AmeriCorps*VISTA, Widener University

Posted by on March 31, 2006

Reach higher. Go farther. Choose Widener.

Make a difference as a PACC-VISTA at the Widener University President?s Office for Community Engagement

POSITION: PACC-VISTA Widener CARES Tutoring Coordinator
LOCATION: Widener University (an independent metropolitan teaching university located in Chester, Pennsylvania. The university serves nearly 7,000 students on four campuses.)

Overview:
The President?s Office for Community Engagement invites applications for the position of Widener CARES Tutoring Coordinator, an AmeriCORPS VISTA position provided through the Pennsylvania Campus Compact (PACC). The Widener CARES Coordinator will support the university?s ongoing efforts to address the most pressing educational needs of the community by coordinating the Widener CARES tutoring project. The mission of Widener CARES is to promote a mutually beneficial partnership between the university community and students participating in five Chester after school programs. The project provides K-12 students with individual attention through one-on-one tutoring and mentoring in an effort to encourage both academic achievement and increased self-confidence.

The position reports to the Special Assistant to the President for Community Engagement and is full-time for one year. Funding for a permanent position of an Assistant Director will be allocated during the 2007-08 academic year to oversee Widener CARES and will be responsible for overseeing outreach activities to the Chester community.

The Coordinator will:
 Recruit, train, and manage volunteer tutors.
 Serve as advisor to the Presidential Service Corp.
 Facilitate tutor orientation/training.
 Review and revise current training materials and procedures.
 Oversee volunteer service hours.
 Conduct site visits with existing community partners.
 Conduct ongoing program evaluation.
 Function as liaison between the Office for Community Engagement and After School Partners.
 Provide administrative support to educational initiatives sponsored by the Office for Community Engagement, i.e. Library Week Book Drive, Volunteer Recognition Event, Community Volunteer Fair.

Qualifications:
Bachelor?s degree and a proven record of community service involvement. A commitment to social change issues, civic engagement, and educational equity is essential. Candidates must demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills, including oral and written modes of communication; leadership and creativity in program planning and development. Prior experience tutoring and/or teaching is desirable but not required. Computer literacy skills (MS Word and internet proficiency) is required.

Compensation:
 Off-campus housing provided.
 Partial Meal Plan
 A monthly allowance of $840.00
 An AmeriCORPS Education Award of $4,725 for 12 months of service OR a stipend of $100 for each month of service paid at the end of service
 You may defer payment of federal student loans during your year of service and the AmeriCORPS program will pay the interest that acrues during that time
 Relocation Allowance (for those relocating more than 50 miles to serve)
 medical benefits
 life insurance
 financial support for childcare if eligible
 three weeks paid vacation (one week must be the week between Christmas and New Year’s)

Direct all inquiries to:
Marcine Pickron-Davis, Ph.D.
Widener University
Office for Community Engagement
One University Place
Chester, PA 19013
(610) 499-4566
mcpickron-davis@widener.edu