CBWS Northfield High School TORCH Assistant (WS-NST3)

Job Title: CBWS Northfield High School TORCH Assistant (WS-NST3)

Classification: Student Employee (non-exempt)

Name and Address of Employer: St. Olaf College, 1520 St. Olaf Ave, Northfield, MN 55057

If the position requires the student to work off campus, provide the name and address here:

TORCH Program at Northfield High School, 1400 Division Street South, Northfield MN 55057

Department Name: Community Based Work Study / America Reads 

Unit Number (5 digits):  10-13001 / 10-13000

Length of Position: See Employment Authorization  

Contact Person/Supervisor: TORCH Senior Manager

Wage Range: $15.50/hour

Description of the Position: (Purpose of the Position)

• Support Northfield High School students’ success through weekly tutoring and mentoring sessions, in partnership with the TORCH program. TORCH (Tackling Obstacles & Raising College Hopes) works to support and empower Northfield youth in pursuing future goals, with an intentional focus on partnering with Northfield’s students of color, those from low-income families, and potential first-generation college attendees. 

• The TORCH Program Assistant works directly with TORCH students on academic and social-emotional support. This includes tutoring, offering a listening ear to students facing challenges, helping connect students to resources, serving as a mentor, and helping students understand how their choices in high school can prepare them for success in college and careers.

Transferable Skills: 

• Communication: Work study students will develop communication skills as they coordinate with colleagues, supervisors, teachers and students at the high school

• Responsibility: Work study students will develop responsibility as they work with a cohort of high school students

• Attention to detail: Work study students will develop their attention to detail as they complete data entry tasks related to their work with students and help students with homework, college applications, scholarship applications, etc.

• Diversity and equity: Work study students will develop their skills working with diverse groups of students and thinking through an equity lens if and when students share concerns with them throughout the semester.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Commit to a weekly schedule of working at least two shifts each week at the High School. Length of shifts will vary based on the students’ work study award.

• Build positive relationships with participating TORCH students.

• Assist individual students or small groups with academic needs.

• Follow up with participating students at least once per week, according to each individual’s needs and progress.

• Communicate regularly with TORCH staff regarding student progress, emerging needs, etc.

• Meet all program expectations, including paperwork, background check, data entry tracking student interactions, standards of conduct and attendance policies.

Qualifications: (Education/Experience/Skills) 

• Reliable.
• Patient.

• Willingness to get to know TORCH students, not afraid to start conversations.

• Desire to motivate and assist students.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Ability to give and receive instruction.

• Must pass a criminal background check and complete the required confidentiality agreement before starting work on site.

Schedule/Location:

• Position is for 2027 January/Spring Terms with early January 2027 start date

Physical and Environmental Factors: This position requires occasional lifting/carrying (< 20 lbs.). Candidates must possess the ability to safely perform the physical work required of all duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

This job description is for general information purposes.  It is not intended to list all duties and responsibilities of the position.  This job description is subject to change at any time by St. Olaf College, with or without prior notice.