Education Mentor
Samoa Pacific Development Corporation: website
Samoa Pacific Development Corporation (SPDC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves the Samoan and Pacific Islander community in Oregon through educational and economic resources and cultural empowerment.
Mission: Samoa Pacific Development Corporation is an emerging nonprofit that serves Samoans and Pacific Islanders in Portland and the state of Oregon through education and economic resources and cultural empowerment.
Vision: An inclusive community that celebrates Samoan culture, increases equitable access to opportunities, and empowers members to create a vibrant, healthy, and just society.
Values:
- Honor our ancestors by preserving Samoan culture & language
- Impart systemic change by advocating for social justice, equity, and inclusion
- Treat each other with mutual respect or “ava fatafata”
- Support our Polynesian, Micronesian, and Melanesian partners in their efforts to strengthen and empower their communities
- Stay accountable to our community members, leaders, and partners
- Stand in solidarity with BIPOC and LGBTQ+ allies
- Create an environment where people are valued and live life with dignity
Position Summary
If you are interested in supporting culturally-specific learning and educational equity with a non-profit that serves the Samoan and Pacific Islander community throughout the state of Oregon, this job may be of interest to you. SPDC is looking for a self-motivated, compassionate, results-driven, and culturally responsive team player to join our staff and contribute to the dynamic work of building and serving the Samoan and Pacific Islander community.
The Education Mentor will serve as a positive role model who guides, motivates, and tutors high school students from Micronesian, Melanesian, and Polynesian backgrounds during and after-school. Mentors will also play an active role in supporting the academic, social, and leadership development of students through one-on-one mentoring or in small groups, and assist staff to facilitate activities. The Education Mentor works with youth members and their families, supporting and participating in family activities.
The successful candidate will also contribute to imparting systemic change by advocating for social justice, equity, and resources to address systemic neglect that has perpetuated social disparities across generations of Pacific Islanders in Oregon. Interested applicants who have education programming experience and have worked with Samoans and Pacific Islander communities are encouraged to apply.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Attend orientation and required trainings
- Attend all scheduled program sessions on the day(s) agreed upon. This is critical in developing positive, trusting relationships with Pacific Islander students.
- Maintain good attendance. Notify the Education Program Coordinator in advance if you are going to be late or absent.
- Must be able to log hours worked in the payroll system on a timely basis.
- Work with students on school assignments and program activities, designed to develop leadership, social and academic skills, problem solving and critical thinking skills.
- Take an active role in helping to improve student attendance and school performance.
- Assist in evaluating student performance and creating success plans.
- Maintain required reports and provide feedback to staff about student progress and/or concerns
- Complete and abide by mandatory courses and policies set by the school districts and the Pacific Islander Coalition.
- Assist with other tasks that support the mentoring and program activities.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- High School Diploma or equivalent (GED, Certificates, or relevant experience; can be a combination of education and work experience)
- Experience in youth programs, community work, or education, preferably secondary education
- Experience working with Samoan communities and other Pacific Islander groups
- Good communication skills: writing and speaking in English and in various formats
- Flexible and able to adapt to changing circumstances, and capable of self-direction.
- Experience with computer technology, Microsoft Suite, Google Drive, social media, and willingness to learn other software applications.
- Meet requirements as required by the state and school districts
- Professional, culturally responsive, and compassionate about Pacific Islander community building
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- A bachelor's degree or currently in process of obtaining a bachelor’s degree
- At least 1 year of experience in youth programs, community work, or education
- Experience in mentoring for high school students, working in school settings, Samoan culture, and language curriculum
- Bilingual in Samoan Language(s) and English, with both verbal and written communication
- Familiar with the challenges facing the Pacific Islander community in the U.S.
- Knowledge of best practices in diversity, equity, and inclusion work.
Applications will be accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis.
This position will be open until filled.
Submit a resume and cover letter addressed to Collette Yee, Operations Manager, to ------------ with your name and the position title in the subject line.
Address: Samoa Pacific Development Corporation
7820 NE Holman St. Ste B-1, Portland, OR 97218
