NOTRE DAME AMERICORPS POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Notre Dame AmeriCorps Youth Development Assistant

LOCATION: Communities in Washington, DC or Montgomery County, MD

PURPOSE: The Youth Development Assistant will facilitate creative inquiry-based learning activities and assist youth in developing "high interest" projects that bring about a love for learning and reinforce attendance and participation. AmeriCorps (AC) members will also collaborate with CPDC Youth Development staff to develop, implement, and evaluate after-school and summer camp programs for youth ages 6-12 and/or 13-17.

DESCRIPTION:

The Youth Development Assistant is responsible for:

After School Program

• Teaching students how to use computer-directed software and on-line resources
• Teaching/tutoring students with homework
• Guiding small groups of students in inquiry-based learning activities
• Utilizing a variety of assessment tools to assist with assessment of students' reading and math skills
• Documenting student progress and student concerns
• Assisting with Youth Extravaganza planning and implementation, including recruiting AC members serving in other non-profit organizations in the DC metropolitan area to help
• Enforcing the site policies consistently and fairly
• Participating in school and community-related activities when appropriate
• Communicating regularly with staff supervisor and program staff about observations and concerns related to participants, programs, resources, etc.
• Participating in staff meetings and trainings
• Making recommendations for future CPDC volunteer member positions that will help to assure the sustainability of the program after the AC year has ended

Special Focus Program (Additional responsibilities relating to the development of a specific
program/project will be identified through ongoing discussions between the AC member and
her/his staff supervisor.)

• Collaborating with staff supervisor and other program staff to plan, develop, implement and evaluate a special focus program/project for youth ages 6-12 or 13-17.
• Researching similar programs that promote youth development to identify best practices

QUALIFICATIONS

A college degree is required. Experience and satisfaction in working with children and youth is preferred. Other necessary qualities and skills include:

• Good listening and verbal communication skills
• Appreciation of cultural diversity
• Patience and ability to measure progress in small steps
• Ability to write clearly and concisely
• Dependability, maturity, and initiative
• Willingness to learn, to accept supervision and direction
• Ability and commitment to maintaining confidentiality
• Ability to problem solve, to see solutions and opportunities as well as obstacles
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team
• Positive attitude and respect for self and others
• Good role model for children and youth
• Good organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple tasks

TRAINING AND SUPPORT:

CPDC provides orientation for new volunteer members and intensive training for all Youth Development program staff, including AC members. The staff supervisor will provide ongoing supervision. AmeriCorps members will also participate in CPDC staff meetings.

VOLUNTEER MEMBER BENEFITS:

• Opportunity to rent an apartment for $300/month (including utilities)
• Satisfaction of making a difference in the life of others
• Better self-understanding and understanding of other people
• Improved communication skills
• Apply the lessons of an academic experience to real world situations
• Awareness of career and future academic study options and vocational interests
• Opportunity to embrace new challenges
• Development of valuable life skills (e.g., leadership, problem solving, organization, etc.)
• References for jobs, scholarships, awards, etc. upon successful completion of AmeriCorps service year

For more information, please visit http://www.ndmva.org