Wednesday, April 3, 2013

The CLUE Writing Center is Hiring for the 2013-14 Academic Year!

**The CLUE Writing Center is looking for a few good writing consultants!**

The CLUE Writing Center is now hiring writing tutors for the 2013-2014 academic year.  The CLUE Writing Center is a multidisciplinary writing center that supports UW writers in all disciplines on any piece of writing.  We are open Sunday-Thursday from 7:00p.m. to midnight.  More information about the center and its mission are available at http://depts.washington.edu/clue/dropintutor_writing.php
 
We are seeking: 
1) Qualified writing tutors who can join our weekly schedule starting Fall 2013.  

2) Substitute writing tutors who work irregularly and have the ability to pick up shifts during busy periods and/or step in when one of our regularly scheduled tutors needs an evening off.  
 
A detailed job description is posted below.  All applications are due by the end of the day Friday April 12th.  Please contact Tish Lopez at LeticiaL@uw.edu with questions. 

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Job Description:

The CLUE Writing Center helps students through all stages of the writing process on any piece of writing.  We primarily assist students in three ways.  First, we help students understand fully what any given assignment is asking them to do; second, we help students plan clearly how to complete assignments successfully; and third, we help students execute that plan from the initial writing of research notes through the submission of a successful draft.
 
The job requires patience and good listening skills as well as the ability to identify strengths and possibilities in other students' writing.  While paid training will be provided to better equip you to assist the center's varied student population, applicants with a strong grasp of basic writing conventions, flexible thinking skills, and an ability to communicate clearly to others will be given preference.   
 
This is a great opportunity for students to work in a relaxed, fun learning environment while also gaining valuable experience.  The skills you acquire through this work will serve you throughout your academic and professional careers.

Requirements:
- Ability to work at least two evenings a week
- Excellent writing and oral communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with other tutors, center administrators, and faculty members.  
- Ability to clearly articulate and model basic writing conventions
 
Desired Qualities:
- Experience as a tutor, mentor, teacher, facilitator, or coach
- Ability to work the full academic year
- Able to use a variety of approaches to diagnose and problem-solve
- Experience working with ESL/ELL students is a plus
- Flexibility to work extra hours during the last few weeks of each quarter
- Flexibility to act as a sub for other tutors as requested
- Familiarity with 100-level English courses, especially 111, 121 and 131. 
- Interest is pursuing leadership opportunities at the center such as developing and delivering workshops, assisting with the training of new staff, attending regional writing center conferences, as well as marketing and representing the center at various campus events.
 
Wage:
- Starting wage ranges from $13.00-17.50 depending on your class or alumni status.  Please see the attached document for details.   
 
To Apply:
Please submit the following four (4) documents to clue@uw.edu:
1. a cover letter describing your qualifications and why you want to be a tutor
2. a current resume or cv and 
3. your unofficial transcript
4. a writing sample (a course paper is preferred) 

NOTE: All applications are due by the end of the day Friday April 12th.  

Frequently Asked Questions:

1) How many hours are tutors expected to work?
We ask that you commit to working at least two nights a week for 3-5 hours per evening.  Beyond that, we’re very flexible.  If you are a regularly scheduled tutor, you will submit your availability every quarter.  On the form, you will state the number of hours/days/times you prefer to work.  In almost every instance, we are able to accommodate your request.  

2) How many tutors do you need to hire?
As one of the largest writing center on campus, we are always looking for talented individuals to join our team!  We are currently planning to hire at least 5-7 tutors for the 2013-14 academic year. 

3) Do you provide training for your tutors?
Yes. If you are hired to work at our center, you will provided with 10-15 hours of paid training throughout the academic year.   Most training occurs on or around the first week of fall quarter with follow-up training scheduled throughout the year as needed.  In addition to paid training sessions, you will receive anonymous student feedback on a regular basis, meet with senior staff members to discuss your progress as a tutor, and attend center meetings where you’ll have an opportunity to discuss a wide range of writing-center-related issues.  In short, you will get plenty of support as the year progresses!    

4) I don't have any tutoring experience.  Should I even apply?
Of course!  Previous experience does not matter as much as you might think.  More often than not, we look for individuals who are friendly, have a strong understanding of basic writing conventions (e.g. what is a thesis?)  and are able to effectively communicate with others.  

5) I applied for an CLUE Writing Center tutoring position in the past and was turned down.  Can I re-apply?
Yes.  In fact, we love repeat applicants! 

6) What is a substitute tutor? Can a regularly-scheduled tutor work as a substitute tutor as well?
Substitute writing tutors are individuals who work irregularly and have the ability to pick up shifts during busy periods and/or step in when one of our regularly scheduled tutors needs an afternoon or evening off.  Since we have over a dozen tutors on staff, sub requests are often sent out on a weekly basis.  The nice thing about being a sub is that you are not tied down to a weekly schedule and have the option of picking up as many (or as few) shifts as you like.  Regularly-scheduled tutors can also act as subs and have the ability of picking up extra shifts if they like as well.    

8) I'm graduating soon but I plan to stay in the Seattle area.  Can I still apply?
Of course!  As long as you plan to stay in the area for six months or more, you are encouraged to apply. 
9) Why should I work at CLUE?
Because we're a great place to work!  Our staff has a reputation for being bright, funny, and easy to work with.  In addition, unlike a typical retail or administrative position, CLUE Writing Tutors have an opportunity to make a difference in someone's life.  Where else can you get paid to instill confidence in others, help students become a proficient self-editor, and engage in conversation on a variety of topics?  

Last but not least, we pride ourselves in making sure that you leave our center more prepared for whatever academic or professional endeavor you're pursuing.  If you're applying to grad school -- we'll help you write your personal statement and secure a TA or RAship.  If you're planning to enter the job market immediately after graduation, we'll help you revamp your resume and give you an opportunity to sit in on interviews and learn how to effectively communicate with potential employers.  If you plan to teach one day, we'll give you an opportunity to lead writing workshops.  In short, we'll do our best to ensure that you leave the center better prepared for whatever professional endeavor you seek.
 
Misc. Notes:  
This job classification is governed by a negotiated labor contract and is subject to union shop provisions. For more information about union shop provisions, visit:http://www.washington.edu/admin/hr/jobs/apl/union-info.html

The University of Washington is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206.543.6450 / 206.543.6452 (tty) ordso@u.washington.edu.