The AmeriCorps 4-H Positive Youth Development and Outreach Specialist will work with youth, volunteers, community partners, and professionals to plan, implement, and evaluate a series of educational programs and experiences that work toward multiple life skill outcomes – Productive Citizens, Outstanding Communicators, Effective Leaders, and Successful Learners. This member will serve in a team environment with the program staff to facilitate and develop both nonformal and informal educational opportunities as determined by the host site. The member will also be responsible for developing their own outreach program as well as recruiting volunteers for activities in STEM, Leadership and Civic Engagement, Communication and the Arts, Healthy Living, and Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Service Activities
Specific service activities are dependent upon the Host Organization and local community. Examples of service activities are listed below:
- Coordinating weekly before-and after-school programs to deliver 6+ hours of educational content to youth in the local elementary school, focusing on grades K-3.
- Develop and facilitate a 4-H project area workshop for both current 4-H members and non-member participants each month.
- Organize a minimum of three summer day camps for local youth in partnership with business and organizations to increase youth content knowledge and career readiness.
- Recruit and Train volunteers to assist in program development and delivery.
- Collect program evaluations from community partners and participants and submit required documentation to the program director and county staff on a monthly basis.
- Develop partnerships with schools, youth organizations and agencies, businesses and individuals to deliver research-based curriculum to new audiences across the county.
- Plan, coordinate, lead, deliver and evaluate educational 4-H programs to youth in out-of-school settings.
- Incorporate and implement service-learning events for youth participants or other outreach activities on MLK Day of Service and Global Youth Service Day, and one other National Day of Service selected by the member.
Community Need Addressed
Increase out-of-school educational opportunities for youth in the community.
Position Outcomes
Youth participants develop positive and meaningful life skills.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
Professional Development Fund which allows members to determine their own professional development opportunities, Positive Youth Development training, CPR/First Aid Training (or Disaster Response Training if CPR is completed), Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification, Leadership Experience, Strong Connection to Alumni Network, Worker's Compensation, Included in Iowa State University's Employee Assistance Program that offers counseling and financial planning resources.
Education Benefits
College Degree, GED/High School Diploma
CPR, First Aid, Youth Mental Health First Aid
Skills you will gain
Organization, Project Management, Non-formal Education and Teaching Experience, Volunteer Management, Data Collection, Communication Skills, Leadership Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Adaptability, Collaboration, Accountability, Interpersonal 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
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, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, 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
Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Drive decision making, 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