Family Literacy Associate - Make Way For Books - AmeriCorps
Make Way for Books
Family Literacy Associate
300 Hour Position
Approximately 8-10 hours/week
Service Location: Tucson, AZ
Service Dates: September 1, 2018 – June 31, 2019
CONTACT: americorps@arizonaserve.org
I. ORGANIZATIONAL PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND
The mission of Make Way for Books is to give children the chance to read and succeed. Make Way for Books fosters the success of children by cultivating the love of books and reading. Our highest priority is to serve economically disadvantaged young children and families in southern Arizona. Since 1998, Make Way for Books has provided a comprehensive continuum of services to strengthen a culture of literacy by developing and implementing evidenced-based early literacy programs and resources that impact children and families in diverse settings.
The Neighborhood School Readiness Collaborative is an innovative project that provides opportunities for thousands of children to enter school ready to read and succeed. The project goal is to maximize access to high-quality early literacy experiences for economically-disadvantaged children in southern Arizona by aligning existing Make Way for Books programs and resources around high-need elementary schools and in their surrounding neighborhoods. The AmeriCorps State Member (Family Literacy Associate) will focus on partnership and community outreach, and program enhancement by improving material delivery, and assisting in program tracking and reporting.
II. PROJECT FOCUS AREAS AND ACTIVITIES
A. Community Outreach: The State member will coordinate grassroots outreach by identifying high-traffic community locations and recruiting at relevant community events. They will also coordinate an awareness initiative led by program participants.
B. Enhance Program Delivery: The State member will prepare and organize program materials, assist in literacy events, and distribute and track giveaway books for participating families. They will also identify materials needed for program implementation including books, puppets, and art and writing supplies
C. Program Tracking Assistance: The State member will maintain participant records and assist in the observation of program implementation and track families’ progress. They will also compile pre and post survey data for various reports and compile monthly metrics of services including clients, workshop sessions, and resources distributed.
III. Requirements and Benefits
A. Education, Skills and Abilities
Minimum qualifications:
o Age 17 or older
o Experience in family support and early childhood education
o Fluent in Spanish and English
o Knowledge of children’s literature
o Ability to work as a part of a team
o Strong computer skills including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
o Strong written and verbal communication skills
o Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team setting in a consistent, energetic, and positive manner
o Effective problem-solving skills
o Self-motivated and able to manage multiple projects concurrently
o Ability to understand the "big picture" while completing detail-oriented tasks
o Friendly and effective interpersonal skills
o Honors diversity
o Flexibility to work on weekends and evenings
o Will need personal vehicle to drive to community sites
AmeriCorps State Member Benefits (300 Hour)
● Upon completion of service, minimum-time (300 hour) AmeriCorps members receive a $1230.69 education award that can be applied to educational costs or student loans
● Members participate in 10 (2-hour) trainings that qualify them for a Certificate in Civic Leadership and 4 college credits from Prescott College
● Team support and coaching
Arizona Serve is committed to implementing inclusive practices in the workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, age, ethnic background, sex, disability, size, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Those who have marginalized identities, whether or not those identities provide protected status, are encouraged to apply.
Prescott College is a proud participant in the Employers of National Service initiative. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.
To apply for this position, please download the AmeriCorps State application: HERE
This application is a fillable PDF file. Save and submit your completed application electronically to: americorps@arizonaserve.org