Project Bridging Cultures Mentor, Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians

Posted by on August 4, 2008

[emailed 07/30/2008]

Project Bridging Cultures Mentor

Position Summary:

The Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians (http://www.welcomingcenter.org) is seeking part-time mentors for its Project Bridging Cultures program.  Mentors work in a team to provide academic and social support services to immigrant high school students.  We are looking for candidates who are mature, flexible, organized, energetic, and empathetic.  The position is based at South Philadelphia High School.
Responsibilities:
•    Support students in their learning, including providing tutoring, homework help, in-class assistance and English conversation practice
•    Plan workshops, clubs, and special events for students
•    Advise students on post-graduation plans
•    Build positive relationships with students and respond compassionately and intelligently to their issues and concerns, both academic and personal
•    Refer students to community resources and information on life in the United States
•    Monitor the Bridging Cultures classroom during program hours
•    Assist in keeping accurate and up-to-date records on attendance and student progress while maintaining confidentiality of student information
•    Collaborate with other mentors and teachers at the school
•    Support the Bridging Cultures coordinator in the operation of the program
Requirements:
•    Some college experience; Bachelor’s degree or higher preferred
•    Experience working with adolescents or young adults, especially foreign-born youth or youth with limited English proficiency
•    Comfort working in an urban school environment
•    Ability to work with students in academic subjects, especially math and science
•    Knowledge of postsecondary options, including college and job choices
•    Conversational ability in a language other than English (Mandarin Chinese, Vietnamese, Spanish and/or French) strongly preferred
•    Experience in student leadership development, service learning, youth employment and/or family and community outreach helpful
•    Familiarity and/or personal experience with immigration issues helpful
•    Ability to attend mandatory paid training during the week of August 25
•    Ability to commit to the position through June 2009
All candidates must be authorized to work in the United States and will be required to obtain current criminal, child abuse, and FBI clearances.
This is an hourly position at $12 per hour. This position is part-time (12 to 24 hours per week).  Program hours are Monday to Thursday from 8 am to 5 pm and Friday from 8 am to 1 pm, with some activities taking place outside of these hours.  Exact days and hours will be mutually determined.  Please submit your resume and a cover letter explaining why you are interested in this position to Jennifer Chiu at jennifer@welcomingcenter.org.