The Choice Program at UMBC provides mentoring and advocacy services to young people–primarily Black and Latinx– throughout central Maryland. We utilize a community-based, family-centered approach in order to promote quality outcomes for young people and families. We engage in a collaborative process of service: where young people set goals for themselves and are held accountable by supportive adults along the way. Our approach to youth development is grounded in applied critical race theory and culturally responsive, trauma-informed, restorative practices. We strive to be an anti-racist organization grounded in several core values: holistic development, the belief in humans, dismantling hierarchies, and youth-centeredness.
Overview
The Choice Program is excited to offer this 100 or 300 hour contractual position as a pathway to service or career in human services. The mentor provides team-based services to meet the needs of youth/families in The Choice Program. Interns will provide in – person mentoring to youth throughout central Maryland. The mentor is directly accountable to and supervised by the Program Coordinators. Mentors will work in partnership with Service Coordinators members to ensure quality services are provided to program participants. The Choice intern maintains a flexible schedule not to exceed 100 or 300 hours over 3 months.
Key Responsibilities
- Serves as a positive role model for program youth
- Assist IA and Jobs with transport youth to events/activities
- Participates in team approach, sharing responsibility for youth services
- 100% in person services for young people in central Maryland.
- Must be willing to provide on site help with annual activities
- Supports one or more teams; sharing responsibility for youth services.
- Provides periodic assessments of activities planned for youth
- Makes recommendations for community resources
- Participates in creating youth activities
- Documents all interactions with youth and family members and writes periodic reports
- Supports food service social enterprises as needed
- Notifies supervisory staff immediately in the event of a youth crisis, suspected illegal activity or any other youth, AmeriCorps member, staff or program incident
- Adheres to program personnel and procedure manuals and to Choice confidentiality policies
- Maintains program equipment (cell phones, computers, etc.)
- Evening and weekend work required
Qualifications
- High School Diploma required. Combination of experience and college credits
- History of community service
- Experience working with Microsoft tools
- Interest in Mentoring
- Driver’s license and access to an insured vehicle required (Mileage will be reimbursed when using your own vehicle)
- Commitment to fulfill contract
- Ability to work independently and as a team member Possesses good oral and written communication skills
- Ability to project a positive attitude and use a strength based approach. Must have access to computer and internet
Living Allowance Stipend
Living allowance is dependent on term of service selected.
- 300 service hours will receive a living allowance of $7,854
- 100 service hours will receive a living allowance of $2,244
Segal Education Award
Upon successful completion of term of service, AmeriCorps members are eligible to receive a Segal Education Award. The award amount is dependent on term of service and service year.
