APPLICATION

Transcription

1 APPLICATION A City of Richmond Community Building Collaborative The AmeriCorps ACES (Action for Community Enhancement Services) program is available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex or political affiliation.

2 CITY OF RICHMOND HUMAN SERVICES Neighbor-to-Neighbor Volunteer Initiative AMERICORPS PROGRAM 2 What is AmeriCorps? AmeriCorps is a national service initiative. Through AmeriCorps, individuals of all ages and backgrounds, address the nation s education, public safety, human and environmental needs through national service. In return, AmeriCorps members receive a bi-weekly living allowance and an educational award to help finance their college education or vocational training, or to pay their student loans with successful completion. While there is no typical AmeriCorps member, all people selected for AmeriCorps must demonstrate a commitment to service and a willingness to use their time and abilities to improve the AmeriCorps ethic of responsibility and community here in Richmond, Virginia. What is the Richmond AmeriCorps A.C.E.S Program? The AmeriCorps A.C.E.S. (Action for Community Enhancement Services) program focus through a partnership with the GReat Aspirations Scholarship Program, Inc. (GRASP) is to enroll the equivalent of 10 full-time* AmeriCorps members who will lead knowledge and skill-building workshops and information sessions for students and parents to facilitate successful college and career pathway planning in the five comprehensive public high schools within the Richmond Public School system. At the end of the first program year, the AmeriCorps members will be responsible for decreasing the number of graduating seniors who lack a clear and feasible plan and the necessary competencies to pursue postsecondary education. As a team our goal is to reach 1,000 students in a year. In addition, the AmeriCorps members will leverage 290 volunteers from local colleges and community organizations who will be engaged in providing support such as SAT and ACT test preparation, job shadowing opportunities, essay and cover letter writing insight, and financial aid planning. *Candidates interested in half-time service (900 hours) should also apply. Facts About the AmeriCorps ACES Program Terms of Service: The AmeriCorps ACES program operates from 9/8/2015 to 8/31/2016. Terms of Service Based upon 12 months of service: 1) Full-time members serve 1700 hours or approximately hours per week. 2) Part-time members serve 900 hours or approximately 20 hours per week. Living Allowances Every other Friday 1) Full-time members (1,700 hrs.) receive approx. $600 (before taxes) for living expenses 2) Part-time members (900 hrs.) receive approx. $300 (before taxes) for living expenses Educational Award: At the successful completion of: 1) 1700 hours of service, full-time members receive approx. $5,730; 2) 900 hours of service, half-time members receive approx. $2,865 The educational award may be used to pay for current educational expenses at qualified institutions of higher education, or to repay qualified student loans. Members have up until seven years after his/her term of service has ended to use the award. The award may be taxable. Members may also receive postponement of interest on existing loans during their term of service. Application Requirements: Completed applications must be submitted by 8/28/15 to: Jennifer Swinson, Administrator of Community Programs AmeriCorps ACES East District Center 701 North 25 th Street, 2 nd Floor, Richmond, VA OR Jennifer.Swinson@RichmondGov.com (804)

3 3 We are pleased that you are interested in the Richmond AmeriCorps ACES (Action for Community Enhancement Services) program. A program description and application for the Richmond AmeriCorps Program is enclosed for your information and use. As a member of the AmeriCorps ACES Program, you will play a significant role in increasing the opportunity to help insure students have a plan of success before graduation. We appreciate your interest in becoming a member of the AmeriCorps ACES Team, and hope that you will consider submitting an application. Our partnership with GRASP provides exciting and meaningful opportunities to individuals committed to providing service in the lives of others. If you need additional information or have any questions, please me at Jennifer.Swinson@RichmondGov.com. Sincerely, Jennifer Swinson Administrator of Community Programs Richmond AmeriCorps ACES 701 North 25 th Street. 2 nd Floor Richmond, VA (804) FAX (804)

4 4 Please use the boxes below to select your interest as a Full time or Half-time candidate and the Richmond Public High School site(s) of preference. Site preference is not guaranteed. Slots Full-time (1700 hrs.) Armstrong High Schools Half-time (900 hrs) George Wythe High Huguenot High John Marshall High Thomas Jefferson High Position Description The AmeriCorps member will: Conduct pre and post-surveys Conduct an initial review of each college senior s Plan of Study and a coordinating survey to assess each student s preparedness to pursue a postsecondary opportunity connected to that Plan; Meet with students and parents during open office hours* to discuss college and career search, application, financial aid processes, and interpretation of award letters; * weekends will also be scheduled, as needed, to engage participants and their families. Offer and provide classroom (grades 9-12) and evening presentations regarding diverse college and career topics; Facilitate time-sensitive group workshops to help students prepare college applications, complete a FAFSA, draft a personal statement or cover letter; Connect students to outside resources regarding SAT/ACT test prep, financial aid planning, job shadowing or apprenticeship opportunities, or other services as needed; Recruit local volunteers, especially students and faculty from local colleges and major employers, to help facilitate community events, act as guest speakers, or facilitate additional workshops as dictated by student interest and need;

5 Prepare materials to be used during workshops and presentations; Conduct pre-graduation surveys of all seniors regarding the development of their postsecondary plans during the school year; Follow-up and optional college readiness/enrichment activities in the summer following graduation to help students remain committed to implementing their postsecondary educational plans in the fall. As a team, members will reach 1,000 students in a year. Help in the recruitment of a minimum of 290 volunteers. 5

6 AMERICORPS A.C.E.S. MEMBERSHIP To Applicant: We sincerely appreciate your interest. A clear understanding of your background and work history will aid us in considering you for the position that best meets your qualifications and our needs. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. (Use additional sheets, if necessary.) The goal of AmeriCorps ACES in partnership with GRASP is to increase the opportunity for students to have an education plan. Other Desirable qualifications include: High School Diploma or GED Strong Verbal Communication Skills Dependable Customer Service Proficient Computer Skills Commitment to Community Service Energetic & Creative Personable Ready for a Challenge Valid Driver s License and Use of a Car is a plus AmeriCorps member responsibilities will also include the following: Mandatory participation in scheduled trainings, service projects, and national service days Assist with volunteer recruitment to enhance services and submit weekly documentation of efforts Honor service commitment to successfully complete the program AmeriCorps member benefits include the following: Opportunity to learn new skills and be exposed to new opportunities Opportunity to serve the Richmond community and make a difference Upon successful completion of required service hours, members are eligible for an education award. Bi-weekly living allowance 6

7 Application Instructions Please describe the skills and the experience you offer to AmeriCorps, as well as the reasons why you hope to be selected. Consider each section carefully and respond to the best of your ability. Think about your role in service activities, membership in community organizations, academic experiences, and personal talents. Take into account everything from your past and present. Your application and personal references help create a full picture of you and what you would bring to national service. Make sure that this application accurately reflects all the qualities that make you a good candidate for AmeriCorps ACES. Please type or print legibly. Member Profile 7 Name Date of Birth Current Address (Street, Apartment #, City, State, Zip Code) Telephone: Home ( ) Work ( ) Mobile ( ) Address: Have you previously enrolled or participated in an AmeriCorps program? YES NO If you answer yes, please provide the following: 1)Year(s) Served: 2) Full-Time; Half Time ; 3)Program Location(s): 4)Name of Program Director(s): 5)Contact number(s): 6) Did you successfully complete the program(s)? YES or NO If you answered no, please explain: Are you an U.S. Citizen, National, or Permanent Resident Alien? (Circle one) Yes No Please select desired AmeriCorps position below i.e. Full or Half-Time Full-time applicants: 1700 hours - Requires a commitment of 35 40* hours each week Yes No Half-time applicants: 900 hours - Requires a commitment of 18-20* hours each week Yes Yes No No Do you have any special needs that require an accommodation? (Optional answer) (If yes, please specify ) * This information may change based upon actual enrollment date.

8 If you are currently attending school, please provide your academic hours of enrollment for the academic year. 8 Name of School/College/University Spring 2016 Summer of 2016 Fall 2015 Do you have a valid driver s license? (Circle one) Yes No Do you have an automobile for use? (Circle one) Yes No The Richmond AmeriCorps A.C.E.S. Program requires substance abuse testing. By signing this document you agree to substance abuse testing and to abstain from illegal drug use. Signature Date: Skill Areas Indicate those areas in which you have had significant training or experience, including volunteer or community service experience. Youth Work/Coaching Public Safety/Law Enforcement Fathers and young men Teaching/Tutoring Mediation/Conflict Resolution Training/Facilitating Community Outreach Public Speaking Job Development Work in Schools Technology Health/Health Education Juvenile Justice Parenting Skills Training Other (List) Mentoring Child Care/Development Community Service Activities List and describe your organizational memberships and community service experience. Include social, school, professional, and neighborhood programs. Name of Organization Dates of Service Duties Performed Contact Person Start End Daytime Phone Number

9 9 Educational Background (Check all that apply) Did not graduate high school Current Technical School Student Graduate Classes (No Degree) GED Some College completed Master s Degree High School Graduate Associate Degree Doctorate Degree Technical School Graduate Bachelor s Degree Begin with your current school or most recent and list all schools attended. Include high school, trade/technical schools, college, job corps, etc. College, Trade, Business or Other Schools / Training Attended Name & Location Start End Qtr Hrs Sem Hrs Other Licenses and/or Certificates you possess: Special Skills and/or equipment you can operate: Employment History (Circle One) Graduated Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Degree Year Major or Studies Please include any self-employment, home management, volunteer, military service, full or part-time, salaried employment. Start with your current or most recent experience. If available, attach resume to application. Employment History (including Military Service) (You may attach an additional page or a resume to show additional employment or volunteer history.) Last or present job (start with last or present position and work backwards) From Month Year Firm Dept To Month Year Address Hours worked per week Total Time Employed: Type of Business Your Title Years Months Specific Duties: Starting Salary Ending Salary Phone Immediate supervisor s Name, Title & Office Reason for leaving: May we contact? Yes No Previous job From Month Year Firm Dept To Month Year Address Hours worked per week Total Time Employed: Type of Business Your Title Years Months Specific Duties: Starting Salary Ending Salary Phone Reason for leaving: Immediate supervisor s Name, Title & Office May we contact? Yes No

10 10 References List three individuals not related to you that we might contact as references. We encourage you to list people who know you well such as instructors, employers, guidance counselors, or community members. Name: Address: City, State, Zip: Telephone: Home ( ) Work Relation to you Address: Name: Address: City, State, Zip: Telephone: Home ( ) Work Relation to you Address: Name: Address: City, State, Zip: Telephone: Home ( ) Work Relation to you Address:

11 11 Personal Background: Citizenship Status (Please check only one) U.S. Citizen by birth U.S. Citizen by naturalization Alien permanent resident Are you legally authorized to work in the United States? Yes No Criminal Background The term convicted shall include: a finding of guilty by a judge or jury, a plea of guilty, or a plea of nolo contendere. Acceptance decisions for applicants with a criminal history will be made on a case-by-case basis. Please note: Prior to admission to the program, all members will be required to submit to a criminal background check, a substance abuse screening, child protective services registry check, national sex offender registry check and FBI fingerprint check. **Personal Statement**(Must be included in application)_ On a separate sheet of paper, type or print legibly a 400-word statement explaining (i) what you could contribute to AmeriCorps, (ii) how the experience could advance your personal and professional goals and (iii) what the term commitment means to you. Please spend time preparing your statement. Be thoughtful and honest in preparing your answer. Attach your personal statement to your application. Applications without a Personal Statement will not be considered. Online Referral Form A brief online referral survey will be ed to your references should you be selected for an interview. Certification INFORMATION CERTIFICATION/AUTHORIZATION TO RELEASE INFORMATION/AT WILL AGREEMENT I certify the information given in this application for AmeriCorps is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I authorize AmeriCorps to make inquiry of my former employers or references as to my experience, job suitability, and/or reasons for leaving. I understand that if I am accepted into AmeriCorps, the making of false statements on this application, omission of information or misrepresentation will be sufficient cause for immediate dismissal from the program. I agree to hold harmless AmeriCorps and any company and/or individual(s) for information they may release in regards to this application. I understand that my acceptance is contingent upon proof of identity and verification of eligibility for participation in AmeriCorps in the United States. I also understand my participation may be contingent upon a satisfactory background check through Criminal History Record Checks, Child Protection Services, FBI Fingerprinting, National Sex Offender Registry and other potential screenings. I hereby understand and acknowledge that, unless otherwise defined by applicable law, any relationship with this organization is of an at will nature, which means that the participant may resign at any time and AmeriCorps may dismiss participants at any time for reasonable cause. This application for AmeriCorps shall be considered active for a period of time not to exceed 90 days.

12 12 Completed applications must be returned to the AmeriCorps A.C.E.S. office not later than August 28, 2015 Signature of Applicant (signature required for submission) Date Signed (If ing, please check this box to indicate you understand and will comply with all policies listed in this application. We will have you sign the application if selected.)