AmeriCorps Member Mentor

Position Overview : The Choice Program

The Choice Program

AmeriCorps Members mentor young people. AmeriCorps Members support the organization’s efforts to

1) disentangle young people from the youth legal system

2) improve well-being through goal creation and attainment

3) increase economic opportunities for young people through vocational training.

AmeriCorps Members assist youth by planning and hosting activities including community service, job readiness training, cultural enrichment, and educational support;

they also connect youth and families to external resources.

Choice is a placement site for , a national direct service program, through the Governor's Office of Service and Volunteerism.

AmeriCorps Members complete a pre-determined number of hours during their term of service with the organization. Service sites are located throughout central Maryland : Baltimore City and Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George’s Counties.

Choice utilizes an anti-racist, community-based, family-centered approach to promote high quality outcomes for young people and families.

We engage in a collaborative process of service where young people set goals for themselves and are held accountable by supportive adults along the way.

The program’s approach to youth development is grounded in applied critical race theory and culturally responsive, trauma-informed practices.

The Choice Program strives to become an anti-racist organization grounded in several core values : holistic development, belief in humans, and youth-

centeredness.

During their service term, all AmeriCorps members are eligible for health insurance, student loan forbearance, networking and professional development opportunities in the education, policy, legal and non-profit sectors as well as access to select state assistance programs and some UMBC benefits.

Members earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award, funding for members to use towards tuition payment or qualified student loan repayment at eligible institutions of higher education and training programs.

To apply to become an AmeriCorps Member with Choice, there is a two-step process to apply to serve :

Step 1 : Apply here through UMBC's Jobs website.

Step 2 : Once your UMBC application is received and reviewed, qualified applicants will be invited to create an applicant record in .

Responsibilities :

Responsibilities include :

Coordinating and implementing age-appropriate activities for young people and families. Activities may include, but are not limited to, educational, vocational, enrichment, cultural, recreational, and leadership workshops

Documenting youth progress

Maintaining knowledge of community-based resources to connect young people and their families to needed services

Participating in Choice-wide events (training, activities)

Other duties as assigned

Required Minimum Qualifications :

Requires a Bachelor's degree in any field.

Note : Substitution of experience for the degree requirement is permitted on a year for year basis with 30 college credits being equivalent to one year of experience.

Examples : Associate's degree and two years of full-time experience or a High School Diploma / GED and four years of full-time experience.

Requires :

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Ability to work individually and with a team

Basic computer and data entry skills

Evening and weekend availability

Must have legally-registered vehicle for service use, valid state driver’s license and required automobile insurance

U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency required

Preferred Qualifications : Conversational Spanish speaking ability preferred. Background Screening Statement :

A background check will be required.