Position: Group Facilitator

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Group Facilitator will serve as a therapeutic “game master,” (GM) providing direct services to participants in Game to Grow’s tabletop role-playing game (RPG) groups.

Game to Grow provides a therapeutic social skills enrichment program designed to help participants build confidence, creativity, and social capacity through the intentional facilitation of tabletop role-playing games. Clients served include adolescents and adults, and while a diagnosis is not required, many of the participants are struggling with challenges associated with autism, ADHD, anxiety, or depression. Playing games in a safe, supportive, and fun environment helps them build meaningful, supportive friendships while developing valuable skills.

This position will begin by facilitating two weekly virtual groups, with an estimated time commitment of 7-10 hours per week, which includes regular meetings and consultations. Facilitators may take on additional weekly groups in the future, depending on facilitator availability and client demand.

Additionally, applicants with knowledge, interest, or experience in Minecraft are encouraged to apply, as we are also expanding our therapeutically-applied Minecraft groups.

This position is only open to candidates who are residents of the following US States: California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Washington.

Compensation is $21.25 per hour.  Application review begins April 18th, 2022.

Anticipated start date: mid-late May 2022

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Facilitate tabletop role-playing game groups as a “game master” using the Game to Grow Method of therapeutically applied RPGs, focusing in-game scenarios on participants’ real-world areas of social growth. 
  2. Create and develop materials for future group implementation including story, plot, and narrative elements, in-game scenarios, modified game mechanics, etc. 
  3. Build and maintain meaningful and supportive relationships with group participants, and where appropriate, participant family members.
  4. Maintain appropriate personal and professional boundaries with clients, families, co-workers and community resources.
  5. Communicate clearly, positively, and professionally with all Game to Grow employees, prospective employees, external organizations, and the community at large.
  6. Collaborate and consult with other personnel on best-practices for service implementation. 
  7. Maintain confidential records of participant attendance and detailed descriptions of services rendered.
  8. Perform all other tasks as assigned.

ESSENTIAL JOB REQUIREMENTS:

  1. Bachelor’s Degree required. Graduate Degree or in-progress study in a helping field preferred.
  2. Two years experience working directly with neurodiverse populations. Experience facilitating neurodiverse groups of youth and adults preferred. 
  3. Ability to build strong rapport with youth and adults and an understanding of behavioral and developmental differences required.
  4. Familiarity with geek and gamer culture preferred, willingness to maintain a positive, strengths-based approach to interactions relating to these issues and topics required.
  5. Familiarity and experience with the structure and process of tabletop role-playing games preferred. 
  6. Commitment to the mission and values of Game to Grow.
  7. Ability to maintain participant confidentiality.
  8. Acceptance of a diversity of cultural, spiritual, and lifestyle practices.
  9. Ability to maintain awareness of culturally relevant issues while performing any and all job-related duties.
  10. Ability to maintain appropriate professional presentation when performing any and all job-related duties. 
  11. Ability to use the senses of sight and hearing to effectively supervise participants.
  12. Fluency in written and spoken English language.
  13. Effective written and verbal communication skills.
  14. Computer skills required: word processing, spreadsheets, productivity (e.g. Slack), videoconferencing (e.g. Zoom). 
  15. 21 years of age.
  16. Ability to pass a background check.
  17. Quiet and private place to facilitate virtual groups.
  18. US Work Authorization. 
  19. Must be a resident of one of the following US states: California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Washington.

 BONUS SKILLS:

Please briefly indicate if you have any of these skills at the bottom of your resume.  As Game to Grow continues to expand, we will need staff who have expertise in one or more of the skills listed below.  There may be opportunities to work additional hours using these skills in the future:

  • Minecraft / multiplayer-video experience
  • Graphic design
  • Video Production / Livestream Production
  • Community management
  • Donor/fundraising management
  • Volunteer management
  • Social media management

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Paid Training in the Game to Grow Method of TA-RPGs will be provided.

    • Application review will begin April 25th, 2022
    • Estimated start date: late 
    • Paid Training: Mandatory Paid all-day training June 4th, 2022, 9:00am- 5:00pm
    • New staff will observe and apprentice with existing staff during the month of June
    • New staff will run their own groups in Summer 2022

This role is part-time, 7-10 hours per week to start, with occasional evening or weekend hours. The facilitator will run a minimum of two weekly groups, each consisting of 2 hours of group interaction and 1 hour of planning, for a total of 3 hours per group.  Additional hours /groups may be available based on participant demand and staff member availability.

Groups are scheduled by quarter, consisting of 9-11 sessions per quarter (Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn).

Groups are offered virtually through teleconferencing to participants around the world. Facilitators will use their own hardware and reliable internet access. Facilitators may be asked to provide in-person services at a future date, depending on demand and availability.

ORGANIZATION INFORMATION:

Game to Grow is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2017 with a mission to:

  1. Provide gaming groups for therapeutic, educational, and community growth;
  2. Train others to use game-based interventions to benefit their own communities;
  3. Promote awareness of the life-enriching potential of games across the world.

Game to Grow values and prioritizes diversity, equity and inclusion. These principles are a core part of our mission and we believe striving towards inclusive excellence and intercultural fluency ultimately benefits our clients, staff, and community. We endeavor to embrace the full spectrum of humanity. We strongly encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply.