JustServe AmeriCorps 2008-2009 Service Year
AmeriCorps Member Position Opening
Open Until Filled - Apply Now!
Host Site: El Centro de la Raza
Project Name: Hope for Youth Violence Prevention Program
Summary of Member Project: The project involves maintaining and integrating a curriculum addressing gangs and anti-violence into existing El Centro de la Raza Civil Rights history and poetry classes, as well as assisting with activities in which youth of color are involved.
Description of Activities and Responsibilities:
Daily activities and responsibilities include attendance at Civil Rights history and poetry classes in Seattle Public Schools, assisting the Program Coordinator with registration of youth in classes, researching new materials to be incorporated into the curriculum, developing presentations to be used in classes, researching and coordinating guest speakers to attend classes, assisting with the production of poems in a variety of formats (e.g. t-shirts, anthologies, spoken word CD's), researching and coordinating topics for discussion during staff anti-racism leadership seminars, and assisting with end-of-year recognition events for the students. For areas of skills/experience for which the member needs assistance, the Hope for Youth Coordinator will seek appropriate trainings.
Minimum Background Requirements:
* An interest in and commitment to providing service to the community.
* A strong desire and commitment to undo racism, classism, sexism and other forms of oppression that perpetuate violence in our community
* A strong desire and commitment to work to end poverty.
* Must be a U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident. (Documentation required, at AmeriCorps enrollment.)
* Ability to commit to full time, 40 hours/week participation in national service, minimum of 1700 hours total over the 11-month JustServe AmeriCorps term from September 2nd, 2008 to July 31st, 2009.
* Must pass Washington Access to Criminal History (WATCH) background check, to work with youth under 18 or "vulnerable adults", as required under the Revised Code of Washington. (This is often referred to as the "Washington State Patrol" background check.) Applicants living outside Washington State at the time of AmeriCorps application must also pass a background check, for that state.
* Must pass the National Sex Offender Registry background check.
* Minimum age requirement is 21 years old.
* Must have completed Bachelor of Arts or equivalent degree by the beginning of the AmeriCorps service year.
* Additional minimum requirements for this Member position: ability to work a flexible schedule.
Desired Skills and Experience:
* Bilingual in Spanish and English,
* Experience serving as a volunteer,
* Experience working with youth of color,
* Excellent organizational skills,
* Ability to communicate effectively both with program staff and with participating youth,
* Ability to work well independently and as part of a team, and
* Some computer proficiency preferred - position will utilize MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access.
The JustServe AmeriCorps Program, administered by Solid Ground, provides equal employment opportunity to national service Members without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual preference or status as a veteran.
Hours of Service:
* JustServe AmeriCorps Members commit to a minimum of 1700 hours of service, full time (an average of 40 hours/week) from September 2nd, 2008 to July 31st, 2009. This includes team activities and service at the project site.
* For this specific project site, the Member will generally work the following days of the week, and start/end times each day: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm and occasionally 7:00 am to 4:00 pm. Occasional evening and weekend hours are required, with flex time provided.
* JustServe Members participate in the 2008-2009 Team Orientation, from Tuesday, September 2nd to Friday, September 5th, 2008. Members also attend ongoing team meetings and trainings (weekly throughout Fall 2008 and biweekly starting January 2009), at least three large group community service projects (Fall 2008, January 2009 MLK Day and April 2009) and two overnight team retreats (one in the fall and one in the spring) throughout the national service year.
Benefits: In exchange for 1700 hours of service full time (an average of 40 hours/week) over the 11-month term of service, full time JustServe AmeriCorps Members receive a living stipend of $1,036/month (pre-tax) and a $4,725 post-secondary educational award (on completion of year of service). Health care (medical) is provided, if needed. Limited childcare benefits are provided, if income eligible. Up to (20) one-way Metro bus tickets/month are provided for transportation to community service activities, if needed. JustServe placements are AmeriCorps*State Member positions.
How to Apply: Positions are open until filled, so apply now! We will begin accepting applications in May 2008 and the entire team must be hired by the end of August 2008. To apply online, go to http://www.americorps.org. (Once you have completed your application, select for your application to be sent to: "JustServe AmeriCorps-Solid Ground".) If you have questions about the application process or to request a paper application, please go to Solid Ground's website at www.solid-ground.org or call Solid Ground National Service Recruitment Coordinator Ian Dapiaoen at (206) 957-4779 ext. #115.
For more information about this specific JustServe project site, please contact:
Estela Ortega
Associate Director
(206) 957-4613
eortega@elcentrodelaraza.org
www.elcentrodelaraza.org
