Each summer our office hires Youth Development Leaders to support our Summer of Serivce (SOS) and Teen Employment Preparation Program (STEP) programs. Youth Development Leaders commit to working 40 hrs/week from June 15th through August 21st and are paid a stipend of $3,500. This is a unique opportunity for people who are social justice minded to partner with Seattle Parks and Recreation and create meaningful service learning experiences for middle and high school students. For further details of the position, please check out the Position Description below. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me with questions.
Peace,
Meghan Patiño, MSW
Youth Civic Engagement Coordinator
Youth Employment and Service Learning
Seattle Parks and Recreation
Office: (206) 684-4575
Mentor Position Description
Organization(s): Associated Recreation Council and Seattle Parks and Recreation
Organization address: Mailing address: 100 Dexter Ave N Box #4, Seattle, WA 98109
Service Site: Miller Annex, 330 19th Ave E, Seattle, WA 98112
Program Supervisor: Ron Mirabueno Email: ron.mirabueno@seattle.gov
Phone: Office: 206.233.3979 / Cell: 206.255.6741
Mentorship Dates: June 15, 2015 – August 21, 2015 (ten weeks)
Days/Hours: Mon.-Fri./8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Member Position Title: Youth Development Leader
Overall Responsibilities
Seattle Parks and Recreation offers summer opportunities to engage middle and high school aged youth in experiential project based learning to help foster civic engagement, reduce summer learning loss, encourage post secondary aspirations, provide workforce preparation, and develop leadership skills. Summer of Service (SOS) and the Student Teen Employment Preparation Program (STEP) are service-learning based programs comprised of teams of middle and high school aged youth addressing a broad spectrum of environmental issues from a social justice approach. Previous projects have included: watershed restoration (water quality and fish habitat), urban farming and p-patches (food systems and food justice), and trail restoration in the Duwamish Greenbelt (historically significant Duwamish Tribe land adjacent to Duwamish River, superfund site).
Youth Development Leaders will supervise and mentor SOS and STEP participants through the service learning process. This includes conducting needs assessments and facilitating youth through problem solving, project planning and implementation and reflection. There will be two Youth Development Leaders who will work closely with a project partner to create a meaningful service learning experience for a team of 10 youth.
Other responsibilities include:
Weekly Responsibilities
In addition to the responsibilities listed above, members will meet with the Program Supervisor once a week for check-in, professional development, team building, and weekly preparation. Leaders must ensure that participants are completing timesheets promptly and accurately as well as documenting both highlights and challenges of the program.
Schedule
Mentorship dates: June 15, 2015 through August 21, 2015 (ten weeks). A typical schedule is Monday through Friday. 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. Four days are in the field with the youth and the fifth day is with the Program Supervisor.
Qualifications and Skills Required
Candidates must have a high school diploma or high school equivalent education. Candidates must also have experience working with diverse populations (including populations with special needs and urban youth), as well as the ability to establish clear boundaries and expectations, lift 30 lbs., perform a variety of physical tasks associated with environmental restoration and service projects, manage stressful situations, demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, be a team player, show enthusiasm and passion about mentoring young people, exhibit dependability, and work independently with little supervision.
Please note:
Due to the nature of our program, the majority of the positions will require some driving. A current Washington Driver’s license is required. Driver must be at least 21 years of age to operate program vehicles, furnish a 5 year driving abstract (cost of abstract is refundable), and be currently covered by personal vehicle insurance. Eligibility is contingent on passing a background check.
Desired Qualifications
Education: some college with degree or area of focus in education, social work, psychology, and natural sciences. Experience working with middle and high school aged youth. Bi-lingual including ASL. Familiarity with digital media including video filming and editing, group facilitation, and curriculum implementation. Passionate about race and social justice and civic engagement.
Stipend
$3,500 paid in five increments for 10 weeks of full time service (up to 40 hrs/week)
$3,700 paid in five increments for 10 weeks of full time service (up to 40 hrs/week) for mentors that are eligible and can drive.
Mentors will be considered independent contractors and stipends will be disbursed without any tax witholding. When filing taxes, mentors will be sent a 1099 to report the stipends as miscellaneous income.
How to Apply
Please submit a resume along with a letter of interest to ron.mirabueno@seattle.gov. Please write “Youth Development Leader” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Final deadline to apply is June 5, 2015. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, and LGBTQ individuals.
