Organization: Next StepPosition: Volunteer TutorPosition Type: Virtual/HybridLocations:
Boston, MAProvidence, RINew Haven, CT & Hartford, CTNew York, NYPhiladelphia, PAWashington, DCOrganization Description(s):At Next Step, we are dedicated to supporting young people aged 13-29 living with chronic illnesses such as cancer, HIV, sickle cell, and other rare genetic conditions. Our mission is to empower them with the skills, tools, and knowledge to shift their mindset from "Why me?" to "What's next?" We achieve this through a three-step process build on the pillars of: Engagement: Building Community + Changing PerspectiveEducation: Learning Skills + Growing ConfidenceEmpowerment: Building Resilience + Developing LeadershipNext Step's STRIVE program is a free tutoring program for teens, ages 13-18, living with chronic illness. The program is primarily hosted in Boston, New York City, Washington DC, New Haven, Philadelphia, and Rhode Island. The program providers young people with: Weekly 45-minute 1:1 tutoring/mentoring sessions during the academic year2x a year community & family events (aimed at providing fun and connection for youth and families) Ongoing virtual groups, as neededPosition Description: The Volunteer Tutor position will be responsible for the ongoing delivery of weekly tutoring sessions for the young people within our program. The tasks and responsibilities are as follows: Delivering weekly 45 minute – 1 hour long virtual tutoring sessions for 1 young person during the academic yearCommunicate weekly reminders about sessions to the young person AND their parents/guardiansDocument tasks and goals discussed during tutoring sessionsGenerate post-session updates for the young person, parents/guardians and Next Step staffAttend four 2-hour virtual training sessions over the summer of 2026 Attend and participate in bi-weekly tutor supervision over the course of the academic yearFacilitate virtual hangs with other mentors & young people to increase community connection (as needed) Be available for 4-5 two-hour virtual trainings over course of the summer (6/22, 7/6, 7/20, 8/10, & 8/17)
Qualifications:
Able to commit to weekly tutoring during the academic year (approx. mid-September to early June) Have previous experience as a tutor and/or mentorComfort working with diverse audiencesAbility to create a positive and encouraging learning atmosphereAbility and readiness to hold space for othersWorks very well on a team and is supportive of teammates/colleaguesHave experience with supporting others living with chronic illnessHave excellent organizational and computer skillsExceptional communication skills and professional boundariesPossess a good sense of humor and work ethicResponsible and professionalCan work independentlyDemonstrate a commitment to the mission of Next Step A strong sense of professional boundaries and patient confidentialityHave a strong interest in public health, medicine, and social justice issuesMust have required vaccinations for residential programs by state law: MMR, Varicella, and TDAP.Due to the nature of the participants, we work with, who are often immunocompromised, we also require staff to be up to date with COVID-19 and flu vaccines
