Become a Youth Program Leader

Qualifications

These highly demanding positions require a significant amount of stamina, positivity, teamwork, flexibility, diplomacy, initiative, as well as experience working with high school students. The successful candidates will have at least the following qualifications:

  • Proven commitment to young people
    Candidates must enjoy interacting with teenagers: being with them 24/7; building positive and empowering relationships that bridge the ‘adult’-‘teenager’ divide; and supporting adolescent dynamics including relationships, health needs and other developmental concerns.
  • Education experience, preferably with high school age students
    Teaching, training, or facilitation background in formal K-12 public, private, or in alternative educational environments, such as summer programs/camps, study abroad trip leading, mentoring, outdoor/experiential education or expeditions, arts programs, etc.
  • Commitment to conflict transformation, inter-group dialogue and leadership education
    Demonstrated by related work in the field, relevant study at undergraduate or graduate level, or prior peace education work.
  • Strong awareness of and interest in U.S. politics, civics, social issues, and global issues
    Community engagement or some form of prior activism work is highly preferred.
  • Strong facilitation and public speaking skills
    Ability and willingness to create workshops and engage in lively discussions with teenagers.
  • Significant international travel and/or cross-cultural experience
    At least 3 months traveling outside of their home country, and/or have spent time immersed in a different cultural context, preferably one that required language study and skills.
  • Humility and a willingness to learn
    Perceptive and intuitive self-awareness is a crucial. Must be willing to learn new skills and ask for help when needed.
  • Eligibility to work in the U.S.
    World Learning does not sponsor work visas for non-U.S. citizens to be hired as leaders. To be considered for a leader position, non-U.S. citizens are solely responsible for obtaining a valid US work visa on their own. Before their application will be considered, non-U.S. candidates must provide World Learning with proof of a U.S. work visa valid through October 2019.
  • Current First Aid and CPR certification
    Must be obtained by June 1, 2020 and valid through September 1, 2020. Wilderness First Aid, WRF, WEMT, Water Safety, and Life-guard certifications are highly valued.
  • At least 21 years of age
    Applicants must be 21 or older by June 1, 2020.
  • Valid U.S. driver’s license
    Many staff, but not all, will be required to drive with participants in 12-passenger vans and/or rental cars or SUVs as part of the role, and as such must have a valid US driver’s license.
  • Ability to pass a criminal background check
  • Physical ability to participate fully in the planned activities of your assigned program
    All programs include physical activities which require leaders’ full participation to ensure student safety and experience. Programs generally require leaders to be able to lift 50 pounds and walk for long stretches of time throughout each day. Many of our programs also include outdoor physical activities such as hiking and swimming.
  • Complete availability for the duration of your assigned program and Staff Training in Brattleboro, Vermont (June 21-27, 2020)
  • Willingness and ability to complete post-program evaluations and reports
  • CPR / first aid certification
    Youth Program leaders are required to obtain a CPR and First Aid certification, at their own expense.
  • Candidates must have skills, interest, and preferably past teaching experience in at least 2 of the following 4 areas:
    • GLOBAL and CURRENT ISSUES
      Proven interest, direct lived experience, and preferably prior teaching experience with global issues.
    • LEADERSHIP SKILLS
      Including public speaking, listening, project design, group facilitation, activism, mediation, fundraising and public relations, logistics planning, strategic questioning.
    • ARTS
      Drama, crafts, poetry, music, visual arts, murals, dance, storytelling, etc.
    • OUTDOOR SKILLS
      Including teambuilding activities, sports instruction (volleyball, soccer, basketball, ultimate frisbee etc.), canoeing and kayaking, hiking, low and high ropes courses, camping, orienteering etc. Comfort with spending time and working outdoors is strongly recommended but not required.