Members provide mentoring, academic support, coaching, program planning and implementation, and other varied activities to contribute to the success of Breakthrough students. More details are in the Service Activities Section.
Service Activities
All of the following duties and responsibilities are essential position functions, though some members may have a greater responsibility for some of the functions listed. Individuals may be asked to perform other position-related duties within the scope of their normal service activities as requested by their supervisor or other Breakthrough staff member in alignment with the grant and not unallowable or prohibited activities, all subject to reasonable accommodation. Members will have recurring access to vulnerable populations. Members are required to wear the AmeriCorps logo daily.
• Act as a role model to Breakthrough students
• Communicate with students and families regularly
• Work closely with assigned Program Coordinator to provide individualized support to assigned caseload (40-50 students)
• Provide academic support services to students at the Breakthrough office or at the student’s campus
• Assist in the development and implementation of after-school and Saturday programming
• Support in cultivating and managing Breakthrough volunteers assigned to your team and/or students
• Mentor students on the skills and strategies needed for success in school
• Participate actively in all training, professional development, civic reflection, and service activities
• Serve under a Middle School Team, or a High School Team, or on the College Completion Team.
Duties include:
• Coach students through critical application processes, including to high schools and to college and universities
• Develop and implement SAT and ACT test preparation activities
• Introduce productive summer opportunities to Breakthrough students and monitor their engagement and completion
• Support Breakthrough’s high-school graduates in their efforts to enroll in and graduate from college, maintaining regular communication and designing appropriate outreach activities to support their persistence towards graduation
• Aid in the planning and implementation of Breakthrough’s summer programming (Middle School Summer Programs, 10th Grade Leadership Institute, College Options Kick Off)
Community Need Addressed
Breakthrough is a non-profit organization with the mission of providing a path through college for first-generation college graduates. Beginning in sixth grade, AmeriCorps members provide essential support to students who are on this path. Members provide mentoring, academic support, coaching, program planning and implementation, and other activities to contribute to the success of Breakthrough students. Members will receive extensive training in a variety of areas to prepare them for a rewarding and successful placement with Breakthrough. Members support students who are either in Middle School, High School or College. By guiding students through the complicated road to college completion, Members will have a powerful impact on their student's trajectory to getting their college degree.
Breakthrough Central Texas is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its relations with its applicants, staff members, and families, without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender identity and gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or parenthood. People of diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
Position Outcomes
AmeriCorps Members help Breakthrough reach it's mission of increasing high school graduation, college enrollment, and college completion for low-income first-generation students.
Benefits
Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Relocation allowance (if applicable), Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
Full-time (year-round) members are required to accumulate 1700 hours and complete the full term of service period of September 1, 2021 through August 12 (or August 31, 2022 for College Team Members), with occasional Saturday or evening events. Members receive the following:
Living Stipend:
• First-time members (AmeriCorps Member) $15,100;
• Second-year returning members (AmeriCorps Leader) $22,357;
• Third-year and beyond returning members (AmeriCorps Senior Leader) $30,200
Education Award: Upon successful completion of the Member’s 1700 service hours and completion of the full term of service, members are eligible to receive an Education Award from the Corporation for National and Community Service of $6,345 to pay education costs at qualified institutions of higher education, for educational training, or to repay qualified student loans. Members may receive no more than the aggregate value of two full-time education awards.
Optional health insurance coverage
Monthly phone and vehicle-use stipend: Between $100 and $150 per month depending on placement
Non-monetary benefits: On-going support and professional development from experienced educators and non-profit leaders
Assistance with finding housing and other resources for members
Education Benefits
CPR/First Aid
Mental Health First Aid Training
Skills you will gain
-Time management
-Prioritization
-Effective Communication
-Leadership
-Decision-making
-Program Planning/Execution
-Case Management
-SalesForce Database
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, 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, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
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
Tools
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
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, 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