Study Buddy Counselor

Hello Neighbor is seeking a Study Buddy Counselor to facilitate the delivery of Hello Neighbor’s Study Buddy Program, which provides subject-specific virtual tutoring combined with educational and emotional support to refugee and immigrant youth in grades 6-12 from across Allegheny County. This program is an integral part of our Education and Community Empowerment Department. Study Buddy matches students with volunteer tutors for online sessions to support their academic and social-emotional growth. Counselors facilitate sessions and program events, creating an engaging and positive environment for students and tutors.

Responsibilities

Helps facilitate Study Buddy tutoring sessions, navigating technology needs and creating a fun and engaging virtual environment; Interview and conducts onboarding training for new volunteer tutors; Helps to plan and participate in kick-off orientation for students and tutors, including coordination of loaner Chromebooks to students; Communicates with students, tutors, and families including session reminders and relevant messages; Connects with students and tutors through ice-breakers and community building activities; Collects and organizes data including daily attendance and other reporting; Fills in as needed to cover tutor absences; Responds appropriately to any issues that arise during tutoring sessions and elevates to Youth Education Manager as needed; Assists with planning and execution of in-person and virtual events, including orientation trainings, field trips, and community events; Assists with recruitment of tutors and students; Helps coordinate distribution of loaner Chromebooks to students; Participates in regular supervision meetings and relevant staff meetings; Adheres to Hello Neighbor’s confidentiality guidelines and ensures the appropriate handling of sensitive information; Other duties as assigned within the scope of position expectations

Requirements

Currently authorized to work in the United States; High school graduate or GED; Qualified adult, 18 years or older; Meets academic standards for tutoring and demonstrates ability to provide effective, tailored solutions and support to help students reach their academic potential; Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills, characterized by compassionate, courteous, cordial, and professional interactions with diverse colleagues, program members, and the community; Able to cultivate excellent relationships with clients, staff, and partners; Digital literacy and the ability to learn new software; Effective collaboration with others through cooperative efforts; Willingness to work in a fast-paced, multicultural environment; Alignment with and support of Hello Neighbor’s core values; Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance; Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Clearance; Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Criminal History Clearance (PA Act 23 & Act 24); Mandatory Reporter training may also be required depending on job requirements; Team player; Energetic, motivated and hardworking; Experience working with youth; Problem-solver; Ability to take direction and work independently as well as collaboratively; Ability to take initiative and manage multiple tasks and projects at a time; Passion for community building, refugee and immigrant rights; Cultural sensitivity and the ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds; Excellent writing, communication and organizational skills

Nice to have

Bilingual or multilingual in priority language preferred (Arabic, Dari, Pashto, Spanish); Valid driver’s license preferred, personal vehicle, and proof of insurance are preferred; Lived migration experience and/or fluency in other languages a plus

Benefits

Winter and spring break weeks off