Who We Are
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 a 6-month 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. Mentors will provide in – person mentoring to youth throughout central Maryland. The mentor is directly accountable to and supervised by the Service Coordinator . The Choice mentor maintains a flexible schedule not to exceed 35-hours a week unless approved by a supervisor.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Serves as a positive role model for program youth
- Participates in team approach, sharing responsibility for youth services
- 100% in-person services for young people in central Maryland.
- Must be willing to provide in person services to the community
- Supports one or more teams; sharing responsibility for youth services.
- Provides periodic assessments of youth and family situations via weekly rundowns
- Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with parent/guardian
- Makes recommendations for community resources
- Participates in youth welcome meetings and assessment interviews.
- With supervisor and team, develops a goals centered service plan.
- 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 (i.e. cell phones, computers, etc.)
- Evening and weekend work required
QUALIFICATIONS:
- High School Diploma required. Associates Degree or 2 years of college/25 credits preferred
- Leadership experience History of community service
- Experience working with Microsoft tools
- 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
COMPENSATION
$18.50/hour
20-30 hours per week.
Spring/Summer Sessions, with potential for Fall internship as well.
Availability required
- Must have afternoon, evenings and weekend availability 1-2 weekdays with some availability between 11:30-10pm
- 1 weekend per month with some availability between (Friday-Sun) 12-8:30pm
