The Basics

This AmeriCorps Member position is a one-year, paid, service-learning opportunity through UMBC's The Choice Program and The Shriver Center. Our AmeriCorps Members serve as advocates and work to connect families to self-identified, needed resources and reinforce a strengths-based, anti-racist, approach to youth development.

The Choice Program’s guiding principle is anti-racism, which we uphold through our accountability to the following values: 1) being youth-centered, 2) dismantling hierarchies, 3) practicing holistic development, and 4) believing in humanity. AmeriCorps Members collaborate on teams that serve youth through individualized, strengths-based services and focus on restorative practices.

Choice has served Maryland’s youth for over 30 years and currently has several exciting service opportunities based in the Greater Baltimore area, Prince George's County, Howard County, and Montgomery County.

Telework During Covid-19

Choice staff and AmeriCorps members are serving remotely due to COVID-19, and will continue to do so until May 28, 2021 or later. Candidates starting prior to May 28, 2021 can expect to have some intermittent optional opportunities for in-person services, with the bulk of their youth contacts being remote, typically via phone or teleconference.

Choice will re-evaluate the health landscape 45 days prior to May 28 in order to determine if we will return to mandatory in-person services on that date, or look to a later date for return to in-person services. When in-person services resume, they will be modified per appropriate health guidance to ensure the safety of staff, AmeriCorps members, and the community members we work with.

When serving virtually, AmeriCorps members will not be required to be physically located in the Baltimore/DC metro region. When Choice returns to in-person services, AmeriCorps members and staff located outside of the region will be expected to relocate to enable them to serve in-person, within the 45 day notice window.

Please feel free to ask any questions that you have about our remote work guidelines!

What You’d Do

Serving within a team model, AmeriCorps members share case management responsibilities for program youth, including welcoming them into the program through intake meetings, helping them to set goals for their time with Choice, checking in with them along the way through service plans, connecting them with community resources, and offering classroom and/or legal support. You’ll make meaningful connections with the young people you serve, offering informal counseling/mentoring on recreational outings, community service activities, arts programming, home visits and beyond.

To us, youth development means: being available to our youth consistently, often making visits to meet with them on a daily basis; using a strengths-based approach to promote positive self-image; using a holistic approach to honor every aspect of a person’s life; developing high expectations and holding youth accountable to their own progress on goals; forming a mentoring relationship that is built on trust and rapport; engaging with families and assisting as a communication link; fostering self-sufficiency by building life-skills; providing opportunities for meaningful engagement through structured after-school, weekend and summer activities.

Service is completed collaboratively at Choice, from case management of youth to organizational decision making. In addition to day-to-day case management responsibilities, you’ll participate in cooperative projects, team-based decision making, and organizational committees.

Due to the nature of the workflow and youth needs, AmeriCorps members must be flexible with their schedules. Members should expect some weeks to include serving hours beyond a 40-hour week.

There are two main programs:

• Department of Juvenile Services: This program aims to keep youth out of detention centers and connected to their communities. This is carried out through providing opportunities for youth to meet probationary requirements, including community service activities and monitoring of curfews.  (Locations: Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Prince George’s County, Howard County, and Montgomery County)
• Choice Jobs: This program aims to give young people the opportunity to carve a unique pathway to employment success in a supportive environment, with access to resources and opportunities they may otherwise not be afforded. This program utilizes a three-part model of curriculum-based job-readiness training, on-the-job training at social enterprise sites and supported job placement. (Locations: Baltimore City)

Working within a team model, AmeriCorps Members share case management responsibilities for youth including client intake and assessment interviews, establishment of goal-oriented service plans, classroom support recreational outings, as well as informal counseling and mentoring, outreach, and daily home visits and monitoring.

Requires a Bachelor's degree in any field or equivalent combination or relevant work experience and education.  Must have strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to work individually and with a team; and the ability to maintain a flexible schedule to include evenings and weekends. Requires use of legally registered personal vehicle, valid state driver's license and required auto insurance.

Note:  Additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills and abilities required may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 college credits being equivalent to one year of experience. 

A background check will be required.  

Resume and references required. Cover letter encouraged.

As an institution that receives federal financial assistance, UMBC adheres to Title IX and does not discriminate on the basis of sex. For more information about Title IX and contact information for Title IX Coordinator click here.

If you require a reasonable accommodation for a disability for any part of the employment process, please contact the Human Resources Department at 410-455-2337 or MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.