Trauma-informed service positions with Sitka AmeriCorps Program in Sitka, Alaska (we have positions in Education/Recreation/Mental Health)
Come and serve for one year in stunning Sitka, Alaska!
Offering positions that will provide you with experience in education or mental health.
PURPOSE
Sitka AmeriCorps Program’s mission is to mitigate the effects of high adverse childhood experience (ACEs) scores prevalent in rural Alaskan communities. We aim to do this through the formation of developmental relationships. These relationships are built through offering enrichment activities, academic support, mentoring, mental health and life skills support, and capacity building.
AmeriCorps volunteers serve an average of 40 hours per week in direct service roles, including as tutors, mentors, outreach workers and community organizers.
Members live in intentional communities with other members, sharing the responsibilities of cooking, cleaning, and finances. Members are encouraged to perform ten percent of their total service hours engaged in service activities outside their primary placement.
Through service, members often become active in local clubs, faith community, support groups and our tribal community. and earning more about the joys and challenges of the community in which they serve.
ABOUT SERVE ALASKA AND AMERICORPS:
Serve Alaska promotes and supports volunteerism across the state and brings AmeriCorps programs to Alaska. It is overseen by no fewer than 15 and no more than 25 voting Commission members appointed by the Governor. The Serve Alaska sub-grantees operate in almost every region of the state, bringing much needed support and training to rural and urban Alaska. Serve Alaska is housed within the Division for Community and Regional Affairs and the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development at the State of Alaska.
AmeriCorps, a federal agency, brings people together to tackle the country’s most pressing challenges, through national service and volunteering. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities. AmeriCorps helps make service to others a cornerstone of our national culture. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.
POSITION SUMMARY
Sitka AmeriCorps members will serve across a variety of partner host-sites for a minimum of 35-40 hrs weekly. Academic coaching and mentoring with the Sitka School District. Healthy futures and mental health support through local non-profit organizations. Service at local wellness center, and one position with a local arts organization. One position providing environmental stewardship and another promoting environmental education.
POSITION SUPERVISION
Sarah Lawrie, Program Director, Sitka AmeriCorps Program
QUALIFICATIONS
Member must have a college degree (prefer a focus in social service, education, related field)
Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions, maintain student confidentiality,
meet schedules and deadlines, read/interpret/apply rules.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Be at least 17 years of age at the commencement of service
Have a high school diploma or its equivalent
Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States
Member will undergo National Criminal History Check as outlined in 45 CFR §2522.202.
TERM OF SERVICE
- This is a full-time twelve-month position. 1700 hour minimum. Member will serve between 36 and 40 hours per week.
- Member has sufficient opportunity to fulfill the term of service including holidays, time off, and missed hours.
- Member will dedicate 5 to 10 hours of service to recruitment efforts for the Sitka AmeriCorps Program.
- Members are encouraged to consider a second year of AmeriCorps service and will receive a second Education Award.
- Members will also receive a monetary bonus for committing to a second term.
PROGRAM TIME REQUIREMENTS
Members will be released from their primary service site for three mandatory national days of service. The days are 9-11Day of Remembrance, MLK Jr Day, and a third day TBA in the Spring.
Member will attend mandatory individual and group meetings monthly. Member will be hosted at a mandatory all member meeting in Anchorage hosted by Serve Alaska.
Member training hours meet the requirements of 45 CFR§2520.50.
ORIENTATION AND TRAINING
Member orientation to the Sitka AmeriCorps program is provided by program staff upon arrival. Orientation introduces AmeriCorps, the Sitka AmeriCorps Program and Sitka, Alaska.
Monthly team building and training sessions are provided. These include all AmeriCorps members.
Monthly individual support meetings are provided and can be expected weekly with the host site mentor.
Orientation, training, and professional development will be provided by the host site mentor and be specific to host site placement.
SKILLS YOU WILL GAIN
- Classroom management
- Behavior regulation
- Intervention strategies
- Instruction planning
- Organization
- Time Management
- Communication
- Advocacy
BENEFITS
The Sitka AmeriCorps Program gives young leaders the tools and resources they need to take on some of the world’s most difficult challenges. Our volunteers bring a dedication to the cause of justice and the courage to transform themselves and the communities they serve. We help them discover how to put this passion to work for life.
Through our program design, members will be part of a tight knit cohort that create a positive and lasting ripple effect in a rural community.
Members will gain job skills, networking opportunities, and engage in professional development in their field of interest.
Over one third of members gain employment at their service site.
Other benefits of the AmeriCorps Program include:
- Monthly living allowance
- The Segal AmeriCorps Education Award
- Student loan forbearance
- Healthcare
Benefits available for AmeriCorps alumni: http://www.nationalservice.gov/special-initiatives/employers-national-service/alumni.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program: http://www.consumerfinance.gov/askcfpb/641/what-public-service-loan-forgiveness.html.
Segal AmeriCorps Education Award
Amount of the living allowance will be ~$1500 per month before tax. (AC VIII.A)
Member will be provided the option of healthcare coverage. (AC VIII.D)
Member will be provided the option of childcare coverage, if the member qualifies (AC VIII.E and 45 §CFR 2522.250)
Student loan forbearance and interest payments if the member qualifies (FAQ G.7)
EVALUATION AND REPORTING
- Member performance evaluation requirements (AC V.E)
- Member will receive professional development guidance from host site mentor
- Member will be formally evaluated twice annually by host site mentor
- Member will submit monthly qualitative and quantitative reporting to Program Director
- Member will submit monthly time sheet
SERVING CONDITIONS
- Ability to life 20 lbs. occasionally
- Ability to traverse daily in adverse weather conditions
- Ability to maintain an appropriate service pace
- Ability to perform assigned tasks
- Ability to comprehend and follow instructions
- Ability to perform complex or varied tasks
- Ability to relate to other staff and youth
- Ability to influence and direct youth
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Guidance related to the employment status of AmeriCorps members:
Guidance on AmeriCorps branding and messaging: