middle school program assistant

middle school program assistant

Organizational Background

Rocking the Boat began as a boatbuilding afterschool program for high school students in the South Bronx and was incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit in 2001. Today, the organization, with an annual budget of over $5 million, is a hub of youth development programming that serves nearly 5,000 community members annually across three locations in New York City and San Francisco. The mediums of boatbuilding, environmental science, and sailing are paired with social-emotional, academic, and career counselling by a team of licensed social workers and a college counselor to have a profound and lasting impact on participants.

Position Summary

Middle School Program Assistants are part-time, non-exempt positions that support the delivery of Rocking the Boat's after school and summer Middle School Development Program. Program Assistants work over multiple semesters with the 6th- 8th grade participants in delivering all aspects of the program's environmental, sailing and boat building based curriculum. Up to four positions report to the Middle School Program Manager.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate environmental science, boatbuilding, and sailing lessons to middle school participants
• Incorporate and promote Rocking the Boat's Core Values into all aspects of program delivery
• Actively practice and promote all safety protocols in the classroom, field, and on the water
• Manage the upkeep of the program materials and equipment including rowboats, field equipment, and activity material
• Independently lead small group instruction and activities
• Assist in leading day trips designed to introduce participants to new experiences related to Rocking the Boat programs
• Assist with managing participant behavior to facilitate an effective and safe learning environment
• Participate in other activities as necessary to fulfill the mission of Rocking the Boat

Qualifications & Preferred Skills

• Experience working with youth or in youth development, particularly the middle school population
• Background in environmental science or outdoor education is a plus
• Strong leadership skills
• Experience working in the outdoors and on and around water
• Ability to understand and adapt teaching methods to address different learning styles and challenging behaviors
• Demonstrates independent initiative while also working well with a team and program manager
• Ability to communicate honestly, respectfully, and effectively with supervisors and coworkers
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Must be able to row a boat and lift buckets and equipment (25 lbs+)
• Spanish language skills a plus
• Lifeguard certification a plus
• Alumni of Rocking the Boat strongly encouraged to apply

Rocking the Boat Offers

• Up to 40 Sick and Safe hours per calendar year, accrued at a rate of one hour of Safe and Sick time earned to every 15 hours worked
• $18 to $21 per hour, commensurate with experience
• Program calendar operates seasonally in the spring (Mar-May), summer (late June-Aug) & fall (Sept-Dec), predominantly Monday - Thursday
• Staff hours are 3:00 - 7:00pm during the school year; 8:00 - 4:00 during the summer
• Rocking the Boat provides staff training weeks in late February, late June, and early September in preparation for each semester

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Rocking the Boat

Rocking the Boat is committed to creating an environment that promotes the diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging of all applicants and employees. The organization strives not only to accept but to affirm and celebrate all identities. Race, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, and veteran status are not barriers to employment at Rocking the Boat. Please feel welcome to communicate any special needs or requirements to be accommodated throughout the hiring process.

To apply

Please send a cover letter and resume with the subject "Middle School Program Assistant" to Paola Cruz, Middle School Manager, at paola@rockingtheboat.org.