Instructional Support Education Success Project Leader VISTA
Job Description
Education Success Project Leader (VISTA)
Background:
YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School is a nationally-recognized leader in alternative education. We help transform the lives of older (18 – 21), urban youth through a holistic approach that includes academic instruction and vocational training. Students attend YouthBuild for one year, during which they work towards earning a competency-based high school diploma and a vocational certification.
Our committed staff and talented students make YouthBuild an inspiring place to work. The school is known for its positive climate and culture. Staff and students benefit from being part of a close-knit community built through community meetings, school-wide service projects and a restorative-justice approach to discipline.
Mission:
To provide out-of-school youth in Philadelphia with the broadest range of tools, supports and opportunities available to become self-sufficient, responsible and productive citizens in their community. We develop the character, knowledge, and skills of our students so that they will succeed in top-quality colleges, trade schools and the competitive world beyond.
Responsibilities:
The Education Success Project Leader will work with YouthBuild’s academic team to increase the number of YouthBuild students who attain a diploma, and are academically prepared to be successfully placed and retained in postsecondary settings. We are seeking a college graduate, with excellent communication skills, the ability to proactively develop positive relationships, and a commitment to community engagement and education. The ideal candidate is passionate about education justice, is interested in creative thinking and problem solving, and is prepared to undertake a variety of projects to support student success.
Specifically, the Education Success Project Leader will be charged with the following:
Coordinate and enhance a volunteer program to improve student academic performance on YouthBuild’s academic curriculum (examples: tutors, mentors, teacher assistants)
Develop partnerships, curricula and programming to support students’ success on standardized tests including the TABE, SAT and community college placement tests like the Compass.
Research and support the development of curriculum and staff development opportunities that enhance the tools and skills we have for preparing students for postsecondary success.
Our twelve-month position as a Full-Time AmeriCorps VISTA Member requires that successful applicants must:
Be at least 18-years-old upon entering VISTA training. There is no upper age limit.
Be a U.S. citizen or have permanent resident status.
Not listed in the National Sex Offender Registry database as convicted of a sex-related crime.
Be in a position to offer full-time service for one year (March 24, 2017 – March 23, 2018).
Be able to exhibit previous education, training, military, or work experience, and any other relevant skills or interests necessary to perform a specific VISTA assignment.
Be willing to live among and at the economic level of the low-income people served by the project and have a desire to provide needed community services to an under-served community while receiving the following benefits: a living allowance of $949/month, an education award of $5,350 upon successful completion of term of service, loan forbearance w/ interest accrual payment, child care coverage (if applicable), and health benefits.
Understand VISTAs serve on a full-time basis and cannot be the subject of legal proceedings (civil or criminal) that may consume time needed for their assignments.
