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Summer Reads Outreach Specialist, AmeriCorps*VISTA Member

The Summer Reads program helps low-income children and children with limited English proficiency in grades K-3 maintain or improve their reading skills over the summer.  The two Summer Reads Outreach Specialists will be responsible for supporting 50 summer VISTA members in St. Paul and Minneapolis. Duties include assisting in the coordination of training and events for the program including co-planning and co-implementation.  The position will also assist the coordinator with program management needs. The two SROS together will coordinate and execute communication efforts and the raising of in-kind donations for the Summer Reads program.  

Areas of Responsibility

• Tutor in St.Paul/Minneapolis public summer school
• Create assessment and implement plan for testing students tutored by VISTAs.
• Conduct informal site visits to monitor progress at SP/Mpls community sites
• Create and monitor message board for Summer VISTAs
• Plan and implement social events throughout summer
• Collect and enter program data
• Assist SR Coordinator in organizing and facilitating site visits with funders
• Observe, interview and report SR anecdotes from VISTA sites to document the depth and impact of the Summer Reads Program
• Communicate with trainers before and after in-service events
• Set-up and tear down in-service trainings
• Take photos of SR VISTAs throughout the summer
• Assist Summer Reads Coordinator in planning and implementing end-of-service celebration
• Clean and inventory literacy kits
• Solicit donations for literacy kit supplies and other program supplies
• Create comprehensive book list for future donors
• Other duties and projects as assigned

Qualifications

• Former SR VISTA, yearlong VISTA, AmeriCorps alum with experience working directly with children. Working towards or have a Bachelor’s degree in English, public relations, communications, marketing, or related field or related experience
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention-to-detail
• Event planning experience
• Able to work well independently and with a diverse group of people
• Personable and self-directed
• Proactive, flexible, able to multi-task and meet deadlines
• 18 years or older
• Must be self-motivated, assertive and be able to work independently & with others
• Cannot have another job while serving with Summer Reads
• Must be a U.S. citizen, national, or legal permanent resident alien of the U.S.
• Must be able to lift 40 lbs of books and supplies
• Must be able to speak proficient English
• Must be able to read English aloud to groups and individual children

Benefits:

• $468 bi-weekly living allowance
• $1,000 education award to pay federal student loans or future tuition or $200 cash stipend
• Mileage reimbursement (for travel between sites only)
• Training provided
• Opportunity to work with and learn about diverse communities
• Meaningful work that directly affects children’s lives

Dates of Position:  June 9-August 17, 2010

Public assistance benefits are not affected by VISTA service.

For more information call or email Angelina Kostreba at the Minnesota Literacy Council: 651-251-9061 or akostreba@theMLC.org. Apply online:  www.theMLC.org/SummerReads.