Thrive Ambassador Description and Application

Priority deadline is 8/5/24.

Service Abstract

LUK is recruiting cohort of 18 AmeriCorps members to serve for 10 months, from September/October 2024 to May/June 2025. Each Thrive Ambassador serves under the direction of LUK’s Career Development Coordinator. They will strengthen social-emotional competencies among Worcester County youth who have experienced two or more of the following challenges: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), living in poverty, and/or academic challenges. Each Thrive Ambassador will assess the social emotional skills and needs of youth at their host site and work one on one with youth to build their leadership and social emotional skills. Additionally, each Thrive Ambassador will create, implement, and evaluate group activities and events aimed at building leadership skills and social emotional skills of youth at their host site. Thrive Ambassadors will work with youth, host sites, and partners to increase awareness and understanding of positive youth development. Each Thrive Ambassador will collaborate with other members and partners to implement positive youth development programs and activities for youth. Data collection is also expected.

Qualified candidates will be at least 18 years old and be interested in exploring Human Services, Public Health, Social Work, Education, Positive Youth Development, or a closely related occupational field. Candidates must be able to commit to a full-term of service. Interest in working with children of diverse backgrounds and youth, family/school/communities, strengths-based asset models, community organizing, and groups. The successful candidate will have excellent organizational and communication skills as well as strong computer skills. Candidate must be comfortable meeting one on one with youth and facilitating groups of youth.

This is a reduced full-time service position (1200 total service hours over 10 months) located in Central Massachusetts and will include community-based travel and implementation. We strongly encourage candidates from traditionally underrepresented communities and historically marginalized groups including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color; bilingual/bicultural; and LGBTQ+ individuals to apply.

In addition to a very competitive living allowance LUK offers a substantial and unique benefit package, please see more information below.

Introduction to LUK, Inc.:

LUK has deep roots in Central Massachusetts. We’re driven by our values and we’re serious about our work. It’s not easy work, but it is rewarding! With Crisis as our middle name (LUK Crisis Center), we are well versed in handling all kinds of issues that may arise. LUK exists to help people thrive – the people we serve and the people who work here. We appreciate creative thinking, uniqueness, and tenacity. We encourage staff to participate in numerous opportunities to grow as an individual and a member of a team, influence others and be influenced, be your best and do your best. We provide individualized services to the people we work with and offer flexibility so that staff can meet responsibilities at work and outside of work. The community is “LUK-y” to have the skills, experience, and talents of our staff!

For more information, please visit our website & social media accounts!

Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn 

Purpose

Thrive Ambassadors will strengthen social-emotional competencies among Worcester County youth who have experienced two or more of the following challenges: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), living in poverty, and/or academic challenges.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions

• Provide individual supports for youth, including identifying personal goals and steps to achieve them, completing assessments, learning and practicing life skills, targeted skill development, connection to community resources, mentoring, exploration of cultural identities, and identifying and developing a support system
• Meet 1:1 with youth weekly at the host site during regular operating hours, meeting with an average of 2-3 youth each day.
• Create, implement, evaluate, and manage the logistics of skill building groups which will include a check-in, team-building activity, learning activity, and debrief.
• Prepare and document groups, activities, and one on one meetings with youth and document sessions.
• Create, implement, evaluate, and manage the logistics of youth development activities and skill building opportunities for youth at the host site.
• Accompany youth to host site and/or community-based Positive Youth Development activities which may take place during normal operating hours, in the evening, and/or on weekends/holidays.
• Collect and report data as indicated by the host site and AmeriCorps program. Data to include, but not limited to: Pre/Post surveys, monthly qualitative and quantitative reports, etc.
• Attend AmeriCorps program trainings and meetings.

Marginal Functions

• Engage in the greater AmeriCorps community, including participating in cross-site learning groups, connecting with other members, and attending Massachusetts Service Alliance (MSA) service events.
• Collect and share stories of impact.

Knowledge and Experience Required

• Interest in exploring Human Services, Public Health, Social Work, Education, Positive Youth Development, or a closely related occupation.
• Interest in working with diverse children and youth, family/school/communities, strengths-based asset models, community organizing, and groups.
• Black, Indigenous, and People of Color; bilingual/bicultural; and LGBTQ+ individuals are encouraged to apply

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Strong computer skills: Microsoft Suite and Google Suite
• Able to work with youth individually and in groups
• Cultural responsiveness
• Able to work independently and collaboratively on a team
• Reliable and safe transportation

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Commit to full service term
• Serve in-person

Service Commitment

• Position Start Date: September 3, 2024
• Position End Date: June 30, 2025
• Total Number of Service Hours: 1,200 hours
• Average hours per week: 30 hours
• Schedule based on Host Site assignment.
• Members will serve in person for 1200 hours.

Reasonable accommodations can be made at any time during the application process or during service. To request an accommodation, contact HR@LUK.org.

LUK, Inc. prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment based on race, color, national origin, gender, age (40 and over), religion, sexual orientation, disability (mental or physical), gender identity or expression, political affiliation, marital or parental status, pregnancy, reprisal, genetic information.

How to Apply

Submit a cover letter and resume sharing your interest and unique qualifications for this position to:

Online: Click “Scroll to Application” below, fill out your information, and attach your resume and cover letter.

Mail: Director of Human Resources
LUK, Inc.
545 Westminster Street
Fitchburg, MA 01420
Email: HR@LUK.org or AmeriCorps@LUK.org with the subject line “Thrive Ambassador”
FAX: 978-829-2210

Position Location

Thrive Ambassadors will work in Central Massachusetts. Specific host site to be determined. The position will provide community-based services. Transportation required. For more information on Host Sites please contact AmeriCorps@LUK.org

Benefits

• Living allowance amount per service year (before tax/fringe), distributed bi-
  weekly: $22,200
• Education award at completion of service: $5,176.50
• Health insurance
• Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
• AAA
• Dental insurance
• Career exploration and navigation support
• Mileage reimbursement
• Technology access
• Certifications: Youth Mental Health First Aid, SafeTALK, CPR/First Aid, Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI)
• Trainings: Extensive Orientation/Onboarding, Positive Youth Development, Trauma 101, Secondary Traumatic Stress, Adverse Childhood Experiences, Youth THRIVE, and Social Determinants of Health

Position Overview:

LUK Division:   Community Engagement and Support (CES) Services
LUK Component: Youth Development Services
Direct Supervisor: Career Development Coordinator and Host Site Supervisor
This position is 30 hours per week
This position is benefit eligible

EOE and Diversity Commitment

LUK is committed to diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our diverse workforce has talented professionals like you throughout the agency – from those with lived experience to recent college grads to seasoned professionals. We believe that the diversity of our workforce is a strength that helps us best meet the needs of the people we serve.

Apply today!

About the Funders

About AmeriCorps

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 200,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time volunteers. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.
AmeriCorps offers opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to be a part of the national service community, grow personally and professionally, and receive benefits for their service. Learn how to get involved at AmeriCorps.gov/Serve.

About the Massachusetts Service Alliance

The Massachusetts Service Alliance (MSA) is a private, nonprofit organization that expands volunteerism and service in Massachusetts. MSA provides funding, training, and support to individuals and organizations, enabling them to tackle pressing issues, strengthen communities, and make our Commonwealth a better place to live. Learn more at www.mass-service.org