Academic Support (AmeriCorps)

JVC Northwest; Sitka (AK); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest is seeking a Residential Life Counselor at Mount Edgecumbe High School in Sitka, Alaska. In this role, you will support and mentor students from various communities, fostering a safe and engaging residential environment. The ideal candidate is passionate about youth mentorship, education, and cultural humility.

This immersive position involves daily interactions with students, academic support, and community-building activities. Flexibility and commitment to relational service are essential in this unique educational setting.

Qualifications

• Experience working with adolescents in educational or residential settings.
• Ability to pass a background check and complete required training.
• Commitment to cultural humility and community learning.

Responsibilities

• Support and mentor students in a residential environment.
• Engage in community-building and relationship-building activities.
• Provide academic support and supervision in various settings.

Skills

Mentorship

Cultural humility

Education support

Community building

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Opportunities to serve with JVC Northwest exist in the five beautiful states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska in remote, rural, and urban settings. Click the pins to read about each locale.

Jesuit Volunteers also have the opportunity to serve in other US regions through our sibling organization, Jesuit Volunteer Corps.

Below is a list of opportunities organized by location and by category of service. As part of your application to become a Jesuit Volunteer, we’ll ask about your service preferences, but we ask all applicants to be open to where the need is greatest, and we may ask you to consider options you had not initially thought about. Visit the JV Experience to learn more about the application process and please contact us if you have any questions.

Children and Families, Indigenous Communities, LGBTQIA2S+ communities, Teens/At-Risk/Opportunity Youth, Individuals with mental illness

Other Issues and Roles

Teen/At-Risk/Opportunity Youth Services, Mental Health Social Services

Brief Position Description:

Live and serve in one of the most unique educational communities in Alaska as a Jesuit Volunteer Residential Life Counselor at Mount Edgecumbe High School in Sitka. Support and mentor students from more than 100 rural and Alaska Native communities through residential life, study hall, cultural activities, outdoor adventures, and day-to-day community living.

This immersive position is ideal for someone passionate about youth mentorship, education, cultural humility, and relationship-centered service in a dynamic boarding school environment. Join a close-knit residential community while helping students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally in a place defined by rainforest, ocean, and strong community connection.

Day in Life of JV

A typical day for a Jesuit Volunteer/AmeriCorps member at Mount Edgecumbe High School (MEHS) would center on building relationships with students and helping create a safe, supportive, and engaging residential community. No two days are exactly alike, but each day would involve a combination of mentorship, academic support, supervision, and community-building activities.

A JV/AmeriCorps member might begin the afternoon by checking in with residential staff and meeting briefly with their supervisor to review the day’s schedule, student concerns, upcoming activities, or ongoing support needs. Weekly one-on-one supervision meetings with the Residential Life Director or designee would typically last approximately one hour, with additional informal check-ins occurring throughout the week.

As students return from classes, the JV/AmeriCorps member may spend time connecting with students in the dorms, helping create a welcoming environment where students feel comfortable seeking support. One student may need help organizing assignments or preparing for an exam, while another may simply need someone to talk to about homesickness, stress, or adjusting to life away from home.

During evening study hall, the JV/AmeriCorps member may tutor students, encourage productive study habits, and coordinate with teachers or residential staff regarding academic concerns. After study hall, the member might organize a recreational activity, cultural event, movie night, outdoor walk, or wellness-focused community activity designed to strengthen student connection and belonging.

Throughout the day, the JV/AmeriCorps member would collaborate closely with residential advisors, counselors, teachers, coaches, nursing staff, administrators, and other student support personnel to help ensure students are receiving consistent care and encouragement.

Evening responsibilities may also include conducting room checks, helping maintain residential expectations, supporting students during conflicts or emotional challenges, and providing a steady, caring adult presence during the hours when many students need the most support. The service is relational, flexible, and deeply rooted in community, mentorship, and service.

Required & Preferred Skills

Education Requirements:

Bachelor's Degree

Driver's License Requirement: Yes

Vehicle Requirement: A vehicle owned by your organization or program

Nature of Driving: Daily, no more than 5 miles, 12 passenger van

Spanish Language Requirement: No requirement other than English

Preferred Spanish Language Level: No requirement other than English

Additional Languages and Level Preferred:

Required experience, qualities, or specialized training: Bachelor's degree by the start of the service term, or equivalent life and work experience. Experience working with adolescents in a school, camp, ministry, mentoring, coaching, or residential setting. Ability to pass a background check and complete mandatory-reporter and child‑protection training. Demonstrated commitment to cultural humility and to learning from communities different from one’s own.

Preferred experience, qualities or specialized training: Background in education, social work, youth ministry, psychology, recreation, or a related field. Experience with Alaska Native communities, rural communities, or boarding‑school environments. Experience leading outdoor or cultural programming. Familiarity with trauma‑informed practice and restorative approaches to conflict.