POSITION SUMMARY:
- Recruit mentors trough marketing (such as print ads, billboards and public service announcements), presentations (to, for example, local churches, businesses or service clubs), and awareness events (participate in local parades, volunteer training, etc.)
- Assist in mentor retention
- Organize group activities for the mentors and children to attend together, form a monthly support group for the mentors in the program to share ideas and questions, host an annual recognition event to thank current volunteers, or publish an agency-wide newsletter to update all stakeholders on agency activities
- Assist Program Staff as needed (conducting interviews, completing references, creating matches, assisting match support etc.)
- Help ensure child safety on a continual basis
ELIGIBILITY:
- Must be an approved AmeriCorps member (apply through www.americorps.gov)
- A U.S. Citizen
- At least 18 years of age
- Clear criminal background checks including sexual abuse registry and child abuse registry
- Able to serve in a full-time position (Ave. 32 hours/week – flexible scheduling)
- Interested in serving youth and the community
- Can provide personal transportation
DESIRABLE CHARACTERISTICS AND SKILLS:
- Bachelor degree in social services, human resources, education or a related field
- Undergraduate candidates considered with a minimum of 2 years of related work/educational experience
- Knowledgeable about youth development and family dynamics; experience in those areas a plus
- Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms
- Strong organizational and documentation skills
- Willingness to work on a team and individually
- Ability to relate well to others in a multicultural environment
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
- Self motivated, capable of effectively working independently without daily supervision
- Able to represent Big Brothers Big Sisters and AmeriCorps in a highly professional manner
TERM OF SERVICE:
- September 2009 to September 2010
- 1700 hours (Ave. 32 hours/week) throughout the year with opportunity to renew for an additional year
AMERICORPS WILL RECEIVE THE FOLLOWING:
- Membership to the AmeriCorps Consortium for Eastern Iowa which is a partnership between five chapters of BBBS organizations encompassing ten counties; Consortium will include up to 10.5 AmeriCorps peers
- Professional development opportunity to build your resume and gain experience working with a non profit agency and the Cedar Rapids, Anamosa or Prairie Community School Districts
- Continued supplementary trainings throughout the year providing many opportunities for career and personal development
- Living Stipend of up to $11,400
- Up to $4,725 for further education or to pay back student loans
- Health Coverage
- Student Loan deferment
