2019-2020 Program Year
Team UP AmeriCorps Member Position Description:
Youth Development Champion
The Program: Team UP is a Collective Impact initiative serving Dolores and Montezuma Counties in southwest Colorado. Since 2015, Team UP has operated under its backbone organization, United Way of Southwest Colorado (UWSWC). Team UP’s mission is to provide a comprehensive system of support to every child in our counties, from cradle to career. Team UP collaborates across sectors and promotes clear communication towards common progress in order to make a big difference.
The Boys and Girls Club of La Plata County is a non-profit organization that provides youth in the Durango area a positive, safe place to go after school. Our mission is “To provide a fun, safe place that kids can call their own, where they are inspired to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.”
AmeriCorps is part of the Corporation for National & Community Service, and has been called “the domestic Peace Corps.” AmeriCorps provides opportunities that engage thousands of Americans in intensive service to meet critical community needs.
Service Position Summary:
The AmeriCorps Youth Development Champion, with the assistance of the Program Director, plans, implements, supervises and evaluates all programs and activities provided in a specific program area. The Boys & Girls Club of La Plata County provides after school activities for youth between the ages of 6-18. The Club program areas consist of an art/ education room, a computer room, a game room and a gym. Youth activities occur within the facility as well as in the community. The Club is also open during the summer and on non-school holidays.
Essential Functions (Primary Responsibilities):
- Promote safety of members, quality in programs, and appearance of the Club at all times.
- Provide guidance and role modeling to members.
- Promote and stimulate program participation, welcome new members and participate in their orientation process.
- Participate in branch staff meetings, in-house trainings and programs as required.
- Under the guidance of the Program Director, plan and conduct programs and activities in a variety of program areas. Assure that there is a daily written schedule and that activities begin and end on time.
- Maintain close daily contact with club staff, club members, supervisor and volunteers to receive/provide information, discuss issues, and understand guidelines/instructions.
- Track progress and collect data for Performance Measures and other evaluation tools.
- Communicate with the regional Team UP AmeriCorps team, and represent Team UP and Serve Colorado in the community and on social media.
- Attend trainings and participate in Days of Service.
Marginal Functions (Secondary Responsibilities):
Additional tasks include:
- Create bulletin boards and posters publicizing programs, and establish a recognition system about members and their program activities and achievements.
- Prepare weekly reports for the Program Director about activities, special programs, attendance and other reports as required.
- Maintain the cleanliness of the program area on an ongoing basis.
- Assist with outreach/new member recruitment and Club events as required.
- Support United Way of SW Colorado, BGCLPC, and Team UP AmeriCorps team as appropriate and necessary.
Physical, Emotional, and intellectual Demands:
- Experience working with children.
- Knowledge of youth development.
- Ability to motivate youth and manage behavior problems.
- Ability to deal with the general public.
- Ability to plan and implement quality programs for youth.
- Ability to organize and supervise members in a safe environment.
Qualifications:
- Ethic of national and community service, strong desire to create positive change
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; computer literate
- Strong communications skills both written and verbal
- High School Graduate required (GED accepted,) college graduate preferred
- Ability to pass criminal history check
- Reliable transportation, proof of auto insurance if you will be transporting others in your vehicle
- U.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent resident status required
Term of Service – Time Commitment: This is a full-time national and community service position requiring, at a minimum, a total of 1,700 hours during the year (approximately 40 30 hours/week.)
Trainings and Support Provided: Team UP AmeriCorps members receive significant training and experience in community engagement, project implementation, leadership, diverse populations, and more. Up to 20% of total hours served may be spent in applicable, approved trainings. Member will be supervised and supported by Vaughn Morris (vaughn@bgclaplata.org), as well as by Al Huckins, AmeriCorps Program Director (alh@unitedway-swco.org). The 11 Team UP AmeriCorps members serving throughout the region will act as resources and support for each other.
Location and Service Conditions: This position is based at 2750 Main Avenue Durango, CO 81301 and may/will involve service at other locations in La Plata, Montezuma and/or Dolores Counties. Position is office-based, and will involve occasional/frequent days of service outdoors and/or in a school and/or community building.
Benefits: Team UP AmeriCorps members receive:
- A living allowance of $17,000/year for full-time members. Taxes are deducted and the living allowance is distributed monthly, by direct deposit to the member’s bank account.
- Health insurance for full-time members; child care assistance for full-time members, if eligible.
- An education award of $6,095 upon successful completion of term of service. It is possible to defer student loans while serving as an AmeriCorps member.
- Mileage reimbursement will paid at the IRS rate for travel to required trainings and days of service. Carpooling is strongly encouraged.
- Non-tangible benefits including extensive training, valuable experience, networking, and the opportunity to serve the local community in a crucial area of need.
Diversity and Equal Opportunity: United Way values the diversity of our community. In principle and in practice the diverse nature of our board, staff, and volunteers is recognized as one of our best assets. We respect each individual’s unique gifts and prohibit unfair or discriminatory practices against anyone because of age, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, gender, sexual orientation, and any other protected category.
To Apply: To apply to be an AmeriCorps member, you need to create an account with the AmeriCorps Recruitment System. The application period opens July 15, 2018, and the deadline is August 15, 2019.
- Go to the website: my.americorps.gov, click on “Apply to Serve” at the bottom of the page.
- Complete the requested profile information. (You will need a Social Security number and valid address, telephone number, and email.)
- Once you receive your account information via email, log on to the myAmeriCorps portal and use the navigation pane on the left to complete your application and references.
- When your application is complete, click “Search Listings.” Type “United Way of Southwest Colorado” into the Program Name field, click “Search.” Click the listing and submit your application to United Way of Southwest Colorado.