With a strong record of developing reciprocal, respectful, active, and democratic partnerships, George Washington University (GW) in downtown Washington, DC is seeking a VISTA to serve as a Student Community Service Liaison for DC Public Schools (DCPS). This is a one year, renewable position in which the VISTA will work with the DCPS School Counseling Program team in supporting the DCPS Community Service requirement for high school graduation. The VISTA member will support communication efforts, new partnership development, curriculum enhancement, and data evaluation to measure program quality. This is a full-time, 12 month service term with the GW/DCPS AmeriCorps VISTA Program. The project term is based on the start date.
Service Activities
- Develop sustainable systems and structures for ongoing collection of feedback from stakeholders
- Enhance communications methods to support outreach to students, schools, and community organizations
- Identify and develop new and existing community partnerships
- Support effective reflection and integration of service and curricular goals
- Use evidence-based practices to make recommendations to improve and support the community service curriculum
Community Need Addressed
Address achievement gaps in education by working with the DC Public School's Central Office to assess and improve program quality related to DCPS student community service curriculum and graduation requirements
Position Outcomes
- Increase capacity of the DCPS School Counseling Program team
- Engage with students, staff, and community members to build trust and support the community service requirements for DCPS students
- Implement communications plan and determine best practices for disseminating information to the school community
- Develop additional meaningful service opportunities for students
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Non-competitive eligibility (federal jobs), Relocation allowance (if applicable), Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
- Networking opportunities with DCPS, Community Organizations, and GWU
- Access to GWU Campus Amenities (Library, Adobe Suite)
- Learning opportunities through conferences, events, etc.
Skills you will gain
education-related knowledge and experience, data collection, data analysis, project management, and communication 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, 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