Children's Program Educator

ABOUT SOLAR YOUTH SOLAR YOUTH, INC. is a New Haven-based non-profit, youth development and environmental education organization. Our mission is to empower youth from New Haven’s low income neighborhoods to achieve lifelong success – and nothing less! Through programs that connect youth to the environment, their communities and each other, youth build the skills and motivations necessary to be positive contributors to their community, have healthy relationships, be physically and mentally healthy, and become economically self-sufficient. Solar Youth’s five core program elements are ENVIRONMENTAL EXPLORATION, YOUTH-LED PROBLEM SOLVING, NONVIOLENT COMMUNICATION, MINDFULNESS PRACTICE and YOUTH LEADERSHIP. See solaryouth.org/who-we-are.

OVERVIEW OF POSITION

Our youth reside in New Haven’s low income communities. Faced with incredible challenges such as poverty, crime and violence in their neighborhoods, they have few positive supports and rarely encounter opportunities to succeed. Countering this, Solar Youth staff build long term relationships with youth as young as 4 years old and continuing through high school. Through our neighborhood-based programs, youth explore their environment, learn the skills and joys of being agents of positive change, and teach what they have learned to others (Kids Explore! Kids Do! Kids Teach!). To enhance youth agency, we provide participants a voice in program and organizational leadership. We emphasize supporting positive, thoughtful, informed choices, personal responsibility, and having FUN. All Solar Youth programs incorporate 5 core elements.

THE POSITION

We are looking for someone with a passion for youth development who has the skills and personality to effectively serve young people facing major life challenges. Educators must be enthusiastic, positive, independent people who are driven to support the success of young people and create positive change. Staff must be creative problem solvers, see a setback as a challenge, and love working with youth and teenagers.

80% of time allocated

The Children’s Program Educator main role will be implementing our steward (4-14) after-school program. During the school year (Sept-June) the afterschool generally runs 3-6pm; 4 days a week and during the summer (July-August; generally 5 weeks) 8:00am-4:00pm.

20% of time allocated

The Children’s Program Educator secondary role will be to train and mentor interns (Youth Educator Interns) who in collaboration will support educators day-to-day program delivery. They will, in support of the Youth Development Coordinator, support Friday meetings which are opportunities for teens to attend enriching professional development, facilitation training, employment skills, and more.

The Children’s Program Educator secondary role will also be to assist with administrative needs of the program. Alongside program staff and under the guidance of the Youth Development Coordinator, the Program Educator will input data in Salesforce and programmatic reports. The Educator will maintain consistent and updated records including stories, confidential information of youth and families, detailed descriptions of daily activities, and measured outcomes.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES

• COORDINATE daily program for stewards
• SUPPORT youth in the design and implementation of Community Service Action Projects
• DEMONSTRATE AND LEAD youth on important employability skills (professionalism, punctuality, time management, excellence etc.)
• SERVE as motivator, mentor and supervisor for youth
• LEAD youth in outdoor recreational activities, team building initiatives, and leadership development
• PLAN and LEAD engaging and empowering educational lessons, activities, and projects
• MAINTAIN, RECORD and REVIEW program content, curriculum, and data
• QUALIFICATIONS and EXPERIENCE
• ENTHUSIASM about the Mission of Solar Youth: energetic about advocating for and supporting youth, particularly Black youth, through high-quality programs, and excited about being a representative of Solar Youth to the community.
• EXPERIENCE working with inner city and low income youth
• SELF-MOTIVATION, flexibility, and patience
• Ability to MOTIVATE urban teenagers and serve as positive role model
• EXPERIENCE in outdoor leadership and/or urban forestry or farming
• OPENNESS nonviolent communication; prior experience preferred
• PROBLEM SOLVING skills and INITIATIVE
• ADMINISTRATION, ORGANIZATION, and TECHNOLOGY EXPERTISE
• 21+ years of age with a clean driving record
• Bilingual ability a plus but not required

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

• START DATE: September 23, 2024
• LOCATION: (IN-PERSON) New Haven, CT
• PAY: Full time salary range $38,000 - $42,000. Part time range is $18-$25 per hour
• BENEFITS: Solar Youth offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, vision, long-term disability, and dental (after one year of employment).
• HOURS: Full-time (37.5-40 hours) The general schedule for program educators during the school year is 10am - 6pm, Monday - Friday. During school vacations we typically lead full day programs Feb and April. During the summer hours are 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, Monday - Friday; 5-7 weeks. Some weekends trips throughout the year. OR Part-time exempt (during the school year up to 20-25 hours per week // full time in the summer 37.5 hours; 5-7 weeks)
• Candidates can expect a phone call, zoom, and/or in-person interview.

TO APPLY: go to THIS JOB APPLICATION FORM. You will be asked to upload your resume and cover letter (a one page description of how your values drive your work and why your experiences are a fit for the role).

Please note that we are a small organization and aim to respond to all candidates, but due to the volume of responses may not be able to in a timely manner. If you follow the above directions, you should get an automated email response confirming receipt of your application. If you are selected to move forward in the hiring process, you will be contacted by us directly. NO CALLS PLEASE.

Solar Youth is committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.