Project Based Learning Facilitator

Successful performance will be evaluated based on the Facilitator's ability to:

Job Description

Position Title: Project-Based Learning Facilitator

Employment Classification: Part-Time, Hourly

Hourly Rate: $20.00

Work Schedule: Monday–Thursday, according to assigned school site and program schedule

Assigned Location: Participating East Chicago elementary, middle, or high school

Reports To: Youth P.L.U.S. Site Coordinator

Employment Period: Approved school-year program schedule

Position Summary

The Project-Based Learning Facilitator is responsible for planning, preparing, and delivering engaging, age-appropriate project-based learning experiences for students participating in the Youth P.L.U.S. 21st Century Community Learning Centers program. The Facilitator helps students develop critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills through hands-on projects and practical learning activities.

In addition to project-based learning, the Facilitator may provide homework assistance, academic reinforcement, and individualized learning support as assigned.

The Facilitator is responsible for maintaining a positive learning environment, supervising students during assigned activities, documenting student participation, and supporting the overall goals of Youth P.L.U.S.

The position reports directly to the assigned Site Coordinator.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree, bachelor's degree, or relevant postsecondary coursework preferred.
• Experience working with school-aged children or youth in an educational, enrichment, tutoring, mentoring, or youth development setting.
• Familiarity with project-based learning, hands-on instruction, or experiential learning preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students from diverse backgrounds and learning levels.
• Strong organizational, classroom management, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with Site Coordinators and other program staff.
• Dependability, punctuality, professionalism, and sound judgment.
• Ability to complete applicable background checks, fingerprinting, health screening, and required training.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Project-Based Learning Instruction

• Plan, prepare, and facilitate approved project-based learning activities aligned with Youth P.L.U.S. program objectives.
• Deliver age-appropriate activities that encourage students to investigate questions, explore ideas, solve problems, and create meaningful projects.
• Help students connect academic knowledge to real-world situations.
• Encourage creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, communication, and independent learning.
• Guide students through project planning, implementation, completion, and reflection.
• Adapt instructional approaches to accommodate different learning abilities and developmental levels.
• Prepare necessary materials and instructional resources before each activity.
• Follow approved instructional plans and program schedules.
• Monitor student engagement and provide constructive feedback.

2. Homework Assistance and Academic Reinforcement

• Provide homework assistance and academic support when assigned by the Site Coordinator.
• Assist students in understanding assignments and developing effective study habits.
• Reinforce reading, writing, mathematics, and other academic skills through appropriate activities.
• Encourage students to complete assignments independently while providing guidance when needed.
• Identify students who may need additional academic support and communicate concerns to the Site Coordinator.
• Support academic learning without completing assignments for students.

3. Student Engagement and Positive Youth Development

• Create a welcoming, inclusive, and encouraging learning environment.
• Build positive and respectful relationships with participating students.
• Encourage student participation, responsibility, teamwork, and leadership.
• Use age-appropriate strategies to maintain student interest and engagement.
• Support students in developing confidence, communication skills, and positive decision-making.
• Recognize individual student strengths and encourage continued growth.

4. Student Supervision and Safety

• Maintain active supervision of students during assigned program activities.
• Follow established student safety, behavior management, and emergency procedures.
• Maintain appropriate student boundaries and professional conduct.
• Address routine behavior concerns using approved program procedures.
• Immediately report significant behavior, safety, health, or student welfare concerns to the Site Coordinator.
• Maintain student confidentiality and protect student information.
• Assist with student transitions and dismissal as assigned.
• Never leave assigned students without appropriate authorized supervision.

5. Activity Preparation and Materials Management

• Prepare instructional materials, supplies, and equipment before activities begin.
• Maintain an organized and safe learning environment.
• Ensure students use program materials and equipment appropriately.
• Monitor supply needs and communicate requests to the Site Coordinator.
• Clean and restore assigned instructional spaces after activities.
• Secure program materials and equipment according to site procedures.

6. Student Participation and Documentation

• Assist with daily attendance and participation tracking as assigned.
• Maintain accurate activity records and instructional documentation.
• Document completed projects, student participation, and learning activities as required.
• Communicate student engagement and academic concerns to the Site Coordinator.
• Submit required reports and activity documentation according to established deadlines.
• Support program evaluation and grant reporting requirements.

7. Staff Collaboration and Communication

• Work collaboratively with the Site Coordinator and other Project-Based Learning Facilitators.
• Attend required staff meetings, orientation, and professional development.
• Communicate promptly regarding scheduling, instructional, or student-related concerns.
• Follow directions and implement feedback provided by the Site Coordinator.
• Maintain professional relationships with school personnel, students, families, and community partners.
• Refer parent or guardian concerns requiring administrative action to the Site Coordinator.

8. Program Operations and Accountability

• Report to work on time and remain available throughout assigned work hours.
• Follow established Youth P.L.U.S. procedures, schedules, and operational expectations.
• Assist with student arrival, transitions, dismissal, and closing procedures as assigned.
• Maintain a professional appearance and conduct.
• Follow applicable Communities In Schools of East Chicago, school district, and 21st CCLC policies and requirements.
• Perform other related duties assigned by the Site Coordinator or Program Manager.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Ability to facilitate project-based and hands-on learning activities
• Effective student engagement and classroom management
• Understanding of age-appropriate instructional practices
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Creativity and problem-solving
• Organization and preparation
• Ability to work collaboratively with other staff
• Dependability and punctuality
• Professionalism and confidentiality
• Flexibility and adaptability

Performance Expectations

1. Deliver engaging, well-prepared, age-appropriate project-based learning activities.

2. Maintain a safe, positive, and supportive learning environment.

3. Encourage active student participation and meaningful learning.

4. Provide appropriate homework assistance and academic reinforcement when assigned.

5. Follow approved instructional plans, program schedules, and operational procedures.

6. Maintain accurate participation and activity documentation.

7. Communicate effectively with the Site Coordinator.

8. Demonstrate professionalism, dependability, teamwork, and accountability.

9. Complete assigned preparation, cleanup, and closing responsibilities within scheduled work hours.

Working Conditions

The position requires work in an active elementary, middle, or high school environment. Duties may involve standing, walking, sitting, bending, carrying instructional materials, and supervising students during indoor and outdoor activities.

The Facilitator must be able to respond appropriately to student needs and program emergencies.

Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Communities In Schools of East Chicago is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without discrimination based on any characteristic protected by applicable law.

This job description describes the general responsibilities of the position and may be modified according to organizational and program needs. All hours worked must be accurately recorded and compensated.

Pay: $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 6.0 – 14.0 per week

Work Location: In person