Alpine Achievers Initiative AmeriCorps Members
Student Engagement Specialists
Start Date: August 7th, 2023
End Date: July 12th, 2024
Positions Available: 40
Average hours per week: 37-40 hours
Total Expected Hours: 1700 hours of service
Pay Rate: $711.54 paid bi-weekly, before taxes and rent
To Apply: complete an application here
Contact: recruiting@alpineachievers.org
Benefits and Qualifications: see details below
Alpine Achievers Initiative (AAI) inspires, connects, and nurtures youth, families, and communities in south-central Colorado. AmeriCorps members support local youth, from pre-k to high school, through academic interventions and extracurricular programming as Student Engagement Specialists with AAI. During the 23/24 service term, members will be placed with host sites across seven counties throughout the San Luis and Arkansas River Valleys. To learn more about AAI’s programming, visit www.alpineachievers.org.
SERVICE RESPONSIBILITIES IN PRIMARY PROGRAMS:
Member positions vary widely based on the needs of the site and where the position is located. Some positions focus on academic interventions, some on extracurricular programming, and others are a mix of in-school and out-of-school activities. All programs are in direct service with youth. AmeriCorps members are encouraged to connect with and support students both academically and socially/emotionally with the help of their program manager and site supervisor. Members are required to meet with program managers a minimum of once per month and with site supervisors a minimum of once per week to ensure success within their site. In addition, members are required to attend a week-long orientation that includes overnights in shared spaces, monthly professional development opportunities, and a winter retreat (including overnights). These requirements are meant to enrich the AmeriCorps member experience through personal and professional growth, reflection, and connection.
Academic Interventions:
Academic interventions are opportunities for students who are not proficient in a subject to receive additional support outside of class time. Primary responsibilities of AmeriCorps members doing academic intervention include 1:1 tutoring of students in areas such as math or reading under the supervision of their site supervisor and/or small group instruction of 3-5 students in a classroom setting. Members will become versed in behavioral management skills with an intended goal of building authentic relationships and confidence with students who are below learning targets in academics. Members will have daily contact with students and staff in a number of professional capacities and are encouraged to support them outside of the classroom in extracurricular capacities as well.
Out-of-School Programming:
Out-of-school time (OST) is a supervised program that youth attend when school is not in session. Examples include after-school programs such as the Boys and Girls Club, camps during school breaks, and a special AAI run Home School Program. Primary responsibilities of AmeriCorps members serving in out-of-school programming include facilitating an array of activities both in and out of doors. Other responsibilities include help with homework and light academic support as directed by their site supervisor. Members will become versed in behavioral management and group facilitation of students from elementary to high school age. Building relationships and confidence in the youth they are serving is the intended goal. AmeriCorps members are expected to help improve personal and social skills with the youth they are serving.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:
● Minimum Age: 20 by August 7th, 2023 (age waiver required for individuals younger than 20)
● A high school diploma or its equivalent
● Ability to pass federal, state and National Sex Offender background checks
● Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. National, or legal permanent resident alien of the United States
● Proof of vaccination for the Coronavirus or medical exemption written by a doctor or medical professional
● Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
● Individuals are required to live in AAI housing which does not allow other family members, friends, or pets
● A reliable vehicle, car insurance, and driver’s license are strongly recommended
BENEFITS:
● Up to $18,500 maximum living allowance, pre-tax and paid bi-weekly at a rate of $711.54
● Segal Education Award of $6,895.00 upon successful completion of the term
● Multiple opportunities for professional development (topics include academic interventions, youth development, risk management, classroom management, program planning, restorative practices, CPR/ First Aid, resume development and interviewing, and other relevant topics)
● Interest deferment and loan forbearance for qualified student loans
● Health insurance
● SNAP (federal nutrition assistance program)
● Access to AAI’s outdoor gear library
● Facilitated outdoor recreation activities through our Backyard to Backcountry Program
● Subsidized housing is provided, including utilities (bi-weekly rent of $251.54 is deducted directly from the living stipend)
PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
● Professionally represent AmeriCorps and Alpine Achievers Initiative when serving with students, community members, and partners, including acting as a positive role model inside and outside the service site
● Commitment to ethics of diversity, equity, and inclusion
● Maintain a positive and professional leadership role when supporting youth
● Ability to create safe spaces and structured interventions and programs for youth
● Incorporate positive youth development principles into everyday service, including lesson planning, behavior management, curriculum development, and risk management
● Willingness to learn, adapt, and accept feedback from staff and peers
● Ability to work well within a team setting
● Uphold AAI values and culture through respectful treatment of peers in and out of service space
● Participate in professional development training required by Alpine Achievers Initiative
● Duties may include transporting youth in some positions
HOST–SITE PLACEMENT:
Host site placements are determined by AAI’s assessment of program/site needs in conjunction with member preferences.
