Or Tzedek - the teen institute for social justice of the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs - is seeking counselors to staff its 8-day summer urban immersion program for Jewish high school students (participants much have completed Grade 9). At Or Tzedek teens strengthen their Jewish identity and clarify their commitment to social justice through hands-on experiences.

In summer 2012 we will hold 3 8-day sessions on the following dates:

•  June 17-24
  
•  July 15-22
  
•  August 5-12
  

Preference will be given to applicants who can commit to all three sessions.

 
Roles and Responsibilities:

• Create safe spaces for education, discussion, exploration, and expression
  
• Facilitate discussions; organize and facilitate specific programs throughout Or Tzedek sessions
  
• Guide participants in their social justice, personal, and Jewish  journey through Or Tzedek
  
• Take part in logistical aspects of the program, including organizing meals, equipment and program materials; driving participants to various locations around the city.
  
• Participate in staff training prior to sessions (typically staff trainings are 1-2 days and take place in the week before the session).
  
• During the program, the staff member will live on campus, together with all program staff and participants. All food is kosher and the program Shabbat-observant.
  

Required Qualifications:

• Commitment to social and economic justice, human rights, and empowerment of low-income and minority communities through a Jewish lens.
  
• Commitment to team-building and effective communication with colleagues
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Experienced working with teens
• Experience in facilitating workshops and training
• Ability and experience to teach social justice from a Jewish perspective.
• MUST have a valid driver’s license, and the ability to drive a 12 passenger van.

The Counselor:

• Is a creative, energetic, well-organized self starter
  
•  Is innovative, flexible, adaptable, and able to foster and handle change
  
• Sense of humor
  
•  Understands and is able to convey that systematic social justice change is not a “quick fix,” is long-term and can be challenging. Furthermore, s/he will have to work to gain the trust of the teens, as well as community partners, in order to create meaningful partnerships. This too is a process that requires an investment of time, energy and a positive approach.  
  

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience.

How to Apply:

·         Please send resume and cover letter to Rebecca Katz at ortzedeksummer2012@gmail.com

·         Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The Jewish Council on Urban Affairs combats poverty, racism, and anti-Semitism in partnership with Chicago's diverse communities. For forty years, JCUA has brought a Jewish voice and Jewish community involvement to efforts that help build coalitions, promote advocacy, and address issues that affect Chicago's most at-risk communities.