Student Support Coordinator (Orange County)

School on Wheels is a nonprofit organization made up of hundreds of volunteers, who give their time, talents, and support to the educational needs of children experiencing homelessness. Founded in 1993, the mission of School on Wheels. is the enhancement of educational opportunities for children without a home, from kindergarten through the twelfth grade. Our goal is to shrink the gaps in the education of these children and provide them with the highest quality education possible.


Job Summary

This full-time position is responsible for the tender love and care of all things relating to School on Wheels students, including student outreach and recruitment, working with parents and students to strengthen their relationships with volunteers and School on Wheels, conducting pre- and post-assessments and measuring outcomes, and working with schools, shelters, community groups, and other partners.

This position will cover Regions 9 and 10 (Orange County). The position is remote but may require monthly visits to our Los Angeles office, plus attendance at quarterly team and development meetings (currently held virtually but we anticipate in-person events to restart soon).

Applicants must be currently fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Major responsibilities are outlined for the normal operations of School on Wheels but are currently adapted for safety reasons due to COVID-19.

Major Responsibilities

Student Outreach, Recruitment, and Partnerships

  • Identify and collaborate with new transitional and emergency shelters, group foster homes, seasonal shelters and after-school programs, schools (HLOs + teachers/principals), advocacy groups, social service agencies, to enhance relations.
  • Conduct student outreach at shelters, motels, schools, campgrounds, vehicles.
  • Work with Volunteer Support Coordinators to develop and implement outreach strategies for unsheltered students.

Strengthening of Student/Parent Relationship with School on Wheels

  • Attend shelter parent meetings/shelter events; talk about education and School on Wheels at every meeting, be knowledgeable about and provide available resources to parents/guardians.
  • Ensure regular and ongoing communications/coordination with student families.
  • Work with Volunteer Support Coordinators to deliver devices, hotspots, school supplies, and backpacks to students. 
  • Market School on Wheels scholarship opportunities to students, including opportunities for post-secondary support and region-specific resources.
  • Coordinate and organize 1 or 2 site-specific events annually to enhance partnerships, better engage, and celebrate student achievements.

Student/Volunteer Matching, Appreciation, and Tracking

  • Work as a team with Volunteer Support Coordinators to: 
  • Identify the best match for both student and volunteer, focusing on one-on-one matches.
  • Train parents on the use of the School on Wheels virtual classroom and troubleshoot any connectivity/device issues. 
  • Ensure student assessments are completed after the second session.
  • Identify star students every month. 
  • Identify parent and student advocates and keep track of School on Wheels success stories and alumni.

Data Entry

  • Utilize Salesforce to keep accurate student and partnership information. 
  • Update student information in a timely manner and on a regular basis, including notes and demographic changes.
  • Log communication and activities timely to Salesforce.

Physical Demands and Work Environment 

  • Some Saturdays are required for events; you will not need to work on one weekday if working a Saturday depending on the event hours.
  • Driving to different locations locally; valid California driver’s license, auto insurance, and use of a personal vehicle (mileage reimbursed). 
  • Lifting of material donations, including backpacks, school supplies, etc. required periodically.

Qualifications 

  • Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination required.
  • Knowledge of Salesforce or similar database management software preferred.
  • Passion for education.
  • Cultural sensitivity and knowledge of the communities of Orange County.
  • Empathy for students experiencing homelessness.
  • Strong communications/presentation experience.
  • Organizational and time management skills.
  • Knowledge of IEPs, common core, and student rights.
  • One to three years experience in teaching or education-related position preferred.
  • Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred.

Benefits and Opportunities

  • Salary DOE
  • Medical, dental, vision, 403b plan. 
  • Paid vacation and holidays; we expect you to work hard, but still enjoy a personal life.
  • Flexibility: flexible working environment and telecommuting. Enough freedom to spread your wings while still holding you accountable. 
  • Autonomy: this position will provide you with a lot of autonomy as you will be required to take charge of projects and complete tasks with minimal supervision.
  • Professional development: we believe in investing in our team and giving you the tools to succeed. Ongoing coaching, training, and growth opportunities are provided along with a professional development stipend each year.
  • Skill variety: you will have the opportunity to work on a variety of tasks to develop your skills in many areas. 
  • Mobility: room for vertical and horizontal mobility within the organization.
  • Consistent and fair leadership: we’ll share information, set clear goals, show you respect, and treat everyone fairly.
  • Culture: you will be a part of a passionate, mission-driven team where your ideas and feedback will be listened to and encouraged. You will have opportunities to be a part of team-based projects resulting in bringing change to the organization.

At School on Wheels, we believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices working together will enable us to fulfill our mission of improving students’ lives through education.

To join this dedicated team, submit a cover letter and resume, including “SSC 9-10” in the subject line, for consideration to employment@schoolonwheels.org.

School on Wheels is an Equal Opportunity Employer encouraging inclusion and diversity in the workplace.