VolunteerAR

Purpose: Our House – Founded in 1987, Our House is a comprehensive program for the working homeless serving over 1,400 clients annually. Operating on a 7-acre campus in central Little Rock, Our House empowers homeless and near-homeless families and individuals to succeed in the workforce, in school, and in life through hard work, wise decision-making, and active participation in the community.

Service Position Summary: The Youth Programs AmeriCorps Members will serve at Our House’s out-of-school program, called Our Club which serves 90 school age youth in grades Kindergarten-12th grade. Our Club operates every day afterschool and all day during school breaks (winter break, spring break) and teacher in-service days. Our Club also operates a Summer Program for eight weeks over the summer. The Youth Program AmeriCorps Member will help to plan and implement enrichment activities for the youth, ensure the safety of all children in the program, help the youth with their homework and tutoring, and create an enriching, fun and safe environment for the youth. The Youth Program AmeriCorps Member will serve to meet established outcomes goals for Our House’s AmeriCorps project, including: serve at least 125 school-aged children in Our Club and help at least 85 of those who stay for at least three months to maintain or improve their report card grades in literacy and math.

Essential Functions of Position:

• Serve directly with youth during Our Club program hours (including after-school, summer, school holidays, and evening programming) in one of three homerooms K-2 nd grade, 3rd -5 th grade, 6-12th grade
• Provide homework help to youth in the program: K-2 nd grade, 3rd -5 th grade, 6-12th grade
• Organize service projects to benefit the children and parents of Our House, including developing partnerships with outside organizations, recruiting volunteers, recruiting participants, and other activities necessary for successful service events
• Develop and implement programming in one of our five programming areas: STEM, Arts, Cultural Enrichment, Health/Physical Fitness, and Life Skills
• Facilitate parent engagement programming for parents of Our Club children, i.e. Family Fun Night
• Serve to meet established outcomes goals for Our House’s AmeriCorps project, including: serve at least 150 school-aged children in Our Club, work to ensure 100 youth complete at least one semester in the program, and help at least 85% of those who stay for at least three months to maintain or improve their report card grades in literacy and math
• Assist in the collection of performance measurement data (report cards and test scores) to track and analyze progress towards the above outcomes
• Serve collaboratively with other AmeriCorps members, VISTA volunteers, and staff members to implement programs, achieve and track outcomes, and other activities to benefit the clients and programs of Our House
• Participate in AmeriCorps Days of Service and additional service projects as approved by the program director
• Attend Our House AmeriCorps meetings led by the VISTA Leader
• Attend weekly Our House staff meetings and other meetings as directed by supervisor
• The Arkansas Service Commission has determined that the probability of access to vulnerable populations is so great that all members will undergo all required criminal history checks: NSOPW, FBI, and Arkansas State Police, as well as other states, as necessary

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required: The Youth Program AmeriCorps Member will be thoroughly committed to Our House’s mission. All candidates must enjoy working with schoolage youth, have a positive attitude, and serve as a role model for the children in the program. Academic and Experience Qualifications: High school diploma or GED required; a youth development background and/or relevant college courses preferred.

Service Conditions: This service is performed primarily indoors. This is a physically active role where you will engage with children ages 5-17. Commitment Required: 40 hours a week for a six (6) month term beginning September 30, 2019 to March 30, 2020 for a total of 900 hours.

Orientation and Training: 

• On-site Our House orientation
• First Aid/CPR
• Naptime Academy
• Conscious Discipline
• AmeriCorps Arkansas Training
• Any other trainings deemed necessary by the supervisor and/or Program Director

AmeriCorps Program Benefits:

• Living Allowance of $7,070 over the course of the term of service
• $3,047.50 Segal Education Award at the end of a successful service term
• Healthcare coverage 
• Student Loan forbearance

Evaluation and Reporting: Member will participate in mid-term and end-of-term evaluation and review. Member will submit their hours on a monthly basis and write quarterly reflections.

For more information: Priscilla Barnes, Human Resources Manager 501-374-7383 ext 137