Basic Function

U.S. Dream Academy seeks to create engaging and effective Learning Centers in partnership with local schools, where children in grades K - 8 participate in daily after-school programming designed to assist with their academic and social development. Youth also participate in field trips and other enrichment activities based on their interests. Under the direction of the Center Director, the Program Assistant is responsible for assisting with the implementation of the daily after-school program, including implementing high-energy and effective academic enrichment, skill-building, and character-building activities for elementary and middle school youth, as well as various administrative tasks to ensure the smooth and safe operation of the Learning Center. To perform this job successfully, the Program Assistant must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the competencies, knowledge, skills, abilities, and education required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must have a pleasant attitude;
• Passion for working with youth;
• Ability to communicate effectively with both children and adults;
• Understand issues surrounding incarceration and the impact on families;
• Ability to lead youth through structured activities and provide academic enrichment;
• Classroom management experience and strategies;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Ability to manage multiple tasks/projects to meet simultaneous deadlines and
• Demonstrated proficiency in MS Office applications, Google Suite, database and spreadsheet software, Internet and social media applications.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation of resources and materials for daily lesson plans, activities, and other coordinated projects:
  • Prepare and distribute snacks as instructed;
  • Complete weekly documentation of food services/snacks;
• Assist with transitioning students through activities;
• Ensure student safety and provide supervision of students at all times;
• Assist with student’s homework, multimedia courseware, and other activities;
• Regularly update attendance in Salesforce;
• Assist with managing student behavior;
• Ensure student work areas and common areas are clean and free of clutter; and
• Ensure that instructional supplies are in stock (paper, pencils, art supplies, etc.).
• Assist in delivering the daily curriculum which encompasses the Dream Academy’s three core elements of student enrichment; skill-building, character-building, and dream-building, sometimes leading a group of students and sometimes in collaboration with other staff, volunteers or vendors.
• Assist with implementing pre- and post-academic assessments.
• Assist with generating academic assessment reports using Achieve 3000.
• Maintain accurate filing system (student registration, mentor applications, etc.) as directed.
• Assist with preparing students to meet with mentors, ensuring virtual and in-person meetings occur in a quiet space with any needed equipment (laptop, headphones).
• Monitor daily attendance records, mentor session attendance, daily sign-in sheets, and other student files as required by the Center Director.
• Monitor the efficient functioning of computer software applications and hardware, promptly report problems, and assist with alternate plans to work around technology issues.
• Assist the Center Director with student recruitment initiatives (e.g., DALC special events, community, and school events).
• Attend and supervise youth during any field trips or off-site activities.
• Attend annual National Staff Training conferences.
• Support Center Director with collection of report cards, school day attendance, standardized test scores, and parental consent forms as needed.

Job Requirements

• Must be passionate about youth development; and support and work with youth in high risk communities and their families.
• Must have personal transportation with a non-suspended driver’s license.
• Must have experience working with pre-teens and/ or teens.
• Flexible and able to work the hours necessary to complete all assignments according to agreed-upon timelines; and can demonstrate leadership ability when an assignment or deliverable needs to be renegotiated.
• Organized, efficient, and able to successfully function in a fast-paced and demanding work environment supporting multiple key staff.
• Exceptional ability to write clearly, effectively, and informatively, demonstrating accuracy and thoroughness.
• Understand issues surrounding incarceration and the impact on families.
• Working knowledge of “best practices” in the field of youth development.
• Able to effectively manage competing demands and multiple tasks/projects and meet deadlines on time and within budget.
• Ability to use MS Office applications, databases, and spreadsheet software.
• Proficient in internet navigation and social networking technology.
• Proficient in data collection, data entry, and documentation.
• Possess critical thinking skills to analyze and proactively question and offer recommendations.
• Demonstrate professionalism, political savvy, and skills to ensure that all tasks and deliverables are completed in an efficient, timely, and high-quality manner.

Education and Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent;
• 2 – 3 years’ experience working with children in an academic setting;
• Previous experience working with children who live in at-risk communities; and
• Previous clerical experience.