Purpose: PALS, the children’s program of La Puente Home, is based in Alamosa, Colorado, an area in southern Colorado that is rich in natural and cultural resources, though with one of the highest poverty levels in the state. PALS focuses on the educational, emotional and social needs of high-risk children ages 5 – 10. Many are from families served by La Puente’s homeless prevention programs, along with children referred by other child-serving entities such as schools and social service agencies, including children in foster or other out-of-home placements. PALS provides in-school, after-school and summer learning supports, along with social-emotional skills, recreational activities, and community service opportunities.
Core Duties and Responsibilities: Work with PALS team to design and deliver programming for high-risk children in school, after-school and summer settings, including:
- academic assistance
- recreation and field trips
- life skills education
- culture & arts (e.g., music, drama, writing, etc.)
- supporting and tracking behavioral milestones for participants
- other tasks & projects as assigned, to promote the mission of PALS
Schedule: During the school year, school days are divided between supporting children in their school setting and preparing out-of-school activities in the mornings, and delivering after-school academic assistance and other programming in the later afternoon. During the summer, a daycamp format with a variety of activities and outings is provided. There are also occasional evening, overnight, and weekend responsibilities as part of supporting various PALS special events and more extended outings throughout the year.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent training in child education, psychology, or sociology
- Commitment to the mission of the PALS program
- Strong interest in working with high-risk children
- Experience and/or interest in serving within diverse populations
- Excellent oral communication skills with both adults and children, as well as written skills needed to maintain program records
- Ability to fulfill tasks independently and responsibly
- Flexibility to work within a team and adapt to changing needs
- Ability to maintain emotional balance amid interactions with children who have experienced or are experiencing varying levels of trauma
Preferred Qualifications:
- Direct experience working with elementary-age children, especially those who have high-risk behaviors and/or come from high-risk environments
- Direct experience in diverse, multi-cultural contexts, especially Latino settings
- Basic Spanish language skills.