What are the responsibilities and job description for the SIP Counselor position at Oliver Scholars?
Organization Mission: The Oliver Scholars Program prepares high-achieving Black and Latinx students from underserved New York City communities for success at top independent high schools and prestigious colleges. We provide crucial support for both the scholars and their families so they can realize their full potential and ultimately give back to the city, the nation, and the world.
Job Title: SIP Counselor
Report To: Co-Head Counselor Supervisors
Director of Collegebound Initiatives & Director of Admissions
Department: Academic Affairs
Position Type: Seasonal part-time — Summer
FLSA: Exempt
Summary: Oliver Scholars seeks high school seniors and college students 18 years of age or older to provide management support for the Summer SIP (Scholar Immersion Program) for rising eighth and ninth grade students. SIP equips middle school students with mindsets and practices to flourish at rigorous independent high schools. Counselors will coordinate with teachers to support instruction, and function as academic and social advisors to middle school students. Reporting to the Co-Head Counselor Supervisors—the Director of Collegebound Initiatives and The Director of Admissions—the Counselor will ensure an environment of community, safety, accountability, discipline, and fun for students. This position is an excellent opportunity to experience various aspects of scholarship, youth development and rare managerial experience with an educational nonprofit organization.
Responsibilities
- June to August 2025; design and administer community building activities as well as support and administer other activities. The role entails 5 weeks at a day school in NYC and 1 week at a boarding school in MA, for which Oliver Scholars will provide transportation and room & board.
- Follow, communicate, and enforce community expectations and guidelines aligned with the SIP Handbook.
- Promote an inclusive community experience.
- Communicate and partner with Oliver Scholars administrators and faculty to ensure student safety and well-being.
- Partner with Oliver Scholars administrators and faculty to proctor tests, plan lessons, substitute teach, co-teach classes, and grade assignments.
- Plan and administer homeroom curriculum and SIP community events.
- Attend classes as assigned (History, Math, Writing, etc.)
- Assist faculty in monitoring student attentiveness, behavior, and progress during classes
- Work with students both 1:1 and in small groups as directed by Oliver Scholars administrators and faculty.
- Supervise homeroom, lunch, study hall, and office hours.
- Guide students and facilitate learning in study hall and office hours
- Check in with students and offer support in managing their various responsibilities
- Supervise activities inherent to day and boarding school life, which includes leading on- and off-campus activities and managing dormitory life, such as enforcing curfew and lights out.
- Mandatory attendance at orientation sessions, faculty meetings, program planning meetings, and SIP staff meetings.
- Other duties, as assigned.
Qualifications
- Overall GPA 3.0 or above
- Previous youth experience preferred
- Leadership experience a plus
- High level of maturity, responsibility, and accountability
- Outstanding speaking, writing, and editing skills
- A flexible, creative individual able to find alternative ways to connect with students
- Emotionally mature with a good sense of humor and the flexibility and sensitivity to work with diverse personalities and situations
- A “doer” with a willingness to work hands-on in developing and executing a variety of activities
- A good listener who is comfortable receiving feedback
Desired Competencies
- Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and ethically; upholds organizational values.
- Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; willing to learn new techniques and procedures; Manages competing demands; changes approach or method to best fit the situation; able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
- Innovation & Initiative - Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities.
- Planning/Organizing & Project Management - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget.
- Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; listens to others without interrupting; keeps emotions under control; remains open to others' ideas and tries new things
Compensation: Salary is $4,300.
EEO
A diverse workforce and open culture are at the heart of our organization and vital to our success. Oliver Scholars is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, citizenship status, or current employment status. Candidates who identify as members of historically underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply.
Salary : $4,300