Part-time Freshman Connection Program Coordinator
Job Title: Part-time Freshman Connection Program Coordinator
Unit: Office of School Counseling and Postsecondary Advising
Reports to: Director of School Counseling and Postsecondary Advising
Position Overview
To support students in making a successful transition from eighth grade to high school, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) will offer a five-hour, four-day Freshman Connection (FC) program during the summer of 2018. During this four-day program, students will work directly with school staff to learn academic and study skills, participate in culture and climate building activities and receive orientation supports. Each participating school will submit a Freshman Connection program proposal aligned to freshman on-track performance standards. Principals will be allowed to differentiate their program to the unique needs of their students and communities.
The goals of the program are to:
1) Familiarize students with high school expectations (e.g., academic rigor, graduation requirements)
2) Familiarize students with their new school environment (e.g., school culture norms, routines, procedures)
3) Increase their high school and college readiness (academic skill building, creating academic mindsets, learning conflict resolution, developing self-management skills)
4) Provide students the opportunity to connect with adults and peers through collaborative activities
Responsibilities of the Freshman Connection Coordinator
● Lead the formal rollout of the FC proposal at networks and participating schools
● Provide ongoing technical assistance to networks and schools to support the proposal completion
● Ensure that FC is implemented with fidelity and is aligned to district freshman on-track goals and objectives
● Provide direct program guidance to school administrators, counselors and other assigned FC staff ● Work with district departments (e.g., Teaching & Learning, Student Support and Engagement, Networks and Schools, etc.) to identify target student populations for active participation
● Work with various district departments to identify appropriate resources for target student groups
● Support citywide training of assigned FC staff: Counselors, Coordinators, Youth Leaders, etc.
● Update and post program print materials on the OCCS website, including the FC program manuals, transportation list, department contacts, etc.
● Develop process for conducting school-level program audits
● Manage program data gathering for analyzing and reporting
● Perform other FC duties as needed
Additional Requirements
● Maintains the ability to establish effective working relationships with students and parents; school, network and central office staff
● Strong communicator: speaking, listening and writing
● Able to lead large-scale programs and/or projects
● Demonstrates a sense of urgency in accomplishing goals and objectives to ensure success
● Proficient in Windows Operating System and MS Office; strong internet skills
● Planning and budgeting capabilities
Timing of the Program
Freshman Connection program planning begins in January 2018 with implementation scheduled to begin during the summer months.
Salary
Hourly rate of pay pending.
