with outside partners
• Assist in developing/planning program work plans, monitoring program progress, and regularly reporting updates on program activities 
• Collaborate with other departments (Wellness, TYAS, Educational Services) to support multidisciplinary activities
• Collaborate with the other ACE programs departments on culminating events and special projects
• Foster strong relationships within the local neighborhood and broader arts community to cultivate valuable resources, partnerships, and opportunities that enrich the program and support the growth and development of our members.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Attend all required program meetings (Department meetings, Check-in with Supervisor, etc.) and attend outside meetings and events related to program needs and development
• Work with the APCH programs team to enforce center rules and policies
• Assist with the supervision of the Visual Art Program studio during administrative and program hours
• Assist with the supervision of members during program hours, special events and field trips
• Adhere to agency behavioral guidelines when responding to members and mentor through actions, dress code and language to encourage participation that promotes non-competitive and non-confrontational engagement
• Prepare and submit all paperwork in a timely manner (Monthly reports, assessments, etc.)
• Contribute to ongoing development of program elements and policies 
• Adhere to the highest ethical and professional standards and values at all times
• Perform other tasks as assigned by supervisor and/or Associate Director of ACE

To perform this important job successfully, the Visual Arts Program Instructor must be able to fulfill all of the elements of the Job Description to the highest standard, and be able to work well with colleagues in a high energy, collaborative environment with open communications. The ideal candidate will embrace the APCH culture of a learning organization and strive to constantly improve upon systems and services for the benefit of employees and our constituents; and will be demonstrably committed to their own ongoing personal and professional development. All employees are expected to contribute to ongoing growth and improvement in their departments via excellent job performance. Additionally, you are expected to speak up if you become aware of deficiencies and needs; and to offer solutions and make suggestions for improvements in your purview areas. Likewise, because each employee and each department is integral to the entire APCH community, we expect that as you focus on your area, you will also consider the big picture and the overall mission of the agency, and communicate with the appropriate individuals if/when you become aware of problems and/or have suggestions for ways and opportunities to make APCH stronger and better. Together, we can continue to take APCH to even higher levels of excellence and service to the community.

Technical and Performance Skills

Excellent Oral and Written Communication Skills 

Professionalism

Customer Service 

Time Management

Ability to multitask

Flexibility

Mission-Driven

Dedicated to excellence

Detail-Oriented

Resourceful

Innovative and Creative

Bilingual (Spanish/English) Preferred

G Suite Proficiency

Adobe Creative Suite Proficient

Education/Training/Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in Art or Art Education preferred

2 years experience working with youth in a classroom setting

Intermediate to Advanced knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud

Physical and Mental Demands

• Able to work in a dynamic and high noise level environment typical of a youth center
• Walking, standing required on daily basis
• Sitting and use of hands/vision for computer work for extended periods of time
• Lift up to 25 pounds occasionally
• Able to communicate and convey accurate information
• Type 45WPM

Additional Information

Willingness to work extended hours and weekends when necessary

Ability to work independently

Must work well with diverse populations of colleagues and constituents

A Place Called Home provides equal opportunities to all employees and independent contractors without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including but not limited to pregnancy), gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, military and veteran status, medical condition, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, national origin, age, physical and/or mental disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, A Place Called Home complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

Please let us know if you are an APCH Alumni/ae

Background screening required

A Place Called Home participates in E-Verify

Salary : $22 - $24