Voyageur Outward Bound School, Instructor - Insight (Day Program) Twin Cities Center

Minnesota Council of Nonprofits; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A nonprofit organization is seeking Insight Instructors for experiential education programs in the Twin Cities. This position offers an opportunity to engage with youth, facilitating activities that promote social emotional learning while working collaboratively in a dynamic team environment. Candidates should have strong interpersonal skills, a commitment to diversity, and a foundation in experiential education principles.

Qualifications

• Ability to assess students' abilities and maintain safety.
• Experience in program delivery and curriculum design.
• Interest in working with diverse groups.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate activities focused on social emotional learning.
• Prepare and implement educational programs.
• Ensure the physical and emotional safety of participants.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Group Facilitation

Problem Solving

Adaptability

Education

Understanding of experiential education principles

Wilderness First Responder or CPR certification

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

Voyageur Outward Bound School is seeking passionate, dynamic individuals to join our team as Insight Instructors for our Twin Cities-based day programs. This is a great opportunity for emerging educators and facilitators to gain hands-on experience in experiential education while making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people.

Insight instructors oversee the safety, quality and educational effectiveness of our experiential day programs. Primary responsibilities are facilitating a variety of activities using the Outward Bound mission with outcomes focused in social emotional learning.

Instructors carry out instructor responsibilities while under the tutelage of lead instructors and other program staff. This role requires adaptability, enthusiasm, and a collaborative spirit to effectively support both program and partner objectives.

Programs typically run 4-6 hours and are offered from late September through April. Programming focuses on self-discovery, problem solving, team development, collaboration, and communication in small group settings.

The majority of our students are youth and young adults between the ages of 12 and 22. At our Twin Cities base, we primarily partner with schools and organizations that serve underrepresented and systemically excluded communities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Delivery & Implementation

• Works with instructor team and Program Management Team to design and implement experiential outdoor education programs that help students realize Outward Bound’s educational outcomes of belonging, courage, reflection and physical engagement.
• Participates in weekly program preparation to create curriculum for the week’s programs based on partner goals, age progression, activity and desired outcome.
• Instructs and facilitates lessons on interpersonal and technical skills in individual and group settings.
• Works with Logistics Program Manager to prepare, clean and organize equipment and gear.

Community Development

• Committed to actively participating in building a community where all students and staff feel a sense of belonging.
• Provide clear, effective and timely communication with co-instructor and program management team.
• Able to give and receive timely, effective oral and written feedback.
• Assist in managing student behaviors, group dynamics, and facilitating group processes.
• Acts as a role model for students by demonstrating Outward Bound’s values and SEL skills that are focused on throughout the series such as (but not limited to) effective communication, compassionate leadership, self-awareness and self-regulation.

Student Supervision & Safety

• Assist in identifying, assessing and managing environmental, physical, social and emotional risk during all course activities.
• Ensures physical and emotional safety of students and co-instructor in all course activities.
• Adhere to local operating procedures, safety policies and emergency procedures as outlined in the field staff manual
• Assist in managing student group and emergencies while on program.
• Participates in required staff training and other ongoing professional development.

Other Duties as Assigned

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES

Education & Training - Understanding of experiential education principles, curriculum design, and group facilitation strategies.

Public Safety & Security - Demonstrated ability to assess students’ ability and recognize when instructors need to intervene to maintain physical or emotional safety.

Team Orientation - Personal initiative, motivation and resourcefulness; adaptable and positive in a dynamic, team-oriented work environment.

Cultural Competency - Interest in working with a diverse group of students from varying cultural backgrounds, socio-economic classes, learning abilities, and ages.

Critical Thinking - Have ability to assess students to ensure all activities are appropriate for demonstrated experience level and desired group outcomes.

Problem Sensitivity – Ability to recognize when something is wrong or likely to go wrong, particularly related to student wellbeing or group dynamics.

Flexibility/Adaptability – Comfort with shifting conditions, changing group needs, and varied program environments.

Oral Expression – Clearly and effectively communicates with participants, partners, and peers.

SKILLS

Instructing/Teaching – Ability to clearly convey information and lead educational activities tailored to varying learning styles and group needs.

Time Management – Ability to effectively manage time during programs, transitions, and debriefs.

Judgment and Decision Making – Capacity to make sound decisions in dynamic or adverse situations, with an emphasis on student safety.

Social Perceptiveness - Awareness of and ability to interpret others’ reactions in a social setting and respond appropriately to group dynamics and individual needs.

Active Listening - Ability to listen to what others are saying with full attention and thoughtful response, showing genuine interest and building trust and engagement with students and staff.

Active Learning - Openness to feedback and a strong commitment to ongoing personal and professional development.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• 21 years of age as of start date of employment.
• Valid Driver's License (held for 5 years) that passes screening criteria.
• Wilderness First Responder, Wilderness First Aid or CPR certification (preferred).
• Able to work: Mid-September to April and participate in all required trainings.
• 40 + days facilitating team-building, high ropes experience, Outward Bound or other experiential education experience (preferred).

WORK CONDITIONS

• Must be able to participate in all site and course activities and maintain ample energy, strength and focus to aid students and instructors, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• On feet for most of the day, can be up to 9 hours.
• Constantly works in outdoor weather conditions, occasionally during poor weather.
• Comfortable (or willing to learn) driving a box trailer and canoe trailer throughout the Twin Cities metro area (urban driving).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift, carry and move up to 40 lbs.
• Able to participate in all site and course activities (including but not limited to climbing, canoeing, cross country skiing, hiking) as needed and maintain ample energy, strength and focus to aid students and instructor with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Know own strengths, limitations and needs, and productively manage personal stress and energy.
• Mental resilience sufficient to endure occasional physically and/or emotionally difficult situations, including but not limited to: working with staff, students, partners, chaperones or parents in emotionally charged circumstances.
• Reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform essential functions. If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application.