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Racing Readers: Program and Volunteer Supervisor (Paid)

In-Person

Have fun with kids AND help them learn!

Racing Readers is a collaboration between the SFU Surrey–TD Community Engagement Centre and the Surrey School District (SD36). This after-school program seeks to improve the physical, educational and social well-being of elementary-aged students in Grades 2–5. Children participate in physical activities, reading, writing and numeracy exercises, and enjoy a healthy snack. High school, university and adult mentors (like you!) foster companionship, support, encouragement, and learning. 

Sample Daily Schedule:

2:30 pm – Volunteer team arrives on-site, Outreach Worker checks-in with kids separately
3:00 pm – Kids head to main room, team check-ins
3:10 pm – Word of the day + discussion questions
3:25 pm – Reading / indoor activities
4:10 pm – Physical Activity + Snack
4:35 pm – Journaling
5:00 pm – Student dismissal 
5:00 pm – Volunteer Debrief 
5:30 pm – End of session

Opportunity Description

The SFU Surrey – TD Community Engagement Centre is looking for one SFU student to fill the role of Program and Volunteer Supervisor for the Racing Readers program at our Georges Vanier Elementary school on Tuesdays.

The Program and Volunteer Supervisor performs the following duties, with oversight from the Program Manager: 

  • Produces a schedule of activities in September for each session. This may include physical activities (relay races, running, games), numeracy games (magic number of the day, activities) and literacy activities (writing, reading, word of the day discussion); 
  • Assists in leading volunteer training sessions; 
  • Attends ALL Racing Readers sessions at assigned school;  
  • Leads the program, manages the schedule of activities and ensures proper communication with volunteers;  
  • Creates and communicates a volunteer schedule depending on the availability of volunteers;  
  • Oversees and directs all volunteers (communicates session schedule, manages attendance, formulates teams);  
  • Oversees the program and students at the site, and ensures it runs smoothly; 
  • Directs the Lead Volunteer to fulfill their duties; 
  • Acts as the point person for volunteers if they have questions; 
  • Follows up with volunteers who do not show up (with the help of the Lead Volunteer); 
  • Debriefs with the volunteers to check-in on any concerns, questions, or other feedback. Escalated issues will be reported back to the Program Manager; 
  • Writes and submits a short one-page weekly report after each session;  
  • Helps organize a volunteer appreciation social;  
  • Attends a monthly meeting with the Program Manager; 
  • Puts together a report after the program ends that includes the schedules and activities for each session, the “word of the day” schedule, and other program material, as well as reflections on how the program went: successes, challenges and any suggestions for improvement.  
  • During or after the program and at their own discretion the Program and Volunteer Supervisor may also choose to provide verbal and/or written recommendations for volunteers they directly supervised. Resources and guidance will be provided to help with writing Recommendation Letters as needed.

Location: 

  • Tuesdays
    • Georges Vanier Elementary School (6985 142 St, Surrey, BC V3W 5N1)

Remuneration: 

This position pays $18 / hour inclusive of 4% vacation pay.

Timeframe:

The schedule of hours for this role will be as follows:  

  • September 9th – October 11th (prep and training, 4 hours/week, 5 weeks)   
  • October 14th – December 6th (program is running, 7 hours/week, 8 weeks)
  • January 6th – January 24th (prep and training, 4 hours/week, 3 weeks)
  • January 27th – March 14th (program is running, 7 hours/week, 7 weeks)
  • March 31st - April 11th (program is running, 7 hours/week, 2 weeks)
  • April 21st – May 2nd (prep and training, 4 hours/week, 2 weeks)
  • May 5th – June 27th (program is running, 7 hours/week, 8 weeks)
  • June 30th – July 4th (wrap-up and report writing, 8 hours, 1 week)

Requirements:

  • Currently enrolled in 3rd or 4th year of an undergraduate degree, or currently enrolled in a graduate degree at SFU with previous experience in: working with children in a recreation or school setting; volunteer coordination; program coordination; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience;  
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills;  
  • Excellent interpersonal and conflict management skills;  
  • Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills;  
  • Willingness and ability to work with at-risk children who may exhibit behavioral challenges;  
  • Clean criminal record check (this will be a condition for employment. If you are being considered as a candidate, we will provide more information on how to get this requirement completed);
  • Previous experience with the Racing Readers program is an asset.

HOW TO APPLY: 

To apply, please email Saba Fatemi, Program Manager (sfatemi@sfu.ca) your resume and answers to the following questions:

  1. Why do you want to apply for this position?
  2. What personal and professional strengths or relevant experiences do you bring to this position?
  3. How do you plan on balancing this job with your other commitments?

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted via email with an interview invitation.

Deadline to apply: Reviewing applicants 

 
 
Collection Notice: The information collected as part of the application process is under the authority of the University Act (R.S.B.C. 1996, c.468). It is related directly to and needed by the University to administer the volunteer program through the SFU Surrey – TD Community Engagement Centre. The information will be used to screen volunteer applicants, refer applicants to opportunities of interest, and update applicants with information related to volunteer opportunities. If you have any questions about the collection and use of this information please contact Associate Director, Partnerships and Programs, 250-13450 102 Avenue, Surrey BC, V3T 0A3, 778-782-8082.    

Apply now!

Ready to learn about volunteering with the community as an SFU ambassador? Join the Community Engagement Volunteer Training Program.

Learn more

This opportunity is recognized on the Co-Curricular Record (CCR), an official university document that tracks your co-curricular involvement at SFU. Learn more about the Co-Curricular Record at www.sfu.ca/students/get-involved/recognition/co-curricular-record.