2021-2022 High School Advocate

Company: Student U
Location: Durham
Posted on: January 15, 2022

Job Description:

JOB TITLE: High School Advocate -Hybrid Model

HOURS NEEDED: 5-6 hours per week

Compensation: Hourly

Student U is a community organization that uses the power of education to build a just and equitable Durham.

We empower and equip first-generation college students in Durham Public Schools, their families, and educators to become the leaders that will transform our city. Together, we're creating a Durham where all students succeed.

As a result of structural racism, poverty and other systemic injustices, we acknowledge that first generation college-bound students face significant personal and institutional obstacles to educational success. We want to change the odds for children in our community.

High school advocates will work closely with Student U's high school staff to support students and their families as they prepare for high school graduation and college acceptance. Through this hybrid model, high school advocates will be responsible for mentoring, supporting and advocating for a small cohort of students (6-7) within their assigned school. Ideal candidates for this position will have a proven record of developing strong relationships and advocating on behalf of students and families. In addition to this, candidates will be resourceful, dedicated to the task of supporting first-generation college students, students of color, believe all children can succeed when adequately supported, and able to fully immerse into a community-driven organization.

All advocates will need to attend the mandatory Advocate Orientation dates (on July 21st & July 29th) and our High School U-Prep Day on August 21st, 2020 (virtually), and virtual monthly staff meetings.

Requirements

A huge role of the Student U Advocate is to help foster a culture of pride, academic excellence and college readiness within your caseload of students and as a member of the Student U Advocate Team.

Duties and responsibilities: Student Support:
Check In: Hold scheduled bi-weekly in-person meetings with advisees to discuss their academic progress and social/emotional well being *
Serve on intervention team with Student U social worker, learning specialist, and full time staff as necessary to support advisees
Work closely with students and families to develop and implement academic success plans for students
Advocate on behalf of students inside the school
Parent Support/Communication:
Support Team Meeting: Hold scheduled monthly STM (via zoom, in-person is optional) with parents/guardians & students to keep them abreast of their students' performance and needs (bi-weekly if student has more than one grade that is less than a C). *
Serve as a liaison and communication support for parents inside the school
Serve as connection to Student U community for advisees and families
Advocate Team Support & Collaboration:
Serve on a school-based advocate team and larger advocate team (across all DPS high schools)
Facilitate monthly in person cluster meetings for all Student U students at respective school with school-based advocate team *
Attend virtual Student U advocate staff meetings every month via zoom
Participate in required Student U high school events and workshops for students and families (includes four in person Saturday events)
Specific to the Virtual Advocate Positions (different from above) Only 2 positions available:
Student Support:
Check In: Hold scheduled weekly communication with students (text, phone call, or zoom).
Advocate Team Support & Collaboration:
Partner with other virtual advocates to create support team for non DPS students
Facilitate monthly virtual clusters meetings for all non DPS Student U students

Skills and Qualities:
A deep personal belief that all students can succeed and a willingness to work with students and families to make college a viable reality for all Student U students.
Commitment to the Student U mission and core values.
Ability to work well in a team and to communicate effectively with students, parents, teachers, administrators.
Ability to work one afternoon every other month for staff meetings and one Saturday each quarter for student events
Ability to develop strong relationships of trust with students and families.
Desire to gain greater knowledge of the college admissions process and strategies for increasing access for all students
Sharp organizational skills to document students' progress.
High expectations for students, families and self.
Strong leadership, personal initiative and problem-solving skills.
A relentless drive to provide the highest quality education for all students on a consistent basis

Education and Experience:
Experience working with high school students
At least one year of experience working in Durham Public Schools
Demonstrated commitment to being an active and engaged member of the school community

Anti-Discrimination Policy & Commitment to Equity & Child Safeguarding Policy
Student U is committed to fostering an inclusive culture within our organization where people from various backgrounds can participate fully and equitably, as we want to engage all those who can contribute to our mission.
Student U has a commitment to ensuring the safety of our students. All staff will participate in the Darkness to Light Training, which is a child safeguarding training to help them understand why it is necessary to safeguard and protect children and to be fully aware of the procedure for reporting concerns.

Benefits

Hourly rate: $16/per hour

Hours needed: 5-6 hours per week

Priority Deadline to Apply: Thursday, July 1st, 2021

Commitment Dates: August 1st, 2021- June 15th, 2022

TO APPLY : Please apply online. A complete application includes answers to application questions and resume. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the final deadline of July 18th.

Keywords: Student U, Durham , 2021-2022 High School Advocate, Other , Durham, North Carolina