Media Mentorship Volunteer

Media Mentorship Volunteer

Position Type: Volunteer (Unpaid)
Reports To: Designated School Administrator or Instructional Staff Supervisor
Location: On-campus and school-sponsored activities
Schedule: As assigned and approved
Clearance Required: Yes

Position Summary

St. Louis Voices Academy (“SLVA”) seeks Media Mentorship Volunteers to support students through structured, supervised media-based learning experiences. Volunteers assist with classroom and enrichment activities that promote storytelling, digital literacy, ethical media practices, and student voice. This role supports instructional staff and does not replace paid employees or instructional positions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Media Mentorship Volunteers support students under staff supervision by assisting with media-related projects, including writing, audio, video, photography, editing, and presentation activities. Volunteers guide students in developing skills related to storytelling, collaboration, ethical decision-making, and responsible media use. Volunteers support classroom instruction and media lab activities as directed by licensed educators and assist with small group or individual student engagement while remaining within approved role boundaries.

Volunteers encourage student participation, creativity, and reflection while maintaining a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Volunteers follow all school protocols related to student supervision, communication, confidentiality, and safety.

Scope of Authority

Volunteers serve under the direction and supervision of SLVA staff. Volunteers do not have the authority to discipline students, evaluate academic performance, grade assignments, access student records, or supervise students independently. Volunteers may not represent SLVA publicly or communicate with students or families outside authorized channels.

Required Qualifications

Volunteers must demonstrate the ability to work respectfully with students from diverse backgrounds and maintain professional boundaries at all times. Volunteers must be able to follow instructions, adhere to school policies, and collaborate effectively with staff. Basic communication skills and reliability are required.

Experience or interest in media, storytelling, digital tools, education, youth development, or community engagement is preferred but not required.

Training and Clearance Requirements

Volunteers must complete all required onboarding, training, and background clearance prior to beginning service. This includes completion of criminal background checks, sex offender registry screening, fingerprinting if required, and mandatory training covering student safety, mandated reporting, confidentiality, professional boundaries, trauma-informed practices, communication protocols, and media ethics. Continued service is contingent upon maintaining current clearance and training status.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

Volunteers must be able to perform duties in classroom and media lab environments, which may include standing, sitting, walking, light lifting of materials, and use of basic technology. Reasonable accommodations may be provided as required by law.

Time Commitment

Volunteer schedules and time commitments are determined based on program needs and volunteer availability. Consistent attendance and reliability are expected once a schedule is approved.

Conduct Expectations

Volunteers are expected to conduct themselves in a professional, respectful, and culturally responsive manner at all times. Volunteers must comply with all SLVA policies, procedures, and protocols, including those related to student safety, confidentiality, communication, and media use. Failure to meet conduct expectations may result in removal from volunteer service.

Non-Employment Status

This position is a volunteer role and does not create an employment relationship. Volunteers are not entitled to wages, benefits, or compensation of any kind.

Equal Opportunity Statement

St. Louis Voices Academy is committed to providing an inclusive and equitable environment. Volunteer opportunities are offered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.