Member serves as a mentor for adults with I/DD/MH, specifically with students participating in the On Campus Transition Program at the University of North Florida. Mentor Recruiters promote the OCT program and engage the UNF community in volunteer opportunities to work with OCT students as mentors. The members are serving in partnership with The Arc Jacksonville and agree to abide by the mission & vision of the agency.
Service Activities
Inform the UNF campus community of volunteer opportunities through innovative marketing techniques
Establish partnership with UNF Volunteer Center in which volunteer opportunities and OCT events are communicated
Create and update database of on-campus events for recruiting using the Volunteer Hub software system
Maintain database of student-lead clubs and organization using the Volunteer Hub software
Present information regarding volunteer opportunities to other on-campus organizations
Reestablish relationships with past mentors
Keep a detailed, accurate and up-to-date database of mentor information and availability
Once mentor is confirmed and availability obtained, ensure OCT Coordinator is informed for scheduling
Ensure mentors understand expectations and benefits of mentor positions
Provide comprehensive and continuous support and training to mentors to maximize mentor experience
Provide effective intervention and resolution regarding mentor/mentee conflicts or issues
Conduct mentor audits to ensure that mentors are engaging in meaningful activities
Create a rewards/recognition program/event at the end of each semester that honor and recognize each mentor’s dedication and commitment to OCT.
Community Need Addressed
In Jacksonville, adults with I/DD/MH lack essential skills: social, educational, health/wellness, work readiness, independent living, and self-determination, which are necessary to become independent and contributing members of society. Poor outcomes are often the result of I/DD/MH populations being grossly underserved during critical educational experiences, and insufficient opportunities to experientially learn different aspects of independent living (fitness, nutrition, social skills).
Position Outcomes
AmeriCorps Mentor Recruiters work out in the community at the University of North Florida to increase awareness of the needs of individuals with I/DD/MH. Recruiters promote the On Campus Transition Program and engage the general population in volunteer opportunities with OCT. Recruiters facilitate meaningful relationships between OCT students and volunteers, as well as manage volunteers to ensure they are engaging in impactful and appropriate service with students.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Living allowance, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
Education Benefits
College Degree, GED/High School Diploma, Credential or Certification
CPR, First Aid, Mental Health First Aid
Skills you will gain
Leadership, communication strategies, lesson plan development, active listening, time management, problem solving, interpersonal skills, and transferable skills.
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Turn taking, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Effectively delegate tasks, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment