DIAL/SELF AmeriCorps 196 Federal Street Greenfield, MA 01301 Company Description: DIAL/SELF Youth & Community Services helps young people become independent by connecting them with housing, employment, education and civic opportunities. We believe that all youth possess unique strengths which are enhanced by community support and collaboration and that all youth should have the right to exercise choice in their own lives. //// Established in 1996, DIAL/SELF AmeriCorps partners with area schools and youth-serving agencies to create innovative full-time service opportunities throughout the River Valley of Western Massachusetts. We serve a geographic area that spans from Greenfield to Springfield, from rural to urban settings. Salary Range: Location: Per Year Job Type: Category: Full Time Education/Training Education Level: Work Experience: High School or Equivalent Preference: Required Preference: Nice to have Skills/Certifications/Licences: Description: Are you passionate about youth empowerment, education, the arts and social justice? Join the DIAL/SELF AmeriCorps Team! For ten months, 19 DIAL/SELF AmeriCorps members create positive youth development opportunities in schools and local agencies throughout the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts. AmeriCorps members use a collaborative, student-centered approach to support young people’s autonomy, belonging and personal learning aspirations. They use arts and experiential learning activities to create spaces where youth can develop meaningful goals, drive their own solutions, make decisions, fail, learn and grow. The DIAL/SELF AmeriCorps Program (DSAP) has three core elements: 1) On-site youth work at the United Arc. Duties and Responsibilities: - Plan, coordinate and facilitate a weekly schedule of community-based activities. Groups are designed for older teens/young adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities. These groups provide participants with opportunities to engage in shared activities and social engagement, peer support and friendship, independence from caregivers, community exploration, and service and community contribution. - Reach out to and provide support to parents, students, interns, volunteers or "typical" peers who assist with or participate in social group activities. - Foster or create opportunities for youth to participate in community events and contribute to the community through volunteerism or service projects. - Plan and coordinate activities that bring together school-age siblings of youth with disabilities for sharing, recreation, group experiential learning and peer support, inviting involvement of older youth siblings as mentors or co-facilitators. - Facilitate learning opportunities in areas such as cooking, art, photography, movement, health, exercise, relationships, or social skills (focus to be determined by participant interest and AmeriCorps member skills/experiences). - Host therapeutic and skill building groups, such as music, movement/dance, theatre or self advocacy. - Coordinate special events for children/youth such as school vacation week recreational programs, after-school programs, holiday dances, or activities during Arc family events. - Provide assistance with agency events (annual meeting or picnic) with a focus on children/youth activities. - Provide assistance with distribution of resources (i.e., school supplies, holiday donations, and so forth) provided through Family Support to young people and their families. - Conduct outreach to program participants and families through a variety of communication formats including individualized visits, email, phone, preparation of monthly schedules/flyers, informational programs and social networking. 2) Team service project. 3) Weekly training and reflection to build youth work skills and increase knowledge of different learning styles, social justice issues, arts integration, motivational interviewing, asset-based community development, group dynamics and facilitation. Curious about the benefits?? DSAP members… * Earn a compensation package of up to $18,815, including personal/sick days. Package includes a Stipend of up to $13,000 and Education Award of up to $5,815. The Education Award can be used to pay for pre-existing student loans or future education costs. * Receive free health care and child care as needed. * Gain practical experience and build leadership skills that transfer across careers and vocations, particularly those related to education, youth work, the arts, social justice, nonprofits, social work, and community building. * Make connections that lead to future opportunities in this region and beyond. * Participate in a supportive learning community that challenges members to build on their strengths and put their values into practice. ~ APPLY NOW ~ The program begins August 24th, 2017 and continues through June 24th, 2018. For more information or to download and complete an application please visit: http://www.dialself.org/americorps.html Requirements: Members must be at least 18 years old and U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals or lawful Permanent Residents. Youth work experience is recommended, but not required. Some work history is necessary. Because part of the region is rural, it is highly beneficial to have a driver’s license with access to reliable transportation. AmeriCorps celebrates diversity, is intentionally inclusive, and protects against discrimination on the basis of color, race, ethnicity, nationality, sex, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, or disability. Reasonable accommodations can be made for interviews and service.