Team Leaders will be an integral part of the Next Steps AmeriCorps program and will be placed either at Cabrini University (Wolfington Center), Kutztown University (Enrollment Management & Student Affairs Division), Temple University (Center for Social Policy and Community Development), Community College of Philadelphia (Institute for Community Engagement and Civic Leadership), Arcadia University (Office of Social Impact & Innovation), or Cheyney University (Office of Diversity, Inclusion & Social Responsibility) . By helping to support low-income first generation college students who are themselves enrolled as part-time AmeriCorps members. Assist Campus Administrators recruit Next Steps mentors and mentees from eligible members of the larger student population.
Service Activities
Assist in ensuring that Next Steps mentors complete and submit all required enrollment documents and time sheets
- Assist in connecting Next Steps mentors & mentees to meaningful service opportunities in the community, primarily through work-study
- Help plan and lead bi-weekly training and reflection sessions for Next Steps mentors & mentees
- Assist in planning and facilitating extra-curricular and student-engagement activities
- Serve as mentor to students
- create a friendly and supportive environment that helps keep Next Steps mentors and mentees engaged with the program
- Help plan and support “All Corps Events,” periodic day-long training and leadership development events for mentors and mentees
- Check-in with off-campus service site supervisors on a regular basis
- Attend monthly professional development and training meetings with PHENND
- Help provide additional service opportunities for mentors in need of additional hours such as Alternative Spring Break events.
- In summer months, serve in Summer Bridge programs that help prepare at-risk rising first year students for success in college
Community Need Addressed
increase the retention rate of first generation college students in higher education, provide support to first generation college students, increase degree attainment, and mentoring of first year college students who need the support
Position Outcomes
Increase volunteer commitment, increase community engagement, increase student engagement, increase number of students who complete 60 credits, and an increase of the number of mentoring matches relationships sustained over the course of an academic year.
Benefits
Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Stipend, Training
Education Benefits
College Degree
Skills you will gain
Timekeeping, public speaking, organizational skills, program coordination, recruitment, outreach, matching mentoring relationships, problem solving,
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, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, 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, 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, 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 plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, 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