Residential Counselor at Maya Angelou PCS SY 24-25

The Organization

Maya empowers opportunity and justice-involved youth to transform the trajectory of their lives. We do this by engaging each of our scholars in a restorative, relevant school experience that prioritizes personalized academic support, well-being, and preparation for the post-Maya pathway of their choice. With an education in our network of schools, our scholars will do more than succeed – they will thrive!

If you would like to learn more about Maya Angelou Schools and See Forever Foundation, please visit Seeforever.org.

The Touchstone

At the Maya Angelou Schools, the key to our success is rooted in building trusting, respectful, and nurturing relationships with each other. We strive to create safe spaces for all to be able to reach their limitless potential. We are at our best when we work together to ensure the unique needs of our community are met. We empower each other to grow successfully so we can see forever! This is how we live the Maya Way, even when no one is watching.

Position Overview

The Maya Angelou Public Charter School is seeking an overnight Residential Counselor to manage one of our homes for students needing additional support.

The Maya Angelou Public Charter School provides residential homes for a small number of students who need an alternative place to live in order to reach their potential. Our residential program provides gender-segregated homes (2 male, 3 female) to students who benefit from the stability of a safe, supportive, and structured environment. We strive for the positive development of attitudes, behaviors and virtues enabling adolescents to make productive decisions in school and the larger context of the world. Residential students participate in programming that includes cultural/social activities, individual and group counseling, workshops, chores, and tutoring. The students in the program are encouraged to develop the academic, social, and life skills needed to be upstanding, responsible citizens,

Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

• Creating a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment that is conducive to achieving healthy adolescent development during the school year
• Developing a set of routines with residential students that will help them to develop pro-social and healthy habits around homework, personal hygiene and cleanliness, teamwork, responsibility, and independence
• Maintain consistent structure, set high expectations for students, and hold students accountable to improve their overall performance in school in the program, and explain how this translates to the real world
• Reporting to school campus for a minimum of 10 hours per week, attending necessary meetings for residential students, being an active member of the Maya Angelou Community, and as otherwise requested
• Reporting directly to the Director of Residential Programs with attendance, behavioral, and academic data for all students in the residence, etc.
• Ensuring that residents comply with basic guidelines around timeliness, cleanliness, and security
• Developing and managing group workshops, outings, and activities for residential students
• Working with residential students one-on-one and in group settings on school work, academic skill-building, and developing positive decision-making skills as well as healthy values and lifestyles
• Working one-on-one and in groups with students in crisis situations to help diffuse tempers, consider alternatives and reach peaceful and thoughtful strategies for the future
• Managing the day-to-day functioning of the residential home, including meal preparation, security, basic shopping, upkeep, maintenance, and budgeting
• Adhering to all guidelines regarding inspections of the houses, needed certifications, etc.
• Communicating regularly with students’ parents and families around student performance and basic coordination between families and school
• Communicating regularly with students’ teachers and other school staff to ensure that students are held to high standards—academically, behaviorally, socially, and in regards to timeliness and attendance

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalency (required)
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree (preferred)
• Two (2) or more years of experience working with opportunity youth
• Understand the level of commitment required to live and work with teenagers five days a week, day in and day out, and be fully committed to this lifestyle. (During the academic school year, Residential students check in on Mondays and they check out to return to their homes on Fridays)
• Hold a current driver’s license and suitable driving record to drive students in the residential vans as needed (required)
• Experience and interest in working with parents and families of students who live in the residence to develop successful relationships between families and school staff
• Familiarity with Social Justice philosophy and practice

Salary and Benefits

Our salaries are comparable to those of other public schools in the District of Columbia area. In addition, See Forever offers a robust benefits plan, including health care coverage, HSA/FSA and dependent care accounts, voluntary dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability options, commuter benefits, a 401k retirement savings plan, student loan refinancing options, and the opportunity to positively impact students with a broad range of experiences and backgrounds.

See Forever is an equal-opportunity employer. We believe a diverse staff is a better, more effective staff.