Postsecondary Mentor, YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School

Posted by YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School on May 30, 2016

Postsecondary Mentor (AmeriCorps Positions)

YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School, an alternative 12th-Grade-only, diploma-granting high school for former high-school dropouts ages 18 to 21, is searching for candidates to work 10 to
25 hours per week as AmeriCorps/Postsecondary Mentors with a flexible service schedule. To apply, send a letter of interest and a resume to Ms. Tanza Pugliese, AmeriCorps Coordinator,
at [email protected] with “AmeriCorps/Mentor” in the subject line. No phone calls, please.

YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School
1231 North Broad Street, 5th floor
Philadelphia, PA 19122
http://www.youthbuildphilly.org

Background
YouthBuild Philadelphia is a two-year program for 18 to 20 year olds who previously dropped out of high school. During the first year of the program, students earn a competency-based high
school diploma, receive vocational training, and serve as part-time AmeriCorps members. In the second year of the program, alumni receive support to pursue their postsecondary goals; this
position primarily focuses on the second year of the program and works with employers.

Mission
Our mission is to provide out-of-school youth in Philadelphia with the broadest range of tools supports and opportunities available to become self-sufficient, responsible and productive
citizens in their community.

Core Values
* Excellence * Perseverance * Respect *

Volunteer AmeriCorps Position Description
AmeriCorps/ Postsecondary Mentors have an exceptional opportunity to provide service to their community and impact the lives of students/alumni while earning an educational award
providing the flexibility to gain experience while working, taking classes or just giving back to young adults who have reengaged with high school, academics, and career success preparation.
An AmeriCorps/ Postsecondary Mentor has three main responsibilities as a volunteer with a fixed term:

1. To provide support to their mentees, YouthBuild student AmeriCorps members, as they go through the YouthBuild experience, as well as ongoing support to YouthBuild graduates in order to ensure their continued educational, personal, and professional/postsecondary success towards college, employment, or a year of service. This includes activities in the school building, through social media, as well as at local colleges, employers, community based organizations, and community service sites that may include outdoor locations.

2. To participate in activities and community-service projects in order to learn the skills necessary to become an active leader in our community.

3. At all times, a YouthBuild AmeriCorps Member demonstrates a commitment to service, education, responsibility, and community.

Commitment
 This AmeriCorps position is required to complete 300 hours of service during the term June 1, 2016 through August 10, 2016 (with flexibility available to begin terms in April) and to complete the term early or to be completed up to a year after the volunteers start date.
 Each member will generally complete 10 to 25 hours of service per week, with flexibility to schedule at varied times, but generally—
o during regular business hours: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm during the week,
o community service projects on Saturdays and Sundays,
o occasional evening hours if your schedule allows, and
o flexibility to coordinate volunteer hours around your existing schedule.

The AmeriCorps/Postsecondary Mentor receives leadership from the Mentor-Team Leader in collaboration with the Employment Success Manager in the Postsecondary Career Development
Department.

Qualifications
Must be at least 21 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED, and be a US Citizen, US National, or lawful permanent resident of the US.

Must be in progress towards an Associate’s/Bachelor’s degree, technical certification, or other postsecondary training program OR have completed one of the previously listed programs, an
apprenticeship, military service, or a year of service.

Skills and Abilities Required
 Skilled at building interpersonal relationships and to work/serve effectively as part of a team
 Demonstrate commitment to making positive changes in the life of their mentee through active listening, non-judgmental attitude, flexibility, caring and modeling good values, and judgment at all times
 Strong verbal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with staff, volunteers, and community groups
 Dependable and able to maintain positive attitude; to fulfill commitment to term of service
 Willingness to be flexible with scheduling to match the needs of students/alumni and program schedule
 Committed to the concept of national service and to making a difference in the community
 Basic computer literacy
 Able to react to change productively and to handle other tasks as assigned

Candidates must have the ability and willingness to do occasional physical labor including: lifting, carrying, cleaning, painting, etc.

Candidates of all skill-levels are encouraged to apply. Training will be provided for all successful candidates.

Benefits
The AmeriCorps/Postsecondary Mentor will receive—

1. An education award of $1,212.44 upon successful completion of the term of service, and

2. Other benefits include, professional training, valuable networking opportunities, working with a dedicated team of AmeriCorps Members and staff, and the opportunity to make a real difference.

We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations are available on request.