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Industry: Hospitality, Human Services & Education

Type of Job: Hospitality, Human Services & Education

Type: Internship

Location: Virtual and In-Person in Durango

Age Requirement: 18 and Up

$ Paid

The enrollment window for this opportunity has passed.

Hours Per Week: 40

Available Days of the Week: Monday

Description

Program Overview:  Led by the United Way of SWCO (UWSWC),  Team UP AmeriCorps places AmeriCorps members at organizations throughout Southwest Colorado.  While these members serve as part of a regional cohort and participate in regional cohort trainings and activities,  they spend the majority of their term serving directly at a specific host site organization.  Through collaborative service,  Team UP AmeriCorps members develop their own professional skills and passions,  expand effectiveness of southwest Colorado organizations,  and ultimately support people to thrive.  Team UP has been utilizing collective impact initiatives since 2015 to collaborate across sectors and promote communication towards common goals within rural Southwest Colorado communities.

 

While all Team UP AmeriCorps members gain experience and professional development during their term,  some positions place an additional emphasis on developing members’  professional skills in a specific field during their Term of Service.  These positions are part of Team UP AmeriCorps’  Workforce Track (WF).  WF members may be required to meet additional qualifications and/or requirements to qualify for and complete these positions.  WF members can expect to receive robust field-specific training and obtain field-specific credentials during their Term of Service.  Upon successful completion,  WF members will be equipped to begin their career and continue supporting people to thrive through their gain field-specific skills.

 

The Youth Mental Health Corps (YMHC)  is a new program within the Workforce Track.  YMHC members may provide programming aimed at supporting youth mental health in a variety of ways including enhancing student engagement in school,  fostering stronger social connections among peers and students,  alleviating family stress by offering a secure and enjoyable environment for students,  and providing essential community support.  During their service term,  YMHC members will also complete all the required courses to obtain the Behavioral Health Assistant I microcredential through Pueblo Community College.

 

The Boys and Girls Club of La Plata County (BGC)  is a non-profit organization that provides youth in the Durango area a positive,  safe place to go after school.  Their mission is “to enable all young people,  especially those who need us most,  to reach their full potential as productive,  caring,  responsible citizens.”

 

Service Position Summary:  The Youth Mental Health AmeriCorps member (aka Emotional Wellness Coordinator)  will be a vital asset to the Boys &  Girls Club of La Plata County,  focusing on enhancing the emotional well-being of young members.  This role will involve a comprehensive approach to mental health support,  including needs assessments,  program development,  and community collaboration.

 

The Emotional Wellness Coordinator will work closely with club staff and members to identify mental health challenges and develop tailored programs to address them.  This may include creating workshops on stress management,  anxiety,  and building resilience.  Additionally,  they will facilitate group activities that promote emotional intelligence and healthy coping mechanisms.  To create a supportive network,  the Emotional Wellness Coordinator will build relationships with local mental health providers,  schools,  and other youth-serving organizations.  They will also provide mental health training to club staff,  empowering them to support young people effectively.  By fostering a positive and inclusive club environment,  this position will contribute significantly to the overall mental health of the community’s youth.

Responsibilities

Duties and Responsibilities:  Team UP AmeriCorps members serve directly at their Host Site organization to develop,  implement,  and enhance programs,  projects,  and activities through direct and indirect service.  As part of their role,  YMHC members take classes at Pueblo Community College to obtain their Behavioral Health Assistant I microcredential.  Out-of-class time is spent directly serving their Host Site.  See member duties listed below:

  • Attend Pueblo Community Classes (totaling 10 credit hours)  listed below:
    • PTE 1010 (3 credits)  -  Intro to Behavioral Health Care and Wellness (Fall 2024)
    • BEH 1001 (3 credits)  -  Mental Health Crisis and Intervention:  Preparedness and Empathy (Fall 2024)
    • BEH 1030 (1 credit)  -  Behavioral Health Case Management and Clinical Documentation (Spring 2025)
    • BEH 2030 (3 credits)  -  Applied Therapeutic Communication Skills (Spring 2025)
  • While not actively attending required YMHC classes,  serve with BGC through the following avenues:
    • Needs Assessment:  Conducting surveys and focus groups to identify specific mental health challenges faced by club members.
    • Program Development:  Creating age-appropriate programs addressing identified needs,  such as stress management workshops,  social-emotional learning groups,  and mental health first aid training.
    • Collaboration:  Partnering with local mental health providers to offer guest speakers,  resources,  and potential referrals.
    • Community Outreach:  Building relationships with schools,  healthcare organizations,  and other youth-serving groups to create a supportive network.
    • Staff Training:  Providing mental health awareness and crisis intervention training to club staff to enhance their ability to support youth.
    • Supportive Environment:  Fostering a positive and inclusive club culture that prioritizes emotional well-being and reduces stigma around mental health.
    • Evaluation:  Continuously assessing program effectiveness and making adjustments to ensure maximum impact.
  • Other:
    • Track host site and AmeriCorps data
    • Attend Team UP AmeriCorps regional trainings,  cohort connection days,  and Days of Service

 

Physical,  Emotional,  and Intellectual Demands:

  • Willingness to learn,  adapt,  and grow in a position
  • Ability to serve independently,  take initiative,  and be motivated by the projects they are doing
  • Compassion and awareness:  self-awareness,  awareness of cultural differences,  social differences and understanding of implicit bias
  • Strong commitment to justice,  equity,  diversity and inclusion

Qualifications / Career Path

Desired Qualifications:

  • Ethic of national and community service and a strong desire to create positive change
  • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing;  computer literate
    • High School Graduate required (GED accepted,)  college graduate or equivalent work experience preferred
  • Ability to pass criminal history check
  • Reliable transportation &  proof of auto insurance
  • U.S.  Citizenship or lawful permanent resident status required  

 

Term of Service -  Time Commitment:  This is a Full-Time national and community service position requiring,  at a minimum,  a total of 1700 hours during the year.  The member will serve approximately 40 hours/week including time spent providing service for the Host Site (average min.  of 32 hours/week)  and hours actively spent in YMHC classes (max.  150 hours/year).  Time studying and doing coursework outside of class time will not count towards the 1700 service hours.

 

 The position begins September 9,  2024 and ends August 31,  2025.  Flexible hours are required,  including occasional evening and weekend commitments.  Service on the following dates is required:

 

  • September 9-10:  Team UP AmeriCorps Member Orientation
  • September 11:  Host Site Orientation
  • October TDB:  Fall Group Service Day (optional for YMHC members)
  • Jan.  20 :  MLK Jr.  Day of Service Event (optional for YMHC members)
  • March 31:  Cesar Chavez Day of Service Event (optional for YMHC members)
  • 2nd Tuesdays of Nov,  Feb,  April,  &  June:  regional Team UP AmeriCorps Member Trainings

 

Training and Support Provided:  Team UP AmeriCorps members receive significant training and experience in community engagement,  project implementation,  leadership,  diverse populations,  and more.  Up to 20%  of total hours served may be spent in applicable,  approved trainings.  Members will be supervised and supported by CEO of Boys &  Girls Club,  Vaughn Morris (vaughn.morris@bgclaplata.org),  as well as by Team UP AmeriCorps program staff.  The PY 24-25 cohort of Team UP AmeriCorps members serving throughout the region will also act as additional resources and support for each other.

Location and Service Conditions:  This position is based at 2750 Main Avenue Durango,  CO 81301 and will involve service at other locations in La Plata,  Montezuma,  and/or Dolores Counties.  Position is based at the BGC center located in downtown Durango and will involve occasional/frequent days of service outdoors and/or in a school and/or community building.

 

Benefits:

  • A living allowance of approx.  $1,416.66 per pay period (twice per month).  Taxes are deducted and the living allowance is distributed by direct deposit to the member’s bank account.
  • An education award of $7,395.00 upon successful completion of term of service.
  • Behavioral Health Assistant I Microcredential and associate covered costs including:
    • tuition
    • fees
    • course materials
    • mileage reimbursement to in-person classes up to 90 miles per 30 weeks of class
  • Health Insurance
  • Child Care Assistance,  if qualifications are met
  • It is possible to temporarily postpone repayment of qualified student loans through forbearance while serving as an AmeriCorps member
  • Mileage reimbursement for travel to required AmeriCorps trainings and gatherings
  • Non-tangible benefits including extensive training,  valuable experience,  networking,  and the opportunity to serve the local community in a crucial area of need

 

Diversity and Equal Opportunity:  United Way values the diversity of our community.   In principle and in practice the diverse nature of our board,  staff,  and volunteers is recognized as one of our best assets.   We respect each individual’s unique gifts and prohibit unfair or discriminatory practices against anyone because of age,  race,  color,  religion,  national origin,  disability,  gender,  sexual orientation,  and any other protected category.

 

To Apply:

Step 1.  Email a cover letter and resume to Team UP AmeriCorps Coordinator Anne Poirot @   AnneP@unitedway-swco.org.  Be sure to indicate which position(s)  you are interested in.

Step 2.  Create an account on myAmeriCorps.gov and submit an application for the position https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?fromSearch=true&id=123725.  Please complete BOTH steps to apply.

The enrollment window for this opportunity has passed.