Girls Engagement Leader (AmeriCorps)

BACKGROUND:
The staff of the International Rescue Committee in Dallas work as a team to provide comprehensive resettlement services- including case management, employment and immigration services to newly arrived refugees, asylees, and victims of human trafficking as they begin to rebuild their lives in the Dallas area. The School Success Program will provide refugee youth between the ages of 14-22 with year-round academic support, literacy training, and enrichment activities. It will also equip their families with resources and support services to enable them to navigate the public education system in Dallas.

SCOPE OF WORK:
The AmeriCorps Girls Engagement Leader supports refugee teen girls by providing gender-equitable opportunities which help them succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. The service schedule is Monday-Friday from 10:00am to 5:00pm, with one evening per week and one Saturday per month. Duties include planning and organizing monthly Girls’ Group activities including educational field trips, training, workshops, and guest speakers, providing holistic case management to support students in reaching their goals, guiding students in applying to college, obtaining a driver’s permit or license, securing part-time employment or internships, and exploring other opportunities, and helping with transportation by driving students to activities and appointments. 

WHAT IS AN AMERICORPS? 
AmeriCorps is a national service program dedicated to working in local communities to affect change through service. With the support of the OneStar Foundation, CitySquare operates one of the largest AmeriCorps programs in Texas, leveraging more than 300 AmeriCorps members every year who serve throughout the state of Texas.

CitySquare AmeriCorps members provide support to CitySquare programs and local nonprofit host sites working to:
1. Increase academic engagement among economically disadvantaged youth
2. Alleviate food insecurity through food pantry assistance and summer meals
3. Improve economic opportunity for adults through case management, workforce development, housing support, and resource referrals.

In return for service, AmeriCorps members receive a monthly living allowance and an education award that can be used for tuition or student loans!

SERVICE HOURS:
CitySquare AmeriCorps Quarter Time AmeriCorps members serve a minimum of 450 hours over a four-month period, or an average of 30-32 hours per week. In addition, all members are expected to participate in centralized AmeriCorps trainings – including, but not limited to initial pre-service orientation and Life after AmeriCorps training. Members are also required to participate in any national service days scheduled during their term of service. A calendar of required trainings and service projects is provided at pre-service orientation.

Members may serve between 9:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday-Friday. One offsite Saturday and evening per month will be required. Offsite events take place in the Vickery Meadow and Richardson area. Service will be in-person with some remote options. All members must be willing to work in-person. Members are expected to serve through their end date even if minimum hour requirement is met prior to this date.

PRIMARY DUTIES:
The AmeriCorps School Success Coach will provide education-based case management to newly-arrived refugee youth, with the goal of empowering them to attain long-term success in their new academic setting.

Specific duties include:

• Brainstorm and implement new ways to engage high school-aged girls in succeeding academically, socially, and emotionally.
• Plan and organize monthly Girls’ Group activities including educational field trips, trainings, workshops, and guest speakers.
• Build new partnerships and recruit guest presenters.
• Assist in executing day-of logistics for Girls’ Group events.
• Provide holistic case management to support students in reaching their goals.
• Guide students in applying to college, obtaining a driver’s permit or license, securing part-time employment or internships, and exploring other opportunities.
• Maintain comprehensive and timely case notes.
• Help with transportation by driving students to activities and appointments.
• Participate in staff development and team meetings and complete program-related data entry.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Standard office work environment combined with one offsite evening and Saturday per month to assist with Girls Group and a Saturday filed trip.