The PACC*VISTA program is a one year program designed to provide PA Campus Compact members with an AmeriCorps*VISTA member. The role of the AmeriCorps*VISTA member is to build the capacity and sustainability of a project that fights poverty in low-income communities.
The AmeriCorps*VISTA will have the vital role of growing and maintaining the 21st Century HOPE tutoring and mentoring program at DeSales University with Communities in Schools of the Lehigh Valley and the Allentown School District.
Responsibilities:
•Recruit, train, and mentor the DeSales University students
•Aid DeSales University students in completion of paperwork for students to tutor/mentor off-campus
•Build a volunteer calendar and schedule for DeSales tutors/mentors
•Take and report attendance of DeSales and middle school students
•Hire and train three students to be the site point person at each middle school
•Visit each site on a weekly basis
•Lead monthly reflections for the DeSales University students
•Communicate with the teachers, staff, and students to assess student development
•Work with student leaders to implement character-based lessons/activities for the 21st Century HOPE program
•Work with student leaders to implement a community service project at each site
•Work with the advisory board and supervisor to develop measurement tools
•Work with the district staff and Communities in Schools of the Lehigh Valley to track students’ grades, attendance, and behavior.
•Collect feedback from all stakeholders and use it to adjust program components, curriculum, and training
•Work with the supervisor to build student administrative leadership positions for the 21st Century HOPE program
•Build a student advisory team for the 21st Century HOPE program
•Build a student leadership manual for the 21st Century HOPE program
Skills:
•Computer literacy; ability to use Microsoft and social media applications
•Facilitation skills
•Strong written and oral communication skills
•Related experience with youth, and curriculum and lesson planning
•Strong organizational skills, the ability to plan and lead events, to keep and collect records and data
•Management skills
Competencies:
•Ability to problem solve
•Ability to work independently and on a team
•Demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity
•Demonstrate motivation and initiative
•Follow tasks through completion
•Show empathy and awareness
•Show flexibility and adaptability
Qualifications:
•Bachelor’s degree or three years of relevant experience
Benefits:
•Annual living allowance of $11,352 or $12,312 (Philadelphia)
•End of Service Award – Education Award of $5,500 or Cash Stipend of $1,500. Health coverage provided by Seven Corners
•Relocation support and child services, if eligible
•DeSales University will provide housing, including the costs of utilities, cable, and internet access
•DeSales University will provide a laptop for the PACC*VISTA
•DeSales University will provide access to the gym, library, and other campus amenities
Term: Tentively July 26, 2013 – July 25, 2014, with mandatory orientation on July 21, 2013
