Volunteer Services Program
Homework Helper
Volunteer Service Description
SUMMARY:
Homework Helpers assist K-12 students with homework assignments and developing literacy and
mathematics skills. They provide help with all subjects up to the 7th grade level and also may specialize
in one or two subjects up to the college-prep level. Most of the students are in elementary school and
speak a language other than English at home.
Volunteers assist students for two hours per week when the Seattle Public Schools are in session. They
must be comfortable tutoring students of all ages in small groups and individually on a drop-in basis.
Homework Helpers have opportunities to make a difference in the lives of students and derive
satisfaction from supporting a culture of higher learning. They help to encourage and inspire students to
become lifelong learners. A volunteer commitment throughout the school year is requested. However,
college students can be considered for a short-term volunteer assignment for at least one academic
quarter.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Actively listen as students read their homework assignments and describe school projects to you.
Ask open-ended questions to engage students in a discussion to support their understanding of an
assignment and how to get started. Check back with students who are working on assignments.
2. Assist students with developing reading comprehension, vocabulary and writing skills.
3. Provide mathematics tutoring up to the 7th grade level. Explain math concepts and discuss
approaches for solving math problems. Understanding of high school mathematics is helpful, but not
required.
4. Demonstrate effective study skills, including how to take notes when reading textbooks, use study
guides and workbooks, proofread and check work, organize homework materials, etc.
5. Ask students to review their completed homework assignments with you. Offer to read students’
written assignments. Provide constructive feedback and encouragement.
6. Share your knowledge of a subject (such as English, history, mathematics, science, social studies,
college and scholarship application process, ACT and SAT prep, etc.) and help create a culture of
higher learning.
7. Show middle and high school students how to use the Library’s online Homework Help service.
Expert tutors can assist students with English, mathematics, science and other subjects.
8. Refer students who request help with conducting research and finding reference materials to Library
staff. Staff will recommend materials and show students how to use the Library’s catalog, databases
and reliable websites.
9. Communicate regularly with the branch’s Homework Help volunteer liaison regarding your questions,
volunteer schedule, suggestions and to request supplies.
10. When you must cancel a scheduled Homework Help shift, request coverage for your shift by sending
an email to the branch’s Homework Help volunteer email list. Inform the volunteer liaison of extended
absences at least two weeks in advance, if possible.
11. Abide by The Seattle Public Library’s confidentiality policy and support for intellectual freedom.
Homework Helper – Volunteer Service Description
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QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:
Homework Helpers must be at least 18 years old. Volunteer applicants will be asked to authorize a
criminal background check by the Washington State Patrol and may be separated from a volunteer
assignment based on the results. The Library is unable to place applicants who have assault, abuse,
theft or other criminal convictions as Homework Helpers.
Desired qualifications and skills include:

Completion of at least one year of college or vocational school. Must be a high school graduate or
have a GED diploma.

Experience with youth as a teacher, tutor, volunteer or family member.

Empathy, a friendly demeanor and communication skills, especially active listening.

Considerable patience, flexibility, creativity and a willingness to use a variety of methods to enable
students to learn.

Be respectful of diverse lifestyles, cultures, religions and values.

Strong English and/or mathematics skills (up to the 7th grade level). Knowledge of high school
mathematics (algebra, geometry, trigonometry and calculus) is helpful, but not required.

Proficient in using email, Word and the Internet. Volunteers are expected to check their email on a
regular basis and use the laptop computer in the Homework Help Center.

Ability to work as part of a team with other Homework Helpers and Library staff.
TIME COMMITMENT AND LOCATIONS:
The 2015-2016 Homework Help service will be provided from Sept. 14, 2015 through June 16,
2016. Homework Helpers are asked to assist students throughout the school year. Weekly shifts can be
scheduled at the following Library branches. Those who have variable job or school schedules can
volunteer as substitute Homework Helpers at least twice a month for a minimum of four months.
Beacon Hill Branch, 2821 Beacon Avenue S.
Volunteer Shifts: Monday - Thursday, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. and 6 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
Broadview Branch, 12755 Greenwood Avenue N.
Volunteer Shifts: Monday - Thursday, 6 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
Columbia Branch, 4721 Rainier Avenue S.
Volunteer Shifts: Monday - Thursday, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Douglass-Truth Branch, 2300 East Yesler Way
Volunteer Shifts: Monday - Thursday, 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.;
Sunday, 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
High Point Branch, 3411 S.W. Raymond St.
Volunteer Shifts: Monday & Tuesday, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. and 6 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.; Wednesday & Thursday, 4 p.m. 5:45 p.m.
Lake City Branch, 12501 28th Avenue N.E.
Volunteer Shifts: Monday - Thursday, 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. and 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
NewHolly Branch, 7058 32nd Avenue S.
Volunteer Shift: Monday, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Northgate Branch, 10548 5th Avenue N.E.
Volunteer Shifts: Monday - Thursday, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. and 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Homework Helper – Volunteer Service Description
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Rainier Beach Branch, 9125 Rainier Avenue S.
Volunteer Shifts: Monday - Thursday, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
South Park Branch, 8604 8th Avenue S.
Volunteer Shifts: Monday & Tuesday, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. and 6 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
APPLICATION, ORIENTATION & TRAINING PROCESS:
Prospective volunteers who submit their application forms in June will be given priority consideration for
the new school year’s Homework Help service. Additional Homework Helpers will be placed during the
summer and when volunteer openings occur during the school year.
Please contact our Volunteer Services Coordinator to request information about volunteer openings and
application forms. We recommend that you submit your application forms by July 30.
The Volunteer Services Coordinator will read applications, interview individuals who meet the Homework
Helper qualifications and conduct criminal background checks. New volunteers will be invited to a
Homework Help volunteer orientation and referred to a Library branch for a site orientation.
All Homework Helpers are encouraged to attend at least one of the Seattle Tutoring Coalition’s All City
Tutor Training events annually. These training events take place on Saturday mornings in October and
February.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Please contact Anne Vedella, Volunteer Services Coordinator, at anne.vedella@spl.org or 206-3864614.
Sponsors: Linda Braun, Youth and Family Learning Services Manager, and Josie Watanabe, Formal Learning Librarian
Updated: 6/3/15