Speech Forum Counselor

Free Speech Forum Counselor

Glendale Fire Department is recruiting a counselor to support the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) Free Speech Forum, a one‑week residential summer camp for 10th–12th graders in Washington, D.C. The role is fully residential from Saturday, June 21 through Saturday, June 27, 2026, including evenings and weekends. Counselors will live on campus at American University with the participants and counselor team.

Free Speech Forum counselors provide supervision, mentorship, and educational support throughout the program. Their responsibilities include ensuring a safe environment, delivering curriculum‑aligned activities, and facilitating student engagement. Counselors will work closely with the Vice President of Student Development, FIRE staff, and the counselor team.

• Residential Support & Supervision:
  • Guide and support up to 10 students, ensuring adherence to program policies.
  • Accompany students to scheduled activities and informal excursions, fostering a productive learning environment.
  • Manage morning wake‑ups, evening lights‑out, and conduct nightly suite checks.
  • Coordinate check‑ins, check‑outs, and room inspections in partnership with the FIRE team.
  • Mediated roommate conflicts and community issues to maintain harmony.
  • Report any safety or curfew violations to senior staff.
• Student Engagement:
  • Create and implement social experiences tailored to students’ needs.
  • Address students’ social, emotional, behavioral, and health concerns.
  • Communicate FIRE’s mission, answering questions and fostering enthusiasm.
• Logistics & Coordination:
  • Assist with transportation, including airport drop‑offs and late arrivals.
  • Ensure all transportation details are communicated to students.
  • Coordinate residential accommodations and report any issues to staff.
• Training:
  • Complete all required training sessions before the forum, including health and safety and harassment prevention.
  • Attend mandatory in‑person training June 19–20, 2026, and complete four hours of virtual training pre‑event.
  • Travel, meals, and lodging for training will be provided in Washington, D.C.

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Strong work ethic with excellent communication skills for diverse audiences.
• Passion for FIRE’s mission, able to articulate and inspire others.
• Availability to live in assigned program housing for the entire event.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to solve problems quickly.
• Experience working with high school students in an educational setting.
• Team‑oriented, able to maintain professional relationships with students and staff.
• No other personal or professional commitments during the program period.
• Background check eligibility.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

• Leadership, teaching, or mentoring roles in summer programs, camps, or youth residential settings.
• Experience supervising or mentoring volunteers or camp counselors.
• College (undergraduate, graduate, or recent graduate) background, ideally with prior FIRE event attendance.

Hours:

up to 90 hours total, including training. Rate: $17.95 per hour, with overtime where applicable. Payment is issued after program completion.

Submit a resume and cover letter addressed to Cait Scanlan, Chief People Officer. All applications are confidential.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. FIRE is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All candidates receiving a conditional offer will undergo a background check in compliance with federal, state, and local law.