Seasonal Program Coordinator

AFS-USA is part of a worldwide network of AFS partner organizations that work together to advance global education and foster meaningful connections across cultures. As the network’s largest partner, AFS-USA works to increase the global competency of U.S. citizens by providing a variety of international and intercultural learning experiences to individuals, families, schools, and communities. We are proud of our Staff from our national office in New York City as well as home offices across the county, who collaborate with our more than 2,000 AFS-USA Volunteers to deliver high quality programs and global education resources. These include immersion-based study abroad experiences in over 40 countries worldwide; opportunities to host foreign AFS exchange students; and global learning workshops and curricula for educators, schools and businesses.

OVERVIEW:

The AFS Global STEM Changemaker Academies program in Houston, Texas is sponsored by bp and brings diverse young people between the ages of 15 to 17.5 from around the world to the University of Houston campus. For nearly four weeks, participants will engage in STEM thematic study, sustainability-focused activities, and intercultural learning. Participants for the 2024 Houston Academy are expected from Azerbaijan, Brazil, China, Egypt, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Kingdom for a total group size of approximately 30 students.

The Program Counselor (PC) lives in the dorm and interacts with the participants from June 29th to July 28th, 2024. Due to its live-in nature, the PC position requires a willingness to be called into service at any time to meet participants’ needs. PCs will undergo on-site training before the students arrive on July 2nd. In addition to participating in communications from AFS-USA and/or the Academy Director, PCs are also expected to come prepared for the program by thoroughly reviewing a Staff Handbook prior to training.

EXPECTATIONS:

The Program Counselor (PC) is expected to:

• Serve as a role model and abide by all University of Houston and AFS program policies, including COVID-19 protocols. 
• Adopt the goals of maintaining a safe, secure, and comfortable living/learning environment for all participants and staff. 

As a role model and a program facilitator, the PC is further fulfilling the mission for education and service. Under no circumstances is the PC to bring alcohol on the campus or into the dorms. PCs are not permitted to smoke during the program period (no vapes, electronic cigarettes, pens, etc.). The PC schedule rotates hours and responsibilities. The PC position is busy, high-energy, and highly rewarding.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Program Counselor (PC) represents AFS during the program, and is responsible for:

• Facilitating morning, afternoon, and evening enrichment activities on weekdays and all-day, off-campus excursions on weekends
• Supporting participants’ intercultural adjustment and reflections
• Maintaining overnight safety of participants
• Ensuring participants are “up and out” in the morning and ensuring they arrive on time to all classes, activities, and excursions
• Accompanying participants to/from meals, classes, activities, and on off-campus excursions 
• Enhancing overall participant development
• Leading intercultural conflict resolution and providing opportunities for participants to reflect, share, and build friendships
• Completing the University of Houston’s Child Protection Training Course 

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:

• AFS, Counselor, and/or Resident Assistant (RA) experience and training, preferred
• Strong interpersonal skills – with ability to relate well to both youth and to staff
• Ability to lead group activities, to organize and manage groups of 15+ high school students
• Open minded and non-judgmental about different cultures; experience dealing with intercultural adjustment
• Able to maintain high energy, promote ideas for activities, and be creative
• Team player – willing to be part of the staff team and flexible to the needs of the program and the students
• Experience with teens (e.g., camp counselor, teaching, coaching, volunteer work, etc.)
• First Aid and/or CPR certification preferred, but not required
• All staff must be at least 18 years of age

WORK CONDITIONS:

The PC’s Room and Board is provided by the program. PC’s that are scheduled for off-campus excursions will also have their admission and transportation fees covered by the program

TRANSPORTATION:

In the event that a PC operates a motor vehicle supplied by the program, the PC must (1) be at least 21 years of age and (2) hold a valid driver’s license and auto insurance. If any of those requirements are not applicable, the PC will not be asked nor allowed to operate a motor vehicle. In the vehicle, the PC will:

• Ensure proper use of all safety equipment and seat belts. 
• Drive in a safe manner, with no distractions. 
• No use of cell phones for texting, internet, or anything other than emergency usage while driving. 

COMPENSATION:

The Program Counselor (PC) receives a competitive pay at $15.00/hour and will work at least 35 hours each week (overtime while on-site is expected). PCs will receive overtime pay for hours worked over 40 each week at a rate of time-and-a-half the $15.00/hour pay. AFS-USA will provide domestic air transportation to and from the program site. All these elements add to the total compensation package.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY:

AFS-USA is committed to maintaining a culture of diversity, inclusion, and equity. We seek applicants from all backgrounds to ensure that we have the best, most creative talent on our team.

NON-DISCRIMINATION:

AFS-USA is committed to a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. AFS-USA prohibits all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment and retaliation, including behavior which targets an individual or group based on perceived or actual characteristics, such as but not limited to: race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), national origin, age, disability, military service, veteran status, marital status, partnership status, sexual orientation, familial status, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, alienage, citizenship status, caregiver status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sex offense or stalking, unemployment status, status as a certified medical marijuana patient or any other legally protected classification.