JOB ASSIGNMENT:  21^st Century Community Learning Center – Pathfinders or STEAMS. 

The Pathfinders program provides afterschool and summer programs in the Benton Area, Central Columbia, Midd-West, and Warrior Run School Districts. The STEAMS program provides afterschool and summer programs in the Milton, Mount Carmel, and Shamokin Area School Districts.  The grade levels involved are listed below with the program locations.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP:  This position reports directly to the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program Director and in their absence to the Supplemental Education Services Program Manager.

JOB DEFINITION:  The 21^st Century Community Learning Centers Instructional Support Specialist provides essential daily support to 21st Century Community Learning Centers’ activities, helping to create a safe, engaging, and educational environment for students. This role is designed for substitute staff members who want consistent work within the program and are interested in supporting daily operations at an assigned site. Working under the supervision of the Program Director and receiving daily input/guidance from the Site Coordinator, the 21^st Century Community Learning Centers Instructional Support Specialist assists with the implementation of program activities, supervision of students, and other operational needs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Support and Student Engagement

1. Assist in preparing and conducting after-school and summer program activities, including academic support, enrichment projects, recreational activities, and career exploration sessions.
2. Provide direct supervision to students, ensuring active engagement and fostering a positive learning environment.
3. Support students in completing assignments and participating in program activities that promote academic and social skill development.

Operational Assistance

1. Aid in the setup, breakdown, and cleaning of spaces used for daily activities, ensuring a safe and organized environment.
2. Manage program logistics, including recording student attendance, tracking participation, and organizing materials for each session.
3. Distribute program resources, snacks, and supplies, adhering to health and safety standards.

Communication and Collaboration

1. Communicate regularly with the Program Director and Site Coordinator and to understand program needs, daily schedules, and any specific objectives or instructions.
2. Work collaboratively with program staff to support the needs of individual students, addressing minor behavioral issues as necessary.
3. Act as a liaison between students and program staff, supporting a safe and respectful space for all participants.

Safety and Compliance

1. Monitor and manage student behavior according to site policies, ensuring a safe environment for all participants.
2. Adhere to confidentiality guidelines and follow program-specific protocols, especially in relation to health, safety, and behavior management.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Attend occasional meetings or training sessions as requested by the Program Director to ensure consistency with program policies and updates.
2. Assume other responsibilities within the program as directed by the Program Director or their designee in order to support the smooth operation of daily activities.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

• A High school diploma or equivalent General Education Diploma (GED) is required; Additional post-secondary education relative to the position requirements is preferred.
• Prior experience in an educational, after-school, or youth program setting is preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and support students.
• Excellent verbal and communications skills with the ability to communicate and work effectively with colleagues, co-workers, community agency personnel, and students/trainees.
• Dependability, flexibility, and a positive attitude toward working in a dynamic program environment.
• Requires the ability to develop and maintain positive and collaborative relationships using tact and diplomacy and to remain calm in unpredictable situations.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding education programs, students and parents at all times adhering to the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) requirements to protect staff and student data.
• Ability to follow directions from the Program Director and applicable site staff and collaborate with team members to fulfill program objectives.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS:

• Current, approved Act 34 (PA State Police), Act 151 (PA Child Abuse Registry) and Act 114-FBI Fingerprint clearances are required and must be renewed at appropriate, specific intervals pursuant to Act 153 of 2014 (revised Act 15 of 2015).
• Current, approved Act 126 Mandated Reporter Training certificate showing completion of a minimum of three (3) hours training every five (5) years.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS: 

• Attend all required meetings, and trainings to maintain accurate and current knowledge and skill sets related to position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• The ability to lift, carry and operate presentation equipment and supplies up to 25 pounds, including a personal computer and keyboard is required.
• The ability to use a telephone unassisted is required.
• Sedentary: Able to sit for extended periods of time, occasional walking, standing (as necessary).
• Dexterity: Finger movements (computer keyboard, calculator), eye-hand coordination (office equipment, etc.).
• Audio-Visual Requirements: Within normal range with or without correction.
• Is able to move throughout all buildings, floors and grounds.
• Worksite Environment: Primarily indoors-office setting with occasional exposure to outdoor elements/climate during the day.
• Mental demands: Steady response to unpredictable situations, ability to remain calm and productive during stressful situations. Demonstrates independent judgment, discretion and is able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

TIME AND SITE REQUIREMENTS:

• This is a part time, non-exempt position not to exceed working 10 hours per week during the school year and/or not to exceed 16 hours per week for the summer program. Additional working hours must be pre-approved by immediate supervisor.
• The regular work hours per week for the school year program will be after school for 2.5 hours per day, Monday through Thursday, immediately following the conclusion of the school day.
• The regular work hours per week for the four (4) week summer program will be four (4) hours per day, Monday through Thursday.

CSIU PROPERTY AND CONFIDENTIALITY REQUIREMENTS:

1. All property, including intellectual property, materials, equipment or actual products and services developed or accrued as part of the job duties and responsibilities listed above, is the property of the CSIU. It may not be used for personal profit or gain and will be relinquished to the CSIU upon termination of employment from the CSIU.
2. The person employed in this position shall maintain confidentiality with regard to the personal and private information about clients and coworkers, programs and services and any other proprietary information accrued as a result of CSIU employment or as required by state or federal laws and regulations.
3. The person employed in this position must adhere to all requirements identified in the code of professionalism entitled "Ambassadors Are Professionals, Too" and CSIU Administrative Regulation 317-AR-1 CSIU Service Standards.

The position holder must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.  It is the responsibility of the employee to inform their supervisor and the Director of Human Resources of the need for any accommodations that may be required.