Head Summer Academy Youth Counselor - Springfield, United States - Missouri State University

Description

Expectation for Participation

Maintain appropriate and professional relations with students.

Model appropriate behavior; model participation in activities.

Positively reinforce appropriate behavior and restrict student behaviors that are inappropriate; respond to any student's gross motor, verbal, or emotional behaviors which may jeopardize the safety of the student or others.

Follow, and enforce all program and Missouri State University policies.

Promptly communicate needs and concerns to appropriate staff.


Counselor Development:

• Attend a 2-day Head Counselor Training with Professional Staff (May 21-23)
• Assist in conducting and participate in pre-academy training sessions for new and returning counselors, providing in-depth information on policies, procedures, and best practices (May 23-31)
• Coach and mentor counselors throughout the program, offering guidance on communication, conflict resolution, and effective student participant engagement.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback to help counselors improve their skills and effectiveness.
• Address counselor concerns and mediate any conflicts that may arise within the staff team.

Student Participant Discipline

• Serve as the primary reporter and scribe for all disciplinary procedures
• Respond promptly and appropriately to student participant behavior issues, ensuring fair and consistent enforcement of academy rules.
• Implement appropriate disciplinary measures, ranging from redirection and positive reinforcement to documentation, corrective action, and communication with parents/guardians.
• Collaborate with full-time staff on serious behavioral issues and implement consequences as determined.

Scheduling and Organization:

• Develop and manage the daily schedule for all academy counselors, ensuring proper staffing coverage for all activities and camper groups.
• Assign counselors to specific tasks and activities, matching their strengths and interests to maximize program effectiveness.
• Ensure smooth transitions between activities and maintain a consistent flow throughout the academy day.

Communication and Collaboration:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for academy counselors, addressing their questions, concerns, and feedback promptly and effectively.
• Maintain clear and consistent communication with full-time staff, including academy directors, program coordinators, and activity specialists.
• Attend staff meetings and participate actively in discussions, sharing counselor feedback and contributing to program improvements.
• Attend weekly one-on-one meetings with Permanent Upward Bound staff serving as a check-in and duty/ assignment notification/ and updating staff on youth counselors' interactions, and concerns of both staff and students

Activities

• Monitor student progress and report to program staff.
• Create a safe and inclusive environment for students.
• Serve as a positive role model and mentor.
• Help students develop social and emotional skills.
• Work effectively with other counselors, teachers, and program staff.
• Communicate effectively with students, parents, and guardians.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings.
• Provide or assist with an elective activity and an athletic activity if applicable.
• Supervise students during all meal times, free times, elective activities, athletic activities, study hours, and weekly reward trips.
• Assist instructors as needed.
• Be on call to assist with classes or emergencies.
• Transport students as needed in MSU cars or vans if/ when applicable.
• Be responsible for gathering and returning equipment, vehicles, or supplies used in program activities.
• Run errands and shop for supplies.
• Attend a required paid Summer Staff Training week, held before the start of SAA. May 23rd- May 31st
• Attend the End of Summer Cultural Reward Trip July 12th-17th.

Elective Courses, Open Campus, and Tutoring

• Assist students with academic assignments and test preparation.
• Facilitate study sessions and provide individualized support.
• Facilitate an elective course if applicable
• Facility weekly workshops if applicable
• Work with other staff to organize and provide Supplemental Instruction/tutoring for supervised study 1 hour each evening.
• Communicate regularly with faculty concerning Supplemental Instruction/tutoring needs and the academic progress of students.

Residency week

• During the residency week June 23rd-June 28th, YCs are required to live in a residence hall at Missouri State University providing overnight supervision for students in the program. YCs are on-call during the night hours.
• Assist with daily routines, including wake-up, meals, and bedtime.
• Supervise students during free time and evening activities.
• Be present and attentive during on-campus educational and cultural enrichment programs.
• Lead small group activities to foster teamwork and communication.
• Address student concerns and mediate any conflicts that may arise.
• Work in conjunction with other residential staff to provide personal, social, or skill development programming for approx.20 program participants.
• Monitor conditions of the residence hall rooms and report any problems.
• Regulate student behavior and take disciplinary action according to the program Student Handbook. Communicate all problems promptly to the Program Director
• Ensure that there is no traffic between the girls' and boys' dorms.

End of Summer Cultural Reward Trip (July 12-17)

• Ensure student safety and well-being during travel and throughout the trip.
• Adapt supervision techniques to the new environment and activities.
• Assist with logistics and chaperone students during planned cultural and educational excursions.
• Build upon existing relationships with students and continue to provide support and guidance.

TRIO