Job description
Communities In Schools is currently recruiting AmeriCorps members who will serve in elementary schools in Seguin ISD, Marion ISD, New Braunfels ISD, Luling ISD and Schertz Cibolo Universal City ISD. Members will serve alongside CIS staff and school faculty to empower youth in closing gaps in reading and/or math. Members will be part of a dynamic team approach while collaborating with faculty, planning and implementing interventions and monitoring growth . Through building transformational relationships by working 1:1 or in small groups, members will witness the resiliency and strength in young people of our communities!
For more information and to apply for this incredible and rewarding opportunity, please contact Savana Mehaffey at (830) 620-4247 ext. 190 or smehaffey@cissct.org
- Work with elementary students to fill academic gaps in reading and math.
- 10 month commitment beginning in September 2023 (must complete 900 hours)
- 25-34 hours/week during the school day
- $1,200 living allowance paid monthly
- An education award of $3,697.50 upon successful completion (stipulations apply).
Communities In Schools of South Central Texas (CISSCT) surrounds students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. A national, 40+ year dropout prevention program, Communities In Schools uses an integrated student support model to provide services to students and families. This 3-tiered approach aims to meet students where they are and provide multiple levels of engagement through school wide services (Tier 1), group targeted programs (Tier 2), and individualized support (Tier 3).
The CISSCT AmeriCorps program places AmeriCorps Mentors on elementary school campuses across South Central Texas to meet students where they are at and provide wraparound support for students and their families to thrive. When students have the support of a caring adult relationship, they have the power to unlock their potential. AmeriCorps Mentors build deep relationships with their students working with them to remove barriers to success in school and life. CISSCT AmeriCorps members work with students one-on-one and in small groups as an integrated support to campus community, in service of equitable access to education opportunities.
Communities In Schools of South Central Texas is an equal opportunity national service program. All applicants are considered without discrimination based on race, color, age, religion, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, disability, or sex.
See https://www.facebook.com/cissouthcentraltexas or Guidestar.Org for additional information about Communities In Schools of South Central Texas!
Member Essential Functions
1. Serve a total of 900 AmeriCorps service hours over the 10-month service term. Members must meet monthly benchmarks and serve an average of 24-35 hours per week.
2. Provide weekly mentoring for elementary school students through 1:1 meetings or small group facilitation. Mentoring sessions aim to increase academic engagement and social emotional skills, as well as provide academic support focusing on literacy and math skills.
3. Manage a caseload of 10-15+ students through weekly 1:1 and/or small-group meetings including documentation and data entry to capture services provided. Follow all CIS and district policies and procedures around protecting and recording student data.
4. Serve as a productive member of the CIS support team on campus. The CIS Site Coordinator functions as the site supervisor for AmeriCorps Mentors and will meet at least once per week for supervision and caseload support.
5. Proactively build relationships with teachers, campus staff, community partners, and families for a student-centered approach to support. Initiate contact and communicate regularly with other adults who influence your students’ success.
6. Model positive and appropriate behavior as a part of the campus community. Uphold all campus-based policies and procedures and support students in their understanding and adopting of these rules.
7. Contribute to campus climate by implementing a student-led service-learning project during the school year. Service-learning projects build civic engagement by connecting what students are learning with real-world activities and issues.
8. Collaborate with the CIS Site Coordinator to implement school-wide services to foster a positive school climate and address school-level risk factors. Engage parents and families in school-wide supports to further build wraparound services for students.
9. Follow all CISSCT AmeriCorps policies and procedures including documenting service hours, attending orientation and ongoing training throughout the service year, and completing Life After AmeriCorps training and activities.
10. AmeriCorps Members main focus on their assigned elementary campus will be student support in order to bridge the academic gap in mathematics and literacy to raise testing scores.
The responsibilities above are essential position functions and are subject to reasonable accommodations.
Non-Essential Functions: Individuals may be required to perform other position-related functions within the scope of their normal service or activities as requested by their site supervisor and/or AmeriCorps Coordinator in alignment with the grant and not unallowable or prohibited activities and subject to reasonable accommodation.
Service Position Requirements
CIS AmeriCorps Program Requirements:
1. Have a passion for working with students in grades 1-5. No prior mentoring experience is required!
2. Be able to build healthy and appropriate relationships with diverse individuals, such as students, families, campus staff and CIS staff, including setting boundaries and maintaining confidentiality.
3. Take initiative and be proactive in daily service activities. Maintain a level of professionalism consistent with campus and CIS program expectations.
4. Be comfortable using technology to complete work, including student documentation and program requirements.
5. Be comfortable working independently on an elementary campus. The CISSCT AmeriCorps program places Mentors individually or in pairs on campus.
6. Demonstrate effective communication skills, flexibility, and willingness to be a supportive team member in a diverse service environment.
7. Have a personal commitment to educational equity and removing systemic barriers that hinder student success. Take an asset-based approach to student services and family engagement.
8. Wear the AmeriCorps logo at all times while accruing service hours.
National Service Eligibility:
1. Be 17 years or older at the start of the term of service.
2. Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident of the United States.
3. Have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
4. Consent to a four-part background check including National Sex Offender search, State of Residence and State of Service checks, and FBI fingerprint checks.
5. Commit to service as an AmeriCorps member for the duration of the service term and to successfully completing all service requirements.
AmeriCorps Disaster Requirments: In the event of a local, state, or federal disaster declaration, AmeriCorps members may be asked on a volunteer basis or be required by OneStar to activate to assist in disaster response and recovery activities within their communities. This may involve virtual service opportunities or in-person service opportunities. This may include service opportunities outside of the member’s standard service hours or in place of their standard service duties. In the event of a large-scale, high needs local, state, or federal disaster, AmeriCorps members may voluntarily or be required by OneStar to deploy to an area outside of their service area to assist in disaster response and recovery activities.
Service Conditions: Mentors serve at an assigned elementary campus across South Central Texas Independent School Districts. Service conditions are similar to what K-12 campus staff experience including sitting, standing, walking, and lifting up to 25 pounds. CISSCT AmeriCorps service conditions include what is typically in an office environment.
Equipment used may include computers, laminators, copiers, die-cuts, and other teaching related equipment typically found in school settings. Mentors will be issued a CISSCT Windows-based laptop at the start of their term of service and will be provided with the technology systems and access to training needed to be successful in their service term.
Professional Relationships: Members are expected to serve productively and effectively with other CISSCT AmeriCorps members, CISSCT staff, and school staff. By serving in a school environment, all CISSCT AmeriCorps members have recurring access to vulnerable populations. School environments are both structured and flexible, and members must be able to adapt to school schedules as needed.
This position includes a stipend of $1,200/month. Upon successful completion of the required 900 service hours, participants will be eligible for an educational award of $3,697.50.
Job Type: Part-time
Expected hours: 24 – 35 per week
Payment frequency:
Schedule:
Ability to Commute:
Work Location: In person