Engagement Specialist
Opportunity Now is a program of the XP Synergy Companies. The Engagement Specialist plays a key role in Opportunity Now’s student behavioral support and mentoring programs. Using strength-based approaches with a trauma-informed lens, specialists are primarily responsible for working with identified students to minimize unbecoming behaviors and help to develop positive outcomes to productivity.
Under the direction of the Director of Adult Services, Program Manager, Program Coordinator, the Engagement Specialist will incorporate lessons from the Opportunity Now contextualized curriculum, which allows participants to develop necessary life skills, introduce career options, and expose student to post-secondary options. Specialists provide participants with dynamic, interactive support opportunities in group, classroom, and individual settings. This job offersfull-time hours. Support times normally occur during traditional school hours.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in psychology, education, social work or other related field preferred.
- At least 1 year of human development, social services, or teaching experience.
- Possess a high level of patience and problem-solving skills.
- Independent, creative, self-starter who exhibits good judgment.
- Flexible and adaptable.
- Highly organized and works well with others.
- Must have reliable transportation.
Pay and Perks
- $25 hour / 10 month position
- Paid time off (holidays, vacation & sick leave)
- Opportunity to work with a progressive and innovative leadership team.
- Opportunity for potential growth in the company
- Use of company computer
Duties and Responsibilities
- Establish and maintain safe and engaging learning environments, where students are provided with a balance of support and structure.
- Apply strength-based approaches with a trauma-informed lens to mentor participants academically and emotionally. Mediate, problem-solve, and coordinate individual services for clients to help them overcome barriers to being a successful student and promote positive behavior change.
- Monitor barriers to students' active participation and engagement in the classroom, including those related to complex issues in their physical or social environment.
- Provide students with academic assistance as needed when academic and/or behavior issues arise.
- Monitor and report students’ attendance benchmarks and progress through a participant observation tool. Report any individual student issues on a weekly basis.
- Follow established policies and procedures for maintaining the integrity of the program with quality support, student discipline, classroom maintenance, safety, behavior management and the security of all individuals and supplies at their disposal.
- Work collaboratively with management and administrative staff to set high and measurable goals for student achievement.
- Adapt mentoring style and strategies to maximize student learning and retention.
- Provide students with professional one-on-one feedback regarding their performance in school including behavior, grades, and attendance.
- Attend all relevant meetings (supervision, staff meetings, case conference sessions, curriculum development, trainings and workshops, etc.)
