SOAR Counselor Job Description

SOAR Counselor Job Description

SOAR for Youth, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was established in 2009 to provide high-quality support, opportunities, and rapport that foster youth would have otherwise received from their parents. SOAR helps foster youth move through adolescence and into their adult lives with confidence and independence. Through a four-year summer residential pre-collegiate program and additional years of sustained support, SOAR teaches, coaches, and counsels our young people in academics, life skills, leadership, emotional intelligence, and career development. This is where YOU come in play!
We are currently hiring COUNSELORS for Summer 2020!

Counselors are the “heart & soul” of the Summer Academies and Staying Connected Events, and in every case will determine each youth’s degree of enjoyment of, as well as benefit from, the SOAR Program. Counselors work to help facilitate a positive academy experience for youths in their care. All Counselors are expected to model positive conflict resolution skills, participation in academy activities, and a positive attitude. Our staff-to-youth ratio is at least 1:4 so that Counselors may work with youth one-on-one when the need arises.

Counselor Responsibilities:

• Be responsible for the health and well-being of the youths in your care, as well as the safety of the whole academy community
• Model positive behavior at the academy, encouraging positive conflict resolution, appropriate hygiene, respect for academy rules, etc…
• Be responsible for the youth’s “pass off” from one class/activity to the next
• Respect the rules and expectations set by the Staff/Lead Counselor and support the activity by modeling participation
• Supervise and lead/participate in evening social activities (9 – 11pm)
• Communicate any serious threats to the Lead Counselor and find ways to mitigate the threats
• Support all SOAR program staff and Lead Counselor
• Any violent or illegal activities on academy property that are prohibited in the Memo of Understanding are considered serious threats – this includes using drugs or alcohol, a serious fight, bringing knives or weapons

Counselor Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Pass a Live Scan and Criminal Background Clearance Check through DOJ
• Ability to Work with Youth
• Positive Attitude and Respectful Demeanor
• Active/Current CPR and First-Aid Certified through Accredited Organization
• Positive Reference Checks
• [Preferred] Car with Clean Driving Records
• [Preferred] Prior Working Experience with Foster Youth
• [Preferred] Conflict Resolution Skills
• [Preferred] Bachelor’s Degree or Higher/Licensed in Social Welfare, Psychology, Mental Health, Drama Therapy, etc…

SOAR for Youth Summer 2020 Opportunities

Counselor Positions:
All Counselor Rates Start at $15.50/hour (Depending on Experience)

Day Counselor:
Stay with SOAR Youth during the day, including all meals, during the evenings, and sleep overnight in the dorms.
–  Sunday: ~2pm – 10:30pm
–  Monday – Friday: 7:30am – 6:30pm and 8:30pm – 10:30pm*
–  Saturday: 7:30am – 12pm
* Evening Hours Vary Slightly from Academy to Academy

Evening Counselor:
Work with SOAR Youth during the evening, dinner (not time) paid for arrivals at 5:30pm sharp, no overnight required.
–  Sunday: ~2pm – 10:30pm
–  Monday – Friday: 6:30pm – 10:30pm (Complimentary Dinner at 5:30pm)
–  Saturday: 10am – 12pm

Overnight Awake Counselor (Stipend, Depending on Experience):
Stay awake in the dorm to keep a watchful eye on youth overnight to ensure safety. Walk between dorms at least hourly.
–  Sunday – Friday PM: 10:30pm – 7:30am

Summer 2020 Academy Dates:

Sunday 6/14 – Saturday 6/20 – SOAR to College (4th Year)
Sunday 6/21 – Saturday 6/27 – Time to SOAR (3rd Year)
Sunday 7/5 – Saturday 7/11 – Learn to SOAR (2nd Year)
Sunday 7/26 – Saturday 8/1 – Prepare to SOAR (1st Year)

Summer 2020 Positions Available:

Sunday 6/14 – Saturday 6/20 – SOAR to College (4th Year)
– Evening Counselor
– Overnight Awake Counselor (2nd/Backup Position, Tentative)

Sunday 6/21 – Saturday 6/27 – Time to SOAR (3rd Year)
– Day Counselor
– Evening Counselor
– Overnight Awake Counselor (2nd/Backup Position, Tentative)

Sunday 7/5 – Saturday 7/11 – Learn to SOAR (2nd Year)
– Day Counselor
– Evening Counselor

Sunday 7/26 – Saturday 8/1 – Prepare to SOAR (1st Year)
– Day Counselor
– Evening Counselor

Interested to Apply or Questions?

Email a Cover Letter (Including Why SOAR), Resume, Role/Academy Availability, and Completed SOAR for Youth Employment Application to richard.yu@www.soarforyouth.org!