The Program Support Fellow is a full-time stipend volunteer position, made available through partnership with the AmeriCorps Program. The term of service will begin in September and end in August, with the option to renew for a second term. The position includes both direct involvement with scholars, and administrative tasks, to support Higher Achievement’s progressive, skills-based cultural and academic model. Reporting to and working closely with the Director of Site Operations, the Program Support Fellow will support programming for our middle school scholars and alumni. Responsibilities will focus on three key areas:
-high school placement
-scholar recruitment
-alumni programs
Service Activities
HIGH SCHOOL PLACEMENT
-Track region-wide scholar progress towards completing high school applications
-Center-specific lead on the high school placement process for all 8th grade scholars
-Manage scholars’ high school placement portfolios including 7th and 8th grade report cards and test scores
-Through trainings, serve as on-site “expert” in high school placement process
-Serve as liaison for families regarding high school placement process
-Support High School Fair
-Participate in individual parent/guardian meetings with placement scholars
-Create opportunities to build relationships with staff at key high schools through visits, meetings, and field trips for scholars
-Communicate with mentors and families about the high school placement process
SCHOLAR RECRUITMENT
-Schedule presentations, conduct scholar interviews, and new family outreach.
-Build relationships with feeder schools
-Attend PTA meetings, community meetings, and other events as a representative of Higher Achievement
-Present the program to potential scholars and family members
-Organize and track scholar paperwork as it pertains to recruitment
-Plan and implement the New Family Induction Ceremony
ALUMNI PROGRAMS
-Collect and compile data (both academic and survey data) from current alumni
-Support the recruitment of alumni students and mentors to participate in Follow Through Mentoring
-Manage alumni interns, including Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) interns and provide support
-Additional support to alumni programs as needed
OTHER
-Reporting and communicating HSP and recruitment data and updates to all key stakeholders (staff, etc.)
-Attend new employee orientation training prior to each Academy
-Assist in the recruitment, support, and training of Volunteer Mentors and Study Hall Aides
-Assist in administrative duties, such as data entry as needed
-Lead the planning of college day trips
-Assist with supporting programming at centers, including the August college trip (to include facilitating classes during those times)
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
Community Need Addressed
• 65% of scholars will increase one letter grade in math and reading, or maintain As and Bs.
• 60% of scholars will improve their school attendance, or maintain fewer than five absences.
• 85% of alumni will advance to top high schools.
Position Outcomes
Outcome(s): 100% of 8th grade scholars will apply to at least 3 college-preparatory high schools and 85% will gain acceptance to at least 1 college-preparatory high school
Outcome(s): Full rosters (approximately 30 per grade) to start Summer Academy
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Non-competitive eligibility (federal jobs), Student loan forbearance, Training
DC WMATA (metro) benefits
Education Benefits
CPR/First Aid
Mandated Reporter
Skills you will gain
Time management, public speaking, youth development, organization, nonprofit, recruitment of volunteers, family engagement, classroom management, behavior management
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
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Provide relevant expertise
Teamwork
Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, 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, Drive decision making
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, 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