Student Engagement Specialist - AmeriCorps Position

Alpine Achievers Initiative (AAI) inspires, connects and nurtures youth, families, and communities in south central Colorado. AmeriCorps members support local youth, age pre-k through highschool, through academic interventions and extracurricular programming as Student Engagement Specialists with AAI. During the 22/23 service term, members will be placed with one of fifteen host-sites across eight counties throughout the San Luis and Arkansas valleys. To learn more about AAI’s programming, visit www.alpineachievers.org 

SERVICE RESPONSIBILITIES IN PRIMARY PROGRAMS: 

Member positions vary widely based on the needs of the site where the position is located. Some positions focus on academic interventions, some focus on extracurricular programming, and some positions are a mix of in-school and out-of school activities. All programs are in direct service with youth. AmeriCorps members are encouraged to connect with and support students both academically and socially/emotionally with the help of their program manager and site supervisor. Members are required to meet with program managers a minimum of once per month and site supervisors a minimum of once per week to ensure success within their site. 

Academic Interventions: 

Academic intervention is the opportunity for students who are not proficient in a subject to receive additional support outside of class time. Primary responsibilities of AmeriCorps members doing academic intervention include 1:1 tutoring of students in areas such as math or reading under the supervision of their site supervisor and/or small group instruction of 3-5 students in a classroom setting. Members will become versed in behavior management skills with an intended goal of building authentic relationships and confidence with students who are below learning targets in academics. Members will have daily contact with students and staff in a number of professional capacities and are encouraged to support outside of the classroom in extracurricular capacities as well. 

Out-of-School Programming: 

Out-of-school time (OST) is a supervised program that youth attend when school is not in session. Primary responsibilities of AmeriCorps members serving in out-of- school programming include facilitating an array of activities both in and out of doors. Other responsibilities include homework help and light academic support as directed by their site supervisor. Members will become versed in behavior management and group facilitation of students elementary to high school age with an intended goal of building relationships and confidence in the youth they are serving. AmeriCorps members are expected through support to help improve personal and social skills with the youth they are serving.

TERM OF SERVICE: 

Start Date : August 5 or August 12 2022 

End Date: July 16, 2023 

Average hours per week: 37-40 hours 

Total Expected Hours: 1700 hours of service 

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS: 

● Minimum Age: 18 

● A high school diploma or its equivalent. 

● Ability to pass a federal, state and National Sex Offender background checks. ● Proof of vaccination card for the Coronavirus or medical reason for exemption written by a doctor or medical professional 

● Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds. 

● Reliable vehicle, car insurance & driver’s license strongly recommended. 

● No pets 

BENEFITS: 

● Up to $16,600 maximum living allowance, pre-tax and paid bi-weekly. 

● Segal Education Award of $6,345.00 upon successful completion of the term. ● Multiple opportunities for professional development. Topics include academic interventions, youth development, risk management, classroom management, program planning, restorative practices, CPR/ First Aid, resume development and interviewing, and other relevant topics. ● Potential loan forbearance of public loans. 

● Health insurance 

● Access to AAI’s outdoor gear library 

● Facilitated outdoor recreation activities through our Backyard to BackCountry Program ● Assistance locating local housing. 

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 

● Ability to act as a positive role model. 

● Commitment to ethics of diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

● Maintain a positive and professional leadership role when supporting youth. ● Ability to create safe spaces and structured interventions and programs for youth. ● Willingness to learn and adapt and accept feedback from staff 

● Ability to work well within a team setting. 

● Participate in professional development training required by Alpine Achievers Initiative. ● Professionally represent AmeriCorps and Alpine Achievers Initiative when serving with students, community members and partners. 

● Incorporate positive youth development principles into everyday service. 

● Lesson planning, behavior management, curriculum development, risk management.