Afterschool Leader (Teacher) - (SW Portland)

Job Title: Afterschool Leader (Teacher)

PJA is in search of teachers for the 24-25 school year for our locations across the Portland area!

LOCATION: SW Portland 

REPORTS TO: Director of Afterschool Programs

WAGE: Program Leader (Teacher) $18.75-$20/hour; Assistant $17.75-$18.85/hour

FTE: Part-time

ABOUT PJA: Portland Jewish Academy (PJA) is an inclusive school that strives to recognize, understand, and honor all of our families. We value the diversity in our community and we continuously work to provide an education for students in all of our programs that is equitable, accessible, and just. While PJA’s base operation is an Early Childhood and K-8 school, we also offer an on-site afterschool program for PJA students and off-site afterschool programs serving public schools in the Portland Metro area. The 2024-25 school year program will include four site locations.

We encourage people of all backgrounds, whether you believe you meet the required qualifications or not, to apply. Visit our website to learn more about our non-discrimination policy, mission and values.

BENEFITS: In addition to being a great place to work, PJA also offers a generous time off plan including: Sick Leave, Vacation, PTO and Holiday pay (up to 24 holidays!). Support in advancing in steps in the Oregon Registry of Professional Development. Free membership to the MJCC (www.oregonjcc.org) and tuition discount for children of our employees round out this generous benefits package.

JOB SUMMARY: The Afterschool Leader is responsible for the direct care and supervision of youth in PJA Before and Afterschool programs. This position provides an atmosphere and environment conducive to the intellectual, social and emotional development of students in an afterschool setting.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: (These examples represent the essential functions of the position. They are not, however, inclusive of all the duties the position may be assigned to perform.)

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate daily curriculum in accordance with PJA Afterschool Department policies and expectations. Assist in leading groups of varying sizes independently and as assigned.
• Monitor youth, assistant leaders, and afterschool spaces to ensure safety. Maintain positive communication with youth. Model appropriate problem solving behavior and maintain positive student guidance and interaction. Respond appropriately to incidents and injuries, providing first aid as necessary and implementing developmentally appropriate behavior support and safety measures as necessary.
• Communicate courteously and work collaboratively and effectively with PJA & PPS staff, parents, students and the public. Share responsibility for supervision of all students. Attend and participate in staff meetings. Inform parents of daily issues and progress while maintaining confidentiality. Check and respond to daily & weekly program related communications.
• Follow School Age Childcare Ruleset and all PJA-Afterschool policies including but not limited to: maintain staff to student ratios; maintain group size; ensure appropriate health and safety management; follow standard safety and security procedures; assist in nutrition/snack preparation; monitor and maintain attendance and tracking systems; conduct intermittent head counts; inform supervisor of student absences; monitor student transitions; maintain timesheet; ensure program cleanliness; open/close program as necessary; maintain appropriate work habits including regular and punctual attendance and appropriate use of planning time.
• Other Duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates may bring any combination of experience and training that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position. This would typically include:

• High School Diploma or GED; AND
• At least 18 years of age; AND
• Enrolled in Central Background Registry (Required: get started HERE if not already enrolled); AND
• 240 hours of qualifying experience in a comparable youth program; OR
• An AA/BA Degree in an area related to child development or education

EXPERIENCE:

• Experience with children: 1 year (Required for Program Leaders)
• Teaching: 1 year (Preferred)
• Classroom management: 1 year (Preferred)

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: (Obtain 15 annual clock hours of professional development through attendance at workshops, seminars, trainings, and conferences. We provide no-cost training opportunities throughout the year.)

Must obtain and maintain the following as per licensing requirements within the first 30 days of employment, we provide paid time to complete these:

• Child and Adult First Aid/CPR certification (CPR & FA)
• Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect (RRCAN)
• Introduction to Child Care Health and Safety (ICCHS)
• Food Handlers certification (FH)
• Foundations of Learning (FLL)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Work is performed in an environment that is quite noisy and busy, and may include exposure to biological and environmental conditions including body fluids and waste, germs, and childhood illnesses
• May include lifting children or heavy items (up to 50 pounds unassisted), bending, stooping, reaching, standing, climbing and walking
• Requires vision and hearing within standard ranges and clear speaking ability

PJA is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Portland Jewish Academy (PJA) is committed to recruiting, hiring, developing, compensating, and promoting the best-qualified individuals for positions at all levels in the organization. We provide Equal Opportunity Employment (EEO) to all employees and applicants. Employment decisions are made based on how an individual's skills and qualifications meet the responsibilities of the position for which they have applied. An individual will be free from discrimination based on characteristics protected by law such as race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, national origin, citizenship status, disability, veteran status, or the presence of a non-job-related physical, mental, or sensory disability, or other protected status as defined by federal, state, or local laws. Discrimination and/or harassment based on any of those factors are totally inconsistent with our philosophy of doing business and will not be tolerated. PJA will make reasonable accommodations, including modification of organizational policies and procedures in appropriate cases for qualified individuals with disabilities if it can do so without undue hardship.