Job Title: Horizons Program Assistant (PA)

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Department: Institute for STEM Education, Horizons Program

Title of Manager/Supervisor: Director of Horizons and Robotics Outreach Programs

Number of Employees Reporting to this Position: 0

Position Summary: The Clarkson University Horizons Program seeks enthusiastic individuals to serve as Summer Program Assistant (PA). Program Assistants in the Clarkson University Horizons Program serve as mentors to Horizons participants and assistant with maintaining a safe, supportive and fun learning environment for all campers. At Horizons, participants are taught by a diverse staff of educators. Participants are mentored by program assistants who are undergraduate or graduate college students who excel in STEAM disciplines. There are three levels of Horizons. Horizons I (H1) is a science/math program for 6th - 8th graders. Horizons II (H2) is a math/engineering program for 7th - 9th graders. Horizons III (H3) is a college and career prep program for 9th - 11th graders. Group sizes are small so that each participant has the opportunity to form a lasting relationship with staff and peers. Program Assistants for this in-person overnight program will be required to reside on the Potsdam, NY campus. Housing and meals will be provided from July 6 - 22.

General Purpose: The Clarkson University Horizons Program’s mission is to drive genuine and inclusive culture change for middle and high school students from all backgrounds. Our aim is to provide tools to help our participants excel in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, supported by the Art and Mathematics) and attend college well prepared to pursue employment, advanced degrees and eventually assume leadership roles in STEAM. Through fun and challenging hands-on projects, the Horizons curriculum uses an integrated instructional module in mathematics, science and engineering that is supported by the arts and technology. We believe in a holistic approach to education. Additionally, it is important to foster growth and balance in the life of a participant in every course. Thus, the life skills component further enhances instruction as participants build confidence, personal insight, leadership skills and team spirit in an emotionally supported learning environment.

Remote Workdays: This is a full time on Campus position with zero remote workdays.

Position Responsibilities:

• Ensure the safety of all campers in all camp activities
• Understand and adhere to regulations and ethical behavior imposed by the program, Institution, and Department of Health
• Uphold the Code of Conduct signed by each participant and their parent(s)
• Assist with planning and implementation of virtual or in-person group activities that are fun and engaging (i.e., PA time activities)
• Ensure a culturally responsive environment working with campers through communication, relationship development, inclusivity, and empowerment
• Assist with other projects, administrative duties, and initiatives as assigned

Health & Safety: All staff has a statutory responsibility to take reasonable care of themselves, others and the environment and to prevent harm by their acts or omissions. All staff is therefore required to adhere to the University’s Health, Safety, and Environmental Policy & Procedures.

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, skills, and qualifications required of personnel so classified.

Essential Skills:

• Able to pass a background check
• Ability to work with peers
• Ability to plan and lead camp programming for in-person and/or virtual platform
• Ability to stay calm under pressure and remain flexible to changes as they occur
• Ability to keep up the morale of campers when needed and inspire excitement in campers about all aspects of the Horizons program
• Be self-aware of your own health (especially mental health), and know when to seek support for yourself
• Be supportive of other program assistants, instructors, and staff and be willing to lend a hand when able to
• Ability to communicate effectively with Director, entire program staff, campers/participants and participants families
• Incorporates teamwork and flexibility into their daily work style
• Possess the following qualities: patience, empathy, fairness, willingness to participate, compassion, flexibility, and great listening skills
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion

Education:

Minimal Qualifications:

• At least 18 years of age
• High School Diploma/GED

Preferred Qualifications:

• Background in a summer residential program
• Excellent skills working with children between the ages of 9-18 years old
• Currently enrolled as a part-time or full-time student in STEAM undergraduate program

Experience:

Minimal Experience:

• Experience working with children between the ages of 9-18 years old

Physical Demands: The physical demands characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
• Able to remain in a stationary position 25% of the time
• Ability to constantly operate a computer 1 - 3 hours a day
• Ability to frequently observe and communicate with campers
• Ability to install, frequently access, and operate Zoom, Google Drive, and/or Moodle

Special Instructions to applicants:

*Please visit our website www.clarkson.edu/horizons today and learn more about the Horizons Program.

* DEADLINE FOR FIRST ROUND APPLICATIONS IS APRIL 30, 2022 BY 11:59 pm EST. However, we will continue to accept applications until all positions are filled.

*The full application package should include: resume, cover letter as well as contact information for references.

An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, Clarkson University actively seeks and encourages applications from minorities, women and people with disabilities.

All offers of employment are subject to the applicant successfully passing a background check (including, but not limited to, employment verification, educational and other credential verification, and criminal records).