VISTA Position, Center for Schools and Communities

Posted by on July 7, 2006

POSITION AVAILABLE:
Center for Schools and Communities
Make a difference in the future of Pennsylvania and its children. Serve as an Americorps*VISTA member with the Center for Schools and Communities.

Position: The Center for Schools and Communities is seeking AmeriCorps*VISTA members to serve as Afterschool Associates. The Americorps*VISTA members will assist with the development, implementation and enhancement of Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool Youth Development Network (PSAYDN). PSAYDN, a collaborative effort representing more than 200 organizations, promotes sustainable, high quality, out-of-school time youth development programs through advocacy and capacity building to enhance the welfare of Pennsylvania?s children, youth and families. Associates may have the option of being based in Harrisburg, Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with regular statewide travel. Responsibilities include:
? Meeting with policymakers, business and community leaders, afterschool providers and parents to learn about afterschool programs across Pennsylvania communities and connect these communities to PSAYDN.
? Coordinating statewide, regional and local meetings that raise awareness of the need for more quality afterschool programs, inform communities about effective afterschool practices and mobilize communities to build and sustain quality programs that help youth succeed.
? Mapping community assets that support afterschool programs.
? Researching afterschool issues and writing articles for website, electronic newsletter and briefs.
? Project development and implementation of statewide Youth Alliance Network for out-of-school time programs in Pennsylvania.

Skills Required: Must be a self-starter, with strong communication and writing skills, an ability to work independently and in groups and an interest in afterschool, education or child advocacy. Must be proficient in MS Office applications; have a valid driver?s license and reliable transportation. Other skill requirements:
? Bachelor?s degree in education, social science or related field
? Event planning skills
? Community development, organizing and engagement strategies
? Communications/marketing, fundraising/grant-writing
? Group facilitation experience
? Interest/Experience with youth development and education

Time and Site Requirement: There are 4 basic standards which qualify an applicant for Americorps*VISTA service:
? Must be 18 years of age or older upon entering Pre-Service Orientation
? Must take an oath of office upon enrollment in VISTA
? Must be in a position to offer full-time serve for one full year (37.5 hrs)
? Must complete a Pre-Service Orientation (PSO) prior to the start of term of service

Compensation: Americorps*VISTA members serve full-time, for one year with varying work hours and receive a modest living allowance, health insurance, an education award of $4,725.00, relocation expenses and travel reimbursement.

Send resume and cover letter to:
Darlene Dwyer
Center for Schools and Communities
[email protected]
275 Grandview Avenue, Suite 200
Camp Hill, PA 17011

Deadline to Submit:
July 24, 2006
Date to Start and End for Position:
August 2006 to July 2007