Summer Academy Youth Counselor

Missouri State University; Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic team as a Summer Academy Youth Counselor, where your role is crucial in fostering a safe and engaging environment for young learners. This position involves supervising students, leading activities, and providing academic support while developing your own leadership and communication skills. You'll work closely with a team of educators and counselors, making a positive impact on the lives of youth from diverse backgrounds. This is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience while enjoying a rewarding summer filled with personal growth and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Must be a college/university student with a strong academic record.
• Experience working with disadvantaged youth is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Ensure student safety and well-being during activities.
• Assist with academic assignments and provide tutoring support.
• Supervise students during meals, activities, and free time.

Skills

Interpersonal Communication

Leadership Skills

Counseling Skills

Organizational Skills

Patience

Stamina

Education

Undergraduate/Graduate Student

Job description

The primary objective of the Summer Academy Youth Counselor (YC) position is to ensure the well-being of the program participants, especially in regard to safety, morale, discipline, application to studies, and interpersonal relationships within the group. Since students are minors, the program staff has the responsibility for constant and close supervision to ensure students’ well-being. Beyond supervision, staff are required to do planning and preparation, to lead or actively participate in elective courses, tutoring, and all extra-curricular activities. Unlike the position of a college RA, this job requires continuous interaction with students from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Monday-Thursday and 8:00 AM -1:00 PM Fridays with additional periodic evening activities, Residency weeks, and out-of-state overnight travel. To be most successful, YCs must be dedicated to working with the young people in their charge and have extraordinary patience and stamina. Some of the educational objectives of the YC position are to provide opportunities to develop and utilize leadership skills; to enhance skill levels in the areas of interpersonal communication and counseling; and to develop organizational and programming abilities.

Description of Primary Duties

• Maintain appropriate and professional relations with students.
• Positively reinforce appropriate behavior and restrict student behaviors that are inappropriate; respond to any student’s gross motor, verbal, or emotional behaviors which may jeopardize the safety of the student or others.
• Follow, and enforce all program and Missouri State University policies.
• Promptly communicate needs and concerns to appropriate staff.

Activities

• Monitor student progress and report to program staff.
• Create a safe and inclusive environment for students.
• Serve as a positive role model and mentor.
• Help students develop social and emotional skills.
• Work effectively with other counselors, teachers, and program staff.
• Communicate effectively with students, parents, and guardians.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings.
• Provide or assist with an elective activity and an athletic activity if applicable.
• Supervise students during all meal times, free times, elective activities, athletic activities, study hours, and weekly reward trips.
• Assist instructors as needed.
• Be on call to assist with classes or emergencies.
• Transport students as needed in MSU cars or vans if/when applicable.
• Be responsible for gathering and returning equipment, vehicles, or supplies used in program activities.
• Run errands and shop for supplies.
• Attend a required paid Summer Staff Training week, held before the start of SAA from May 22nd- May 30th.
• Attend the End of Summer Cultural Reward Trip from July 11th-14th.

Elective Courses, Open Campus, and Tutoring

• Assist students with academic assignments and test preparation.
• Facilitate study sessions and provide individualized support.
• Facilitate an elective course if applicable.
• Facilitate weekly workshops if applicable.
• Work with other staff to organize and provide Supplemental Instruction/tutoring for supervised study 1 hour each evening.
• Communicate regularly with faculty concerning Supplemental Instruction/tutoring needs and the academic progress of students.

Residency Week

• During the residency week, June 22nd-June 27th, YCs are required to live in a residence hall at Missouri State University, which provides overnight supervision for students in the program. YCs are on-call during the night hours.
• Assist with daily routines, including wake-up, meals, and bedtime.
• Supervise students during free time and evening activities.
• Be present and attentive during on-campus educational and cultural enrichment programs.
• Lead small group activities to foster teamwork and communication.
• Address student concerns and mediate any conflicts that may arise.
• Work in conjunction with other residential staff to provide personal, social, or skill development programming for approx. 20 program participants.
• Monitor conditions of the residence hall rooms and report any problems.
• Regulate student behavior and take disciplinary action according to the program Student Handbook. Communicate all problems promptly to the Program Director.
• Ensure that there is no traffic between the girls’ and boys’ dorms.

End of Summer Cultural Reward Trip

• Ensure student safety and well-being during travel and throughout the trip.
• Adapt supervision techniques to the new environment and activities.
• Assist with logistics and chaperone students during planned cultural and educational excursions.
• Build upon existing relationships with students and continue to provide support and guidance.

Minimum Acceptable Qualifications

• Undergraduate/Graduate student currently attending a college/university; strong academic record. Upper-classmen preferred.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Preferred experience working in TRIO or a TRIO-like program.
• Preferred experience working with economically and educationally disadvantaged youth.
• Preferred experience of overcoming barriers similar to those faced by program participants.
• Preferred prior campus leadership, residential advisor, or camp advisor experience. RA specific prior experience.

Additional Qualifications

Employment will require a criminal background check at University expense.

If you have questions:

Office of Human Resources
(t) 417-836-5102
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If you have student employment questions:
Student Employment Services
(t) 417-836-5627
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.