AmeriCorps Member: Youth Arts Education Programs Assistants


Duties:
Provide support for young artists in South Jersey across Appel Farm’s arts education programming to increase skills through the Arts, STEAM, and Arts Integration. By providing program support, the work of Americorps Program Assistants directly impacts each child’s self-confidence, creativity, personal growth, and learning. Support includes engaging children and their families in artmaking activities on campus and at community events, including free festivals and Arts Labs programs; designing outreach materials and coordinating information sharing for youth arts programs; supporting student activities at the Creativity CoLaboratory Charter School (middle school located on campus at Appel Farm). 

Qualifications:
Applicants must be 18+ years-old and have experience working with youth.
– Ideal candidates will possess a willingness to work collaboratively and enjoy interacting with people of a variety of backgrounds, ages, and abilities.
– A passion for the arts and arts education is a plus.
– A successful completion of all required criminal history checks in order to work in a school.
– Candidates should be comfortable moving about an outdoor campus, with the ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.

Time Requirements:
This is a Reduced Full-Time AmeriCorps position requiring a commitment of 1,200 total hours (approximately 30 hours weekly) beginning on/around September 3, 2024. Exact days of the week and times will vary depending on specific programs.

Orientation and Training:
Ongoing training and practice in skills related to education and arts administration, student-centered teaching, arts integrated instruction, collaborative problem solving, lesson planning, youth and arts-based event planning, enhancing marketing and design skills, gaining knowledge of successful outreach strategies. 

Benefits:
AmeriCorps provides an annual living allowance stipend (approximately $12,600 for Reduced Full-Time Positions) delivered bi-weekly.
– On site accommodations are available during the time period of their award (single bedroom with shared bathroom/living room/kitchen/laundry)
– Americorps provides a post-service education award (can be used for qualifying pre-existing student loans, future student loans or to pay for attendance at a state accredited institute of higher education including vocational programs).
– The Americorp program offers powerful service experience, where participants are able to see the impact of service immediately and be part of a community of supportive mentors. 

Member Duties:
The AmeriCorps member will typically spend approximately half of their time supporting on site programs at Appel Farm and the other half their time supporting off-site programs at community locations. Schedules will be created to align with the program needs with dates and times varying throughout the year. Programs will frequently be scheduled for weekday afternoons and Saturdays. Scheduled time onsite will include time for planning, program evaluation, and coordination with Appel Farm staff. Flexibility may be possible to accommodate Members’ schedules, but Members will be expected to complete assigned schedules once programs are set.

Evaluation and Reporting:
Members receive mid and final performance coaching; quarterly debrief summits with fellow members and program leadership. 

Orientation meetings and three state Americorps training meetings are provided and required. 

Program Benefits:
Education award upon successful completion of service, Training, Living Allowance, Accommodations

Compensation:
Stipend of $12,600 per year through the Americorps Program
On site accommodations are available during the time period of their award

TO APPLY:

Send a resume and email of interest to Kristina Hill, Director of Curriculum and Programs, at khill@appelfarm.org. There are four (4) positions available for the 2024-2025 school year.

No phone calls please.
Appel Farm Arts & Music Center is an equal opportunity employer with an ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and creating safer spaces. Appel Farm hires without discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, atypical cellular blood trait, liability for service in the armed forces in the United States, or mental or physical disability subject only to conditions and limitations applicable to all persons.