Description
Recognizing Increased Skills in Education (RISE) is a grant-funded AmeriCorps Program, requiring a one-year commitment from the AmeriCorps Member to serve between the dates of August 1, 2023 and July 31st, 2024. Full-time Members will be required to complete 1700 service hours. Members may serve more than one service year, not to exceed four service years.
So what is AmeriCorps? When you think of AmeriCorps, think of the Peace Corps but in your own backyard. AmeriCorps is a civil society program supported by the U.S. federal government, foundations, corporations and other donors engaging adults in public service work with a goal of "helping others and meeting critical needs in the community." Not only do RISE AmeriCorps members make a difference in their community, they gain valuable experience for their next job or graduate school endeavor.
Benefits
AmeriCorps Members are not considered State employees and will not receive State benefits. Members are eligible to receive the following benefits: Living Stipend, Segal Education Award, Health Insurance, Child-Care Assistance, Student Loan Forbearance and Payment of Interest Accrued on Qualified Student Loans, Professional Development, Alumni Network
Examples of Work
AmeriCorps Members, titled “RISE Program Specialists”, facilitate a skill-based curriculum to adjudicated youth, ages 12-18, focusing on educational skill development. The facilitation of the curriculum occurs in a group setting with youth attending either in-person or virtually. AmeriCorps Members may also serve youth on an individual basis, specific to the youth needs. As skill development takes time, additional support will be provided to each youth after the completion of the curriculum for up to 6 months.
The AmeriCorps Member primarily focuses on teaching youth educational based skills, such as goal setting, motivation, organization, study skills and test taking strategies with the assistance of a pre-written curriculum. In-person groups are held in either the school, probation office, or other community site. Members are responsible for collecting and submitting data variables relating to school attendance for grant defined performance measures. Members will be required to attend and participate in AmeriCorps National Service events, specific Nebraska Probation trainings and also encouraged to participate in additional trainings throughout their service year for professional development purposes (i.e. juvenile justice/education related conferences and various webinars related to service activities).
Qualifications / Requirements
AmeriCorps Members are encouraged to have completed 48 hours of college coursework from an accredited college in Social Sciences, Criminal Justice, Education or other related fields, which can be substituted with related work experience. Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Criminal Justice, Education or related fields preferred. The ability to speak Spanish is desired, but not required.
Requirements
- Enrollment in the program is contingent on the results of a National Service Criminal History Check.
- Must be a U.S Citizen or a permanent resident.
- AmeriCorps Members must submit to a criminal background check that includes FBI Fingerprinting, National Record Check, National Sex Offender Registry and State Criminal Background Check.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
Read and write proficiently in English. Communicate effectively in both verbal and written correspondence with all fellow AmeriCorps Members, Nebraska State Probation staff, school officials, and community stakeholders. Possess basic computer skills and accurate record keeping abilities. Be able to serve up to 40 hours per week, exhibiting a strong work ethic and passion for volunteerism, with consistent attendance and dependability.
