With a strong record of developing reciprocal, respectful, and democratic partnerships, George Washington University (GW) in downtown Washington DC seeks a Training and Communications VISTA for the Division of Out-of-School-Time Programs (OSTP) in the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS). The VISTA will redesign and redevelop a training system for all OST staff, and will enhance the communications mechanisms employed by OSTP to reach various stakeholders. This is a full-time (40hrs a week) 12-month service term with the GW/DCPS AmeriCorps VISTA Program. The project term is based on the start date.
Service Activities
- Implement a needs assessment survey to identify high-need professional development areas, and prepare recommendations based on results
- Research training programs for OST professionals while considering internal and external resources, best practices for OST providers and DCPS initiatives
- Develop an OSTP training calendar for ongoing OSTP staff development
- Assess OSTP social media presence, and in collaboration with OSTP leadership and DCPS Office of Communications, develop OSTP policies for use of social media
- Assess and recommend communication tools best suited to sharing information with the stakeholders
- Through site visits, research, and attendance at stakeholder meetings, gather information on best practices, successes, and project designs appropriate for different subjects and grade levels
- Through site visits, research, and attending key stakeholder group meetings; gather news, stories, and photographs for newsletter articles, and other communications.
Community Need Addressed
Address achievement gaps in education by working with the DC Public School's Central Office to identify high-need professional development areas, develop trainings, and distributing knowledge of available resources to school staff and administrators.
Position Outcomes
- Assist the Out of School Time Program team to redesign and redevelop a training system for all OST staff
- Build sustainability for VISTA-initiated projects in OSTP
- Assist the Out of School Time Program team to enhance the communications mechanisms employed toreach various stakeholders (school leaders, parents, the community at large, community partners, andstaff). This includes social media, newsletters, email updates, and other media.
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, public speaking, partnership development, 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