Parent and Community Coordinator

Overview
Aspire Afterschool Learning ensures real result for children through a holistic program approach, partnering closely with parents and schools to triangulate support for children. The Parent Connection Program has three overarching objectives, each of which contributes to healthy homes and communities in which children can thrive:

1) parents are able to effectively engage in and support their child's education;
2) adults are able to form safe, productive home and community environments; and
3) adults are able to develop their individual skills and interests and to become community leaders.

These objectives are met through regular topic-based Parent Connection workshops across three sites.

JOB DESCRIPTION
The Parent & Community AmeriCorps Member will play a critical role in strengthening Aspire's partnerships with parents through its Parent Connection programs across three sites.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
• U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien;
• High school graduate or equivalent, at least 17 years old;
• Commitment to local, community-based organizations;
• Confidence in leading and facilitating adult groups and discussion;
• Excellent time management skills;
• Professional communication skills - ability to interact well with children, parents, community members/partners, volunteers, and program staff;
• Interest in and sensitivity to working with people from a variety,of cultures and ethnic groups;
• Bilingual Spanish and English skills, including reading, writing, and conversation required;
• Self-motivated, independent, and resourceful; and
• Excellent sense of humor is a must!

Service Activities

RESPONSIBILITIES
• Coordinate Parent Connection Program activities at three Aspire sites. Plan workshops to fall within specific program themes, including securing partner organizations to conduct workshops;
• Recruit parents and adults to participate in Parent Connection and other relevant programs/activities;
• Support parents and adults in the community, including making referrals for other services as needed;
• Conduct periodic focus groups with residents and adult participants to determine interest and need;
• Support collaboration among Aspire's community partners with regard to adult/parent programming;
• Implement regular program evaluations to determine program effectiveness;
• Provide translation and interpretation for workshops and other activities as needed;
• Develop and share reports on Parent Connection Program activities, as required;
• Provide periodic direct service support to the Learning ROCKS! Afterschool & Summer Program;
• Travel regularly across sites (all within 1.5 miles of each other); personal transportation helpful but not required;
• Participate in required AmeriCorps and/or National Days of Service projects; and
• Comply with all applicable rules, regulations, and agreements of the organization.

Community Need Addressed

Aspire! serves children and families in the Columbia Heights West and Pike Village Center neighborhoods of Arlington. The organization’s original afterschool program was established in 1994 through a grassroots effort of community organizers in response to widespread concern about the well-being of children in Columbia Heights West during out-of-school time hours. Twenty years later, Aspire! is well-rooted in the community where it originated, including expanding its services to two affordable housing developments at the request of local affordable housing organizations and neighboring schools in response to community demand. It consistently operates at maximum capacity and is oversubscribed by 115% with waiting lists at all of its sites and a steady pipeline of referrals from local teachers and schools.

Position Outcomes

Short Term
at least 80% (64) 3rd-5th grade students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds will improve their reading proficiency per school-based, standardized assessments of reading instructional levels at the beginning and end of the school year.

Mid Term
students’ improved reading proficiency will ensure that they can fully participate in school and keep up with academic content in middle and high school and successfully graduate from high school.

Long Term
students will have better livelihood opportunities and increased lifelong earning potential.

Benefits

Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training

• Aspire is committed to strengthening Corps Members’ professional and personal development. Corps Members will receive training in a variety of topics including: content areas, tutoring skills, child development, behavior management, education theory, leadership skills, and team building. • Full-time Members will also have the option (first-come, first-serve basis), if they so choose and qualify, to live at a local affordable housing development at a significantly discounted rate.

Skills you will gain

event planning, coordinating with partners, design, supervising, time management, goal setting, case management

Competencies You Will Develop

• Activity Types Hands On Activities, Office Activities, Professional Activities
• Focus Areas Education & Youth
• Length of Service 12 Months
• Education Requirements Some College
• Placement Individual and Team Placements
• Service Setting Community-based Nonprofit
• Weekly Training Hours 3