Program Assistant

About Us

Compass for Kids was founded in 2011 as a church ministry and has grown into an independent nonprofit dedicated to empowering underserved children and families in Springfield. Today, we operate three out-of-school-time programs – Club Compass, Camp Compass, and the Youth Leadership Development Program – providing academic support, social-emotional learning, enrichment / life skills / field trips, and leadership development. To learn more about our history, mission, and programs, visit our website at compassforkids.org
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Compass for Kids is seeking a dedicated, adaptable, and mission-driven individual to support all aspects of our out-of-school-time programs. This role is both student-facing and program-supportive, involving direct work with youth and essential behind-the-scenes tasks that ensure programs run smoothly. The ideal candidate has experience working with underserved children/youth, is reliable, professional, and committed to supporting students’ social-emotional growth. Flexibility, initiative, and a willingness to step in wherever needed – from engaging students to assisting with program logistics – are essential.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone highly motivated, organized, and eager to contribute to a collaborative team focused on helping students succeed.

• Supporting students of all ages (K-12) at Compass programs, including Club Compass, Camp Compass, and the Youth Leadership Development Program
  • Adhering to program guidelines and structures
  • Transporting students (e.g. picking up students from school and transporting them to the site, driving for field trips, and also taking youth home when necessary), using their personal vehicle and/or company-owned vehicles (i.e. 12-15 passenger van)
  • Leading and participating in social-emotional learning lessons using Compass for Kids’ lesson plans
  • Reinforcing program expectations
  • Demonstrating positive personal and social habits and interpersonal relations with students? Setting high expectations for students and ensuring that they have a high-quality experience? Helping students manage their behavior, when necessary
  • Participating in all activities with enthusiasm and encouraging students to try new things? Assisting with completion of both pre- and post-surveys for social-emotional learning
• Supporting programmatic functions
  • Performing accurate data entry and maintaining program records
  • Delivering Backpack Feeding Program bags to program sites
  • Assisting with writing thank-you notes and acknowledgments
  • Supporting special projects as assigned
  • Assisting with basic social media content creation and program highlights
  • Sorting, preparing, and assembling program materials and supplies
  • Responding to inquiries from families via phone and/or email
  • Representing Compass for Kids at community and networking events
  • Other duties as assigned

• Apply appropriate behavior-management techniques and support students from diverse and underserved populations
• Communicate effectively with students, families, staff, and volunteers
  
  Remain calm and professional in stressful situations
• Work independently and collaboratively as part of a small team
• Resolve conflicts peacefully and promote a positive, inclusive environment
• Plan, prioritize, and manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced setting with attention to detail
• Demonstrate strong organizational and time-management skills
• Use technology effectively, including Microsoft Office and Google Workspace applications (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Calendar)
• Adapt to changing circumstances with flexibility and initiative
• Commit to ongoing learning and continuous quality improvement

• Age 18 or older
• At least one (1) year experience working with underserved elementary and/or middle and high school-aged students, preferred
• Valid driver’s license, dependable transportation, and car insurance
• Ability to successfully pass a criminal background and motor vehicle record check

• Position Type: Part-time
• Hourly Rate: $18.50/hour
• Hours: Approximately 25 hours per week

• Tuesdays: 2:30 – 7:00…