Lead Educator
This is a Full-time, contractual position until 10/31/2025. Extension of contract is contingent on grant renewal
The Esperanza Program will provide foster care services, other related services, and release to sponsor services for Unaccompanied Children.
JOIN US AND SUPPORT YOUTH TO LIVE, WORK, AND STUDY WITH DIGNITY, HOPE, AND JOY!
Latin American Youth Center’s (LAYC) mission is to empower youth to achieve a successful transition to adulthood, through comprehensive and innovative programs that address youths’ social, academic, and career needs. To achieve this mission, LAYC provides services and opportunities to approximately 4,000 individuals annually to support academic achievement, promote healthy behavior, and guide youth towards successful adulthood.
We believe in a future where all youth pursue their dreams, reach their goals and acquire the skills and self-confidence to live a life of purpose, connection, contribution and joy.
COMPETITIVE BENEFITS
In addition to a friendly work environment, we are pleased to offer the following benefits to our employees.
- Medical, dental, and vision plans with prescription coverage.
- Employer-paid life insurance
- Voluntary long-term disability and supplemental life insurance
- Matching 401(k) program beginning at hire
- 3 weeks paid vacation leave per year, increasing to 4 weeks with tenure, 12 days (upfront) paid sick leave per year, 12 paid holidays per year, 4 wellness days.
- Eight weeks paid parental leave, including adoption and foster care.
- Health club discounts
- One to two days per week of telework for most positions (eligible after first 60 days).
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Designing and implementing age-appropriate educational assessments and programs aligned with ORR guidelines and the children's individual needs.
- Leading or co-leading classroom instruction in various subjects, including English language acquisition, academic subjects, and life skills.
- Mentoring and supporting other educators and supporting staff, providing guidance on curriculum implementation, and ensuring consistent quality of instruction and services
- Working closely with other professionals, such as youth care workers, medical coordinator, transportation specialist, social workers, case managers, and mental health clinicians, to address the children's holistic needs.
- Evaluating the effectiveness of educational programs, tracking student progress, and adjusting as needed.
- Maintaining accurate records of student progress, program activities, and other relevant information.
- Adapting curriculum and teaching strategies to meet the diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds of the children.
- Advocating for the educational needs of the children and ensuring they have access to necessary resources.
- Preparing homework during school closure, maintaining communication with parents to ensure completion and record keeping.
- Oversee classroom policies regarding educational services, behavior management, and attendance.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
- A bachelor's degree in education or related field and two years of youth development experience preferred.
- At least one year of supervisory experience.
- Prior experience teaching in a classroom setting, preferably with experience in curriculum development and implementation.
- Experience working with diverse populations, including children from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
- Knowledge of ORR policies and procedures is often preferred.
SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
- Knowledge of community and local resources.
- Flexible schedule, including occasional evenings.
- Bilingual or fluent/proficient: English and Spanish required.
- Complete criminal and child abuse/neglect clearances.
- Flexible, energetic, positive individual with commitment to youth development in a high quality, respectful environment.
- Ability to work well and communicate with culturally diverse populations.
- LAYC/MMYC requires the COVID-19 vaccine of all its employees. You will be asked to provide proof of vaccination at the time of your interview and at your onboarding.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This is largely a sedentary position that requires the ability to speak, hear, see, and lift small objects up to 10 lbs. May require the ability to travel locally and/or regionally.
LAYC/MMYC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing opportunities without regard to age, race, color, pregnancy, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or status within any other protected group.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform this position's essential functions.
TO APPLY
Please submit a cover letter and resume.