Group Leader, Walking the Walk

Posted by on April 09, 2012

Walking the Walk

Job Description: Group Leader, 2012 – 2013

BACKGROUND

Walking the Walk is an interfaith youth service learning initiative of the Interfaith Center of Greater Philadelphia.  Groups meet twice each month (from October through end of April) for meaningful conversation, interfaith dialogue, community building, visits to each other’s sacred spaces, service- learning, and reflection. Walking the Walk is organized by ‘networks’,  each of which includes 15 – 20 youth from a minimum of 3 congregations/schools of different religious traditions, as well as a community service site.  From 2005 – 2012 we have reached over 400 youth from 36 congregations of different religious traditions.  Groups for the upcoming year will be located in the following areas:  West Philadelphia, Center City/Old City, North/Northwest Philadelphia, Wissahickon/Ambler, Western Suburbs.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Coordination
•    Schedule calendar, including locations, with congregational partners and participate in all WTW group sessions, usually held on Sunday afternoons.  Facilitate all shared values sessions; co-lead 3 – 4 service learning sessions; and provide guidance to congregations in hosting 1 – 3 events.)
•    Coordinate the service-learning component of the program:  schedule service sessions with service site liaison, work with liaison to assure that the experience meets the ‘qualities of an ideal interfaith service learning experience’, seek ways to integrate the service learning theme in the shared values sessions.
•    Establish and maintain relationship with Religious Leader and Mentor of each Partner Congregation/School in your network.
•    Provide a WTW Information Session to recruit participants or provide alternative recruitment support, if desired by congregations.
•    Assure receipt of all completed and signed youth applications and paper work prior to the start of the program. Carry contact information and emergency medical information of all students and mentors with you at all sessions.
•    Implement Pre and Post Session Checklist.
•    Fulfill documentation and reporting requirements, including thorough completion of Group Leader Session Evaluation Forms, maintaining attendance logs, and keeping schedule of check-in calls with Interfaith Center staff.

Group Facilitation + Nurturing your Network
•    Prepare each session using curriculum in WTW Interfaith Activities Guide, tailored to the needs of your group.  Identify the specific role of the student group leaders and mentors at each session and ahead of time, send out the material and assure their comfort.
•    Establish and maintain regular communication with the students, mentors, parents and religious leaders of each partner congregation.  Get to know your students.
•    Mentor two Student Group Leaders, including personal goal setting, identifying their roles for each setting, connecting in between sessions, coaching them and helping them to expand their skills.
•    Encourage youth to reflect upon their WTW experience and share their experience with their families, peers and own congregations.  Encourage religious leaders and mentors to help lift up the stories of their youth.
•    Encourage youth to take advantage of leadership opportunties offered by the Group Leader/Interfaith Center.
•    Assist in preparing 2 WTW Newsletters per year, containing student stories and photos.

Training + Supervision
•    Participate in Interfaith Center trainings for Group Leaders (approx 25 hours per year), Mentors (1 per year), Student Group Leaders (2 per year), Annual Gathering of Religious Mentors and Religious Leaders, and special occasions, e.g. a meeting with a funder, presentations and IC events.
•    Weekly check-in call or in-person meeting with Director of Youth Services

QUALIFICATIONS:

•    Community-building and group facilitation experience with high school age youth
•    Community organizing experience
•    Flexible and creative; diligent and organized
•    Commitment to the mission and goals of the Interfaith Center
•    Values own faith identity and respects diversity
•    Basic computer skills and comfort with the internet
All group leaders are required to submit a PA Child Abuse Report, PA Criminal Background Check, and FBI Background Check, no more than one year old, upon 30 days of hire. The Interfaith Center will cover these fees.

Compensation is $5,000 for the ten month program (average of 8 – 10 hours/week).  Note: that the intensity and hours per week varies.

By May 1, 2012, please send a resume and cover letter to Marjorie Scharf,   mns@interfaithcenterpa.org