SERVICE OPPORTUNITY: AFTERZONE AMERICORPS TEAM MEMBER
Providence After School Alliance and AfterZone Site Management Agencies Seek Part-Time AmeriCorps Team Members 2021-2022
The Providence After School Alliance (PASA) and a team of Providence’s leading youth serving organizations, are working together to organize, expand and improve a collaborative system of high-quality out-of-school time programs for middle school youth in Providence. The shared goal is to ensure that every youth has access to relationships, experiences and opportunities that contribute to their healthy development and success in school.
As a free, citywide, after-school network for middle school youth, the AfterZone provides students with access to a wide variety of arts, sports and STEM programs—provided by over 65 community-based organizations—that offer self-driven opportunities for the development of new skills, experiential learning that feels relevant to youth, and incorporates youth voice, choice and career exploration. All of these opportunities work together to support youth in building 21st century skills in the areas of: teamwork, communication, perseverance, problem solving, and engagement in learning. For additional information on the AfterZones and PASA, go to www.mypasa.org.
The organizations and school partnerships for which the AfterZone AmeriCorps team members are being hired are:
Providence After School Alliance at:
- Nathan Bishop Middle School
- DelSesto Middle School
- West Broadway Middle School
- Esek Hopkins Middle School
Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence at:
- Roger Williams Middle School
Public Health Disclaimer
Community health is a priority, and PASA will follow the necessary guidelines to ensure safety for all members, staff, and partners. While PASA anticipates all service to be in person, policies and procedures are in place should a shift to virtual or hybrid service become necessary. If such a shift becomes necessary PASA is prepared to support service members with access to technology so they can effectively continue their term of service.
AmeriCorps duties include:
AmeriCorps members will serve as the frontline in PASA’s youth development, serving in the AfterZones as part of a diverse team to facilitate Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) learning activities, cooperative learning, and inclusive physical activities for Providence middle school youth enrolled in the AfterZone. Team Members report directly to PASA’s People Operations Manager and their respective AfterZone Site Coordinator.
Under the direction of AfterZone Leadership, essential duties include, but are not limited to:
Program Implementation & Youth Development
- Provide high quality activities for youth, including: assist in the development and delivery of curriculum and activities to engage middle school youth and help them grow their 21st century skills.
- Assist with all aspects of the day to day logistics of running an after school program, including: aiding in the flow of students during transition times, troubleshooting challenges as they arise, interfacing with parents and building staff, and providing a consistently safe and supportive environment for youth.
- Assist with program recruitment and special events such as end of session events, family engagement activities, and community service opportunities.
Planning & Training
- Participate in required professional development; opportunities are specifically designed to help members develop skills in providing instruction, leading activities, managing groups, and providing meaningful support to middle school youth. Prior to service PASA trains all members in the areas of: Positive Youth Development, Family Engagement, and Lesson planning and Implementation.
- Attend weekly staff planning meetings and monthly AmeriCorps check-in meetings.
- Participate in recurring observations and debriefings based on state-wide after school program standards.
Important, but non-essential duties include, but are not limited to:
- Bus monitoring responsibilities, including riding PM buses to ensure the safety and supervision of youth as they travel home from PASA programs.
- Site administrative duties, including attendance recording, bus schedules, and family correspondence
- Potential morning, evening, or weekend events outside of regular PASA operating hours.
Required qualifications
- Desire to engage middle school youth in a positive youth development atmosphere;
- Must be dedicated to fulfilling the AmeriCorps mission of service;
- Must be adaptable and ability to be flexible;
- Strong communication skills required for documentation, collaboration, and outreach with families and partners;
- Able to function in a professional environment, demonstrating responsibility, creative problem solving and excellent interpersonal interactions;
- Creativity, patience, good work ethic, a sense of humor and ability to serve both independently and within a team;
- High energy and ability to function in a fast paced environment;
- Experience with youth;
- Clear criminal history checks;
- Must have a GED or high school diploma; or be in the process of obtaining one
- Must be a United States citizen, United States national or lawful permanent resident of the United States and at least 17 years of age
- Available in the afternoons Monday - Thursday (2pm – 6pm), and for planning and training on Fridays (1pm – 5pm), with opportunities for evening, weekend, and morning hours as available through PASA partnerships.
- Commit to a minimum of 675 hours of service, approximately 20 hours per week from September 13, 2021 to June 3, 2022.
Desired qualifications
- Bilingual Spanish/English skills preferred
- Experience in education/afterschool or youth development and community-based programs
- Have experience with homework help/tutoring or obtain a strong academic background
- Knowledge of Providence and the AfterZone communities
AmeriCorps Member Benefits
- Living Stipend, paid bi-weekly, in the amount of approx. $400 (considered taxable income)
- Education Award in the amount of $2,417.14(upon successful completion of the service term). Note: This is not a cash award and can only be used for qualifying education expenses. Information on using the education award will be provided during terms of service and is available at www.nationalservice.gov.
- The opportunity to develop leadership and communication skills
- Education and youth development field experience
- Networking opportunities with various nonprofit organizations in Providence
- Various professional development opportunities
Please contact Renee Lafond, People Operations Manager, with any questions regarding this position at– rlafond@mypasa.org or 401-490-9599 Ext. 108
To apply, please send a resume and three references to: Eric Collins at HR@mypasa.org or Providence After School Alliance, 81 Carpenter St, Providence, RI 02903. Fax number is (401) 228-3915. Applications submitted to this address will be shared with the partnering agency listed above for consideration for all sites. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
PASA prohibits discrimination in employment, educational programs, and activities on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, socioeconomic status, disability or handicap, age, marital status, family responsibilities, political affiliation, veteran status, gender identity/expression, domestic partnership status or HIV status.. PASA is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, facilities, programs and activities, interviews, and terms of service. To request reasonable accommodations, contact Renee Lafond.
