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. Members work one on one with students on improving their job skills and working towards obtaining employment. The members are serving in partnership with The Arc Jacksonville and agree to abide by the mission & vision of the agency.
Service Activities
• Collaborate with Arc Job Coaches and other AmeriCorps members at other locations for Job Development
• Assist 3rd & 4th year students in applying for Vocational Rehabilitation services
• Organize and host parent/individual employment sessions, aiming to inform about benefits, job impact, Arc employment services, job coach introductions, etc.
• Provide assistance and training with job seeking behaviors (i.e., conducts mock interviews, develop resume, assistance in completing job applications, etc.)
• Provide career counseling and pre-employment readiness services
• Facilitate the Pre-Employment training curriculum with other member or in conjunction with Arc staff
• Develop internship opportunities for OCT students through partnerships with the UNF community
• Ensure that all clients are treated with dignity and respect in accordance with Human Rights policies
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
The Project provides 1:1 and small group mentoring to these individuals to focus on understanding work readiness. Mentors will assist students in increasing understanding of employment resources and job seeking behaviors such as resume building, interview skills, and job applications. Mentors will assist students in making beneficial employment connections and assist OCT in partnering with UNF communities for potential internship opportunities.
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