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Program Overview

Communities In Schools of South Carolina (CISofSC) surrounds students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. A national, 40+ year dropout prevention program, Communities In Schools uses an integrated student support model to provide services to students and families. This 3-tiered approach aims to meet students where they are and provide multiple levels of engagement through school wide services (Tier 1), group-targeted programs (Tier 2), and individualized support (Tier 3).

AmeriCorps Member Position Overview

The CISofSC AmeriCorps program will place AmeriCorps Members in elementary, middle school, and high school campuses across South Carolina to meet students where they are and provide wraparound support for students and their families to thrive. When students have the support of a caring adult relationship, they have the power to unlock their potential. Our Student Support Coach position is designed to build deep relationships with the students and families while working with them to remove barriers that impede educational success. CISofSC AmeriCorps members work with students one-on-one and in small groups as an integrated support to the campus community, in service of equitable access to education opportunities.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Have a passion for working with students in grades K-12.
2. Be able to build healthy and appropriate relationships with diverse individuals, including students, families, campus staff, and CIS staff, including setting boundaries and maintaining confidentiality.
3. Take initiative and be proactive in daily service activities. Maintain a level of professionalism consistent with campus and CISofSC program expectations.
4. Be comfortable using technology to complete work, including student documentation and program requirements.
5. Demonstrate effective communication skills, flexibility, and willingness to be a supportive team member in a diverse service environment.
6. Have a personal commitment to educational equity and removing systemic barriers that hinder student success.

Member Eligibility Requirements

(a) Eligibility. An AmeriCorps participant must-

1. 
   
   1. Be at least 18 years of age at the commencement of service; or
   2. ( Be an out-of-school youth 16 years of age at the commencement of service participating in a program described in 2522.110(b)(3) or (g);
2. 
   
   1. Have a high school diploma or its equivalent; or
   2. Not have dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant and must agree to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award; or (iii) Obtain a waiver from the Corporation of the requirements in paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(ii) of this section based on an independent evaluation secured by the program demonstrating that the individual is not capable of obtaining a high school diploma or its equivalent; or
   3. Be enrolled in an institution of higher education on an ability to benefit basis and be considered eligible for funds under section 484 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1091);
   4. Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States; (4) Satisfy the National Service Criminal History Check eligibility criteria according to 45 CFR 2540.202.

Essential Functions

1. Provide weekly tutoring for students through 1:1 meetings or small group facilitation.
2. Part-time service positions are expected to meet 900 service hours over an 11-month service term. Members must meet monthly benchmarks and serve an average of 20 hours per week.
3. Provide services weekly 1:1 and/or small-group meetings, including documentation and data entry to capture services provided. Follow all CIS and district policies and procedures around protecting and recording student data.
4. Serve as a productive member of the CIS support team on campus under the School Site Coordinator at their designated school. Meet with the AmeriCorps Program Manager at least once per week for supervision and service support.
5. Proactively build relationships with teachers, campus staff, community partners, and families for a student-centered approach to support. Initiate contact and communicate regularly with all relevant stakeholders.
6. Model positive and appropriate behavior as a part of the campus community and CISofSC. Uphold all campus-based policies and procedures and support students in their understanding and adoption of these rules.
7. Collaborate with the School Site Coordinator to implement school-wide services to foster a positive school climate and address school-level risk factors. Engage parents and families in school-wide supports to expand the availability of services.
8. Support summer enrichment activities during June and July as assigned.
9. Follow all CISofSC AmeriCorps policies and procedures, including documenting service hours, attending orientation and ongoing training throughout the service year, and completing Life After AmeriCorps training and activities.
10. Participation in the September 11th Day of Remembrance and/or Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service events may occur on the weekend or during holidays and include activities outside of the scope of typical day-to-day functions.
11. AmeriCorps Members do not perform prohibited activities as enumerated by the federal AmeriCorps agency in 45 CFR 2520.65.

The responsibilities above are essential position functions and are subject to reasonable accommodations.

Evaluation and Reporting

Members will conduct a mid and end of year review with the AmeriCorps Program Director and the Site Coordinator at their designated site. Supervision meetings will take place with the AmeriCorps Program Director bi-weekly, either in person or via TEAMS. Performance evaluations are intended to be a mutual exchange of information that informs the program's service delivery and helps the member successfully complete the term of service.

The program will conduct and keep a record of at least a midterm and an end-of-term written evaluation of the member's performance. At a minimum, the following factors will be evaluated.

1. Whether the member has completed the required number of hours;
2. Whether the member has satisfactorily completed assignments; and;
3. Whether the member has met other performance criteria that were clearly communicated at the beginning of the term of service
   

Reporting Requirements

Members will be required to complete weekly time sheets that include detailed information regarding the services provided in that week. Attendance of services will be recorded by members in the CISDM system.

Additional Responsibilities

Equipment used may include computers, laminators, copiers, die-cuts, and other teaching-related equipment typically found in school settings. Members will be issued a laptop at the start of their term of service and will be provided with the technology systems and access to training needed to be successful in their service term.

Benefits

Other benefits the program may offer: training, mileage reimbursement, Member Assistance Program, professional development opportunities, etc.

• Various trainings and Professional Development opportunities
• Annual Living Allowance Half-time:$12,000
• Living Allowance is distributed on the 15th and the end of the month.
• The living allowance for this position is$545.45distributed on abimonthlybasis and may not exceed$12,000for the term of service.

This position is eligible for an Education Award up to $3,697.50 upon completion of 900 hours. Please visit https://americorps.gov/members-volunteers/segal-americorps-education-award for additional information on the education award.

This program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, marital or parental status, genetic information, and military service. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.