Lutheran Community Services Northwest / Americorps LINKS

Lutheran Community Services Northwest partners with individuals, families, and communities for health, justice, and hope.

Position Description

Type of Position: LINKS AmeriCorps Member

Length of Term: 90 hours per month totaling 900 hours to be completed no earlier than 10 months from start of service date.

Application Deadline: Open until filled.

Service Dates: September 16 2008 through July 16 2009 or service to be completed no earlier than 10 months from start of service date.

Interviews: Applicants are interviewed & placed on an on-going basis until positions are filled. Interviews are underway.

Position Title: Mentor & Event Coordinator LINKS AmeriCorps Member

Project Partner: Multicultural Community Services at Portland (OR) and Vancouver (WA)

Partnering Organization's Mission: Lutheran Community Services Northwest partners with individuals, families, and communities for health, justice, and hope.

Project Location: 605 SE 39th Avenue, Portland, OR 97214 (Main Office) & 3600 Main Street, Suite 200, Vancouver WA 98663 (Satellite Office)

Transportation Information: Please check TriMet website for transportation information.

Position Summary: The position will provide support to volunteers by working collaboratively with Youth Development Specialists (at Portland and Vancouver offices). The position requires a high level of confidentiality caused by the need to share client and mentoring-related information with Youth Development Specialists and mentors. The Mentor & Event Coordinator must demonstrate the ability to work with refugee and immigrant families from the Eastern European community. The position therefore requires the skill for addressing, with sensitivity, issues such as religion, race, and sex.

General Responsibilities (to include, but not limited to):

1. Recruit, interview, and process volunteer mentor paperwork. Monitor volunteer mentors who are matched with mentees via monthly mentor progress notes and/or monthly telephone contacts.

2. Set-up initial Intake and Assessment interviews with prospective mentors for Portland and Vancouver offices.

3.Assist Youth Development Specialists (at Portland and Vancouver offices) to connect mentors with mentees.

4. Plan and organize educational mentor-mentee activities/events including (and not limited to) contacting mentors, creating flyers, seeking out mentor-mentee events, and other related outreach activities.

5.Update monthly newsletter with relevant news and information for monthly dissemination to mentors.

6. Maintain up-to-date files and database of volunteer mentors and mentees.

7. Keep accurate records of mentor hours.

8.Submit monthly report of volunteer mentor hours to agency’s project supervisor and Regional Fiscal Director of LCSNW.

4.Maintain regular contacts with Youth Development Specialists (at Portland and Vancouver offices) to collaborate on mentor-mentee outreach and recruitment activities.

5.Maintain ongoing communication with project supervisor.

6.Demonstrate awareness and sensitivity in the delivery of client services as it relates to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of the populations project serves.

LINKS:

* Complete and submit all necessary LINKS AmeriCorps Program paperwork and reports in a timely manner.

*Attend and complete LINKS AmeriCorps Program orientation and enrollment session.

* Wear an appropriate LINKS identifier and required safety gear while performing service or attending official events.

Requirements: 1. College degree preferred. But will consider college experience and/or working toward a college degree. Also at least one year related experience working with volunteers.

2.Computer literate and familiar with Microsoft Word. Working knowledge of other computer programs (e.g. Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Outlook, and Photoshop) a plus but not a must.

3. Experience in planning and organizing educational and service learning activities/events.

4. Excellent reading, writing, and speaking skills in English.

5. Excellent organizational skills. Also able to prioritize and work with minimal supervision.

6. Must have ability to meet reporting deadlines.

5. Able to work effectively as a team member in a multicultural environment.

7.Possess current Oregon driver license, valid insurance, and has access to car.

8. Must be at least 18 years old.

LINKS:

* U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident.

* Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent, or commit to earning one prior to receiving an education award.

*Ability to commit to the full term of service for which they are applying.

* Submit to a criminal history background check and National Sex Offender Registry search.

* Regular and reliable attendance.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. College degree in education, psychology, social work, or related field.

2. At least one year experience working with volunteers.

3. Preferred at least six (6) months experience working with diverse population.

4. Excellent English reading, writing, and speaking skills.

5.Other language(s) an asset and not a requirement.

6. Must have ability to interview, screen, and train volunteers.

7. Have knowledge and/or willing to learn of volunteer enrollment process including HIPAA guidelines.

8. Possess skills for working effectively with target and general communities.

9. Must have ability to work effectively with minimal supervision and maintain a high level of communication with project supervisor. 10. Must be skilled in follow-up procedures, record keeping, and file management.

11. Must have excellent skills for communicating effectively with project staffs at lead and collaborating agencies, other MCS staffs at LCSNW, and the general public.

12.Able to envision and plan strategies for meeting project goals.

13.Able to define problems and collect as well as interpret data.

14. Able to work as part of a team.

15. Able to take directions.

16.Able to do local travel.

Member Benefits Include:

Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW) will offer the LINKS AmeriCorps Member stipends up to $350 upon satisfactory completion of required project activities. Activities are to be completed no earlier than ten (10) months from start of service date. Member is eligible for mileage reimbursement at the current rate for project-related activities in Portland and Vancouver.

* Upon successful completion of a term of service, eligible members receive an education award of $1,000-$4,725. The education award can be used to repay qualified student loans, for further education in an accredited institution of higher learning, vocational or for trade schools. The education award is taxed in the year that it is used.

* Loan forbearance (after successful completion of a term of service, AmeriCorps will pay a portion of the accrued interest on qualified loans, which is taxable).

How to apply:

Step 1 – Email your resume to links.recruitment@esd112.org and <. Include the position title in subject line.

Step 2 – Click on the following website: https://recruit.cns.gov/

* This link will open the AmeriCorps national online application site. Please follow the directions carefully. This is our preferred method. Note: You will only need to submit ONE written reference.

* In order for us to be able to view your application, please enter the following program identification number: 95ADNOR0050001-5

* Be sure to download and submit your AmeriCorps Application Certification Form to the address below.

Questions about the project? Contact: Faridah Haron, EdD. Project Supervisor for New Youth Perspectives (NYP) of Lutheran Community Services NW. Telephone: 503-731-9521 Email: fharon@lcsnw.org

Questions about AmeriCorps, LINKS or our recruitment process? Contact:

LINKS p 360) 750-7500 x 114

2500 NE 65th Ave f 360) 360-694-2491

Vancouver, WA 98661 LINKSrecruitment@esd112.org

Unable to Apply On-line? Click here: http://www.esd112.org/links/resources.html.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

www.esd112.org/LINKS

LINKS is administered by Educational Service District 112 (www.esd112.org) - 1 -