http://www.beabigcr.org

POSITION SUMMARY:

• Complete all necessary case management work related to volunteers, clients and families participating in the program
• Perform professional screening for all program participants including interviewing, screening, training and matching mentors with children
• Provide professional support to mentor matches in order to help youth develop essential personal assets through monthly and annual phone, email and in person communication
• Directly address the individual needs of clients and families
• Help ensure child safety on a continual basis
• Participate in, plan and implement activities that promote awareness of the program; for example speaking at new volunteer recruitment events, participation on various agency committees or task forces and representing the agency at community events

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