Literacy Counselor

Parks & People•Baltimore, MD

About The Position

Parks & People works to sustain and improve Baltimore’s parks and open spaces through public-private partnerships. Since 1984, P&P has a history of making investments in green park projects to revitalize neighborhoods and is a major provider of programs to allow children, youth and adults to learn, grow and explore their natural environment. Our vision is to ensure that everyone in Baltimore is connected to nature, their community and each other through vibrant parks and green spaces. SuperKids Camp is a six-week academic enrichment program designed to help elementary school-aged students in Baltimore City improve or maintain their scholastic skills during the summer months. We focus our efforts in the following areas — reading, environmental literacy, character development, basic math skills, and fostering an appreciation of the environment through hands-on learning and field trips. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITY: This position is responsible for delivering a high-quality literacy focused summer program for Baltimore City elementary-aged students, ultimately improving reading and math skills while increasing environmental literacy and exposure to the natural world as a part of SuperKids Camp. The Counselor also ensures safety and welfare of a class of 15-18 students.

Requirements

Prior experience in education or working with youth enrichment programs
Knowledge of different learning styles and methods of content delivery
Knowledge of special education laws and regulations
Ability to make accommodations for the diverse learner
Ability to deliver and differentiate lesson plans and instructions appropriate for grade level
Ability to connect and communicate with youth
Good oral/written communication skills
Outstanding human relation skills needed to inspire and motivate students
Good time management skills needed to handle multiple, concurrent classroom activities which serve the needs of students
Ability to develop goals and objectives appropriate for each student’s performance level
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others

Nice To Haves

Background or strong interest in education (elementary, special, secondary, environmental) or other related field
Experience with working with youth in special education or youth who read below grade level
Previous P&P summer programs experience given consideration
Working knowledge of the Google Suite, including Google Classroom
Working knowledge or fluency of another language, especially Spanish or French

Responsibilities

Delivery of Instruction
Deliver interactive, literacy-based lessons and math review lessons provided by Parks & People, to SuperKids campers
Conduct daily delivery of social emotional check-ins and outdoor character education activities
Engage students around environmental stewardship and encourage positive behaviors
Assign tasks to the Counselor Intern, youth workers and volunteers that involve assistance with lesson delivery and classroom management
Ensure adherence to schedule through smooth and timely transition between daily activities
Take and submit daily attendance; document and report to Site Coordinator; make daily phone calls to parent/guardian of absentees as appropriate
Assist enrichment providers with planned activities
Manage classroom in accordance with camp guidelines and Parks & People policy
Complete bi-weekly academic & behavioral reports, pre- and post- camp assessments; submit to the Academic Mentor or Site Coordinator, as assigned. Maintain records including student performance, disciplinary actions taken, and other reports as requested.
Attend and participate in staff planning meetings
Participate in other camp activities as requested and as appropriate to position
Be a positive role model for campers and demonstrate good environmental stewardship
Other duties, as assigned
Supervise Participants
Ensure that all students are actively engaged in the learning process
Utilize positive behavioral and classroom management techniques
Ensure students behave in a safe, respectful, and orderly manner
Supervise students on planned field trips, outdoor exploration experiences and enrichment activities
Assist in meal distribution and clean-up, if applicable