2024-25 Academic Specialist

General Purpose:

Scholars Unlimited is a community-based non-profit program helping young learners master critical literacy skills. Our mission is to foster academic, social, and emotional growth for children living in metro Denver communities. Our after-school program is geared toward grades K-5 and includes reading, SEL, STEM, and recreation/enrichment components. These programs are educational, engaging, and effective.

The Academic Specialist will conduct site-based extended learning, enrichment, and/or family literacy programs at public elementary schools. This position is responsible for providing Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and/or supporting literacy instruction for the K-5 after school program. Working directly with students this person will assist with literacy and SEL curriculum. The Academic Specialist reports to the Site Director and/or Multi Site Manager.

Scholars Unlimited after school program will start September 9, 2024, and end May 9, 2025. The program will be held in our partner schools in Northeast Denver, Southwest Denver, Central Denver, North Aurora, Sheridan, and Westminster. Hours of the program will vary with the school's dismissal bell times. Typically, the hours may start as early as 1:15 pm and go as late as 6:00 pm. The Academic Specialist position can work up to 3 hrs per day with a total of 15 hrs per week.

Essential Functions:  

• Provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere to our students
• Provide positive opportunities that engage students to express and create
• Provide safe and quality care to students
• Provide and support opportunities for students to learn new skills
• Provide clear steps and tools that support goals and achievements
• Provide guidance and instruction to individual students or small groups
• Provide SEL instruction 
• Be actively engaged with the students at all times 
• Sit side-by-side with individual students whether they are learning literacy with the teacher or working on the computer with Lexia and/or Amira, our online reading programs
• Sit side-by-side with the student during recreation/enrichment activities when needed
• Attend all training and staff meetings
• Allow for flexibility in order to support the team and program as needed
• Adhere to Colorado childcare licensure rules and regulations 
• Adhere to all policies and procedures and implementing the best practices of Scholars Unlimited as stated in the Scholars Unlimited Employee Handbook
• Performs other duties as required and necessary to ensure the success of Scholars Unlimited

Supervisory Duties:

• None  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age per Colorado childcare licensing rules and regulations
• Must have at least 3 months (460 hours) of part time or equivalent satisfactory and verifiable experience with school aged children (ages 5-12). 
• Must possess all child care licensing certifications within 30 days of hire date.
• Must attend and complete all paid training requirements
• Must be able to work the scheduled program hours
• Must complete and pass criminal history background checks prior to the start of employment 

Experience: 

• At least 1 year of experience with classroom instruction and  implementing project based units for elementary-age students
• Experience working with elementary-age students 
• Experience in basic classroom management 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Consistently promote, support, work, and act in a manner in support of Scholars Unlimited’s vision, mission, and values
• Strong conflict resolution skills, problem solving skills and the ability to handle stressful situations
• Strong time management and organizational skills 
• Excellent communication skills, including written, verbal and strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to follow protocol and adhere to program and external procedures.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Ability to work with diverse populations 
• Bilingual in Spanish is desired 

Education

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required

Benefits 

• Up to 6 paid holidays (between September 9, 2024, and May 9, 2024), paid scheduled school breaks (1 week for winter break and 1 week for spring break), and paid inclement weather days (as deemed by school district closure policies). 

Compensation:

• Hourly Rate is $20.00

To Apply

• Please visit Our Application Page 
•  Applications are accepted on an on going basis 

Scholars Unlimited is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age 40 and over, race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and length, protective hairstyles), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, color, religion, national origin, disability, military status, genetic information, marital status, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law.