Step up to become a youth mentor in our outdoor and travel-based expeditionary programs! Located in Midcoast Maine, Trekkers programs include adventure-based learning, cultural awareness experiences, community service, environmental stewardship and wilderness exploration for 7th through 12th grade students. Research has shown Trekkers helps students build social-emotional skills, form positive relationships, challenge themselves, learn to work with others, and develop aspirations for their future.
Trekkers seeks qualified candidates for an AmeriCorps Member to serve as a Program Assistant. Reporting to the Program Director, the Program Assistant will serve directly with Program Managers to support programming and expeditions. This position is contingent upon AmeriCorps funding. Trekkers is an equal opportunity employer.
Service Activities
- Support student cohorts by providing mentoring and participation in meetings and expeditions
- Develop and maintain positive relationships with students and their families
- Be a consistent, responsive, caring mentor both in one-to-one and group settings
- Assist Program Managers with planning, implementation and wrap-up of programming and expeditions
- Help recruit and work with community volunteers
- Maintain and organize equipment
- Other logistical support as needed
Community Need Addressed
The pandemic increased what was an already alarming rate of mental health challenges for youth in Knox County. Mentoring is proven to help increase confidence, relationships with others, academic performance, and so much more.
Position Outcomes
An AmeriCorps member at Trekkers helps students thrive. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, in the past year, 90% of students reported that because of Trekkers they have improved relationships with adults and their peers, higher levels of action-orientation, assertiveness, critical thinking, and empathy towards others. More than 75% reported higher levels of optimism, perseverance, reflection, and interest in learning. AmeriCorps members become trusted mentors who help students tap into their own inherent strengths, expand their world views, and help them create or find opportunities for success after high school. They can make the difference between surviving and thriving.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Training
Education Benefits
Potential Certifications based on interest/needs of service member: Wilderness First Aid, Lifeguard Certification, Mandated Reporter Training, Youth Development Training through Trekkers Training Institute, OUT Maine Training (LGBTQ inclusivity), Youth Mental Health, First Aid Certification, CDL, etc.
Skills you will gain
Time management, expedition planning and implementation, facilitation, mentoring, professional relationship-building, organizational 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
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, 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