Academic Coach

TRAILS Ministries, Inc; Beaver Falls (Beaver County); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

TRAILS Ministries, Inc in Beaver Falls, PA, seeks a part-time after-school program assistant to support kindergarten through fifth grade with academic, social-emotional, and creative learning. You will transport children using TRAILS vehicles, provide targeted tutoring, and foster independence, curiosity, and resilience in a safe, inclusive environment.

This role partners with Neighborhood North Museum staff to deliver engaging activities 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays

Qualifications

• High school diploma preferred.
• Education, training, or coursework in education, child development, youth development, ministry, psychology, or related field preferred but not required.
• Valid Driver's License and ability to be added to TRAILS' Vehicle Insurance.

Responsibilities

• Safely transporting children from school to Neighborhood North Museum of Play and then home.
• Provide age-appropriate academic assistance in reading, writing, mathematics, and homework completion for students in grades K-5.
• Provide individual and small-group coaching based on students’ learning styles, developmental needs, and areas of strength.
• Encourage positive learning habits, curiosity, confidence, perseverance, and a growth mindset.
• Support students in developing independence, problem-solving skills, and effective approaches to learning.
• Collaborate with TRAILS and Neighborhood North Museum staff to align activities with program goals and student needs.
• Maintain a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and structured environment for students at all times.
• Provide consistent supervision of students throughout program activities, transitions, arrival, and dismissal.

Skills

Verbal and Written Communication

Dependability

Creativity/Problem Solving

Professionalism

Attention to Detail

Collaboration

Education

High school diploma preferred

Education/child development coursework preferred

Valid driver's license

Job description

Summary:

The primary purpose of this position is to provide academic, developmental, social-emotional, and creative learning support to kindergarten through 5th grade students participating in the after- school program at the Neighborhood North Museum. This position goes beyond traditional homework assistance by fostering academic growth, positive relationships, social-emotional development, creative problem-solving, and healthy learning habits through intentional observation and developmentally appropriate learning and play experiences. Transporting the children will be required with TRAILS vehicles.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Safely transporting children from school to Neighborhood North Museum of Play and then home.
• Provide age-appropriate academic assistance in reading, writing, mathematics, and homework completion for students in grades K-5.
• Provide individual and small-group coaching based on students’ learning styles, developmental needs, and areas of strength.
• Encourage positive learning habits, curiosity, confidence, perseverance, and a growth mindset.
• Support students in developing independence, problem-solving skills, and effective approaches to learning.
• Assist in developing and implementing creative, developmentally appropriate activities and lessons that foster:
  • Problem-solving and decision-making
  • Emotional intelligence and self-regulation
  • Communication and teamwork
  • Imagination and creativity
  • Resilience and leadership
• Collaborate with TRAILS and Neighborhood North Museum staff to align activities with program goals and student needs.
• Encourage learning through play, exploration, creativity, and hands-on experiences.
• Maintain a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and structured environment for students at all times.
• Provide consistent supervision of students throughout program activities, transitions, arrival, and dismissal.
• Remain attentive to indicators of abuse, neglect, trauma, or concerning or unhealthy behavior patterns.
• Communicate effectively with program staff and leadership regarding student needs, observations, concerns, and program activities.
• Assist with program setup, cleanup, transitions, and other tasks necessary to support the overall flow and effectiveness of the program.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise appropriate professional judgment when working with students and families.
• Consistently uphold the mission, values, and standards of TRAILS.
• Perform other duties as needed.
  

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities):

• Verbal and Written Communication
• Dependability
• Creativity/Problem Solving
• Professionalism
• Attention to Detail
• Collaboration

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

This description is representative of requirements that must be met by an employee to successfully perform essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Incumbent will operate in an active after school program environment.
• May require periods of standing, walking, sitting, bending, reaching, and moving between activity areas.
• May occasionally require assisting with setup, cleanup, materials, and classroom or activity spaces.
• May be required to use a computer with keyboard, telephone or handheld mobile device for extended periods of time, and office machinery as needed.
• Individual may occasionally be required to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Incumbent must be able to read, see, hear, and speak English.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work:

This is a part-time position; typical hours are Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays, 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM.

The program is expected to run 24 weeks.

Education, Certification(s), and/or License(s) Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent is preferred.
• Education, training, or coursework in education, child development, youth development, social work, ministry, psychology, or a related field is preferred but not required.
• Valid Driver's License and ability to be added to TRAILS' Vehicle Insurance.

Other Requirements:

• Experience working with elementary-aged children in an educational, mentoring, ministry, museum, youth-serving, or similar setting is strongly preferred.
• Follow mandated reporter requirements and all TRAILS policies and applicable state guidelines related to child safety, documentation, and reporting concerns.
• Completed required child safety and mandated reporter training.