OMSI Mentor Coordinator AmeriCorps Internship

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is seeking a Mentor Coordinator Intern to work with the summer Rising Stars youth volunteer program. This position may be filled by a LINKS AmeriCorps Member. See more details about LINKS AmeriCorps eligibility and member benefits below.

Type of Position: LINKS AmeriCorps Member

Length of Term: 20 - 30 hours/week for 15 weeks. (30 hours/week preferred.) 300 or 450 hours total.

Application Deadline: Applications are being accepted now, and this position will remain open until filled.

Service Dates: Start no later than June 1, 2010, and end no earlier than September 5, 2010. A start date of May 1 is preferred but negotiable.

Interviews: Applicants are interviewed and placed on an on-going basis until position is filled.

Position Title: Mentor Coordinator for the Rising Stars Youth Volunteer Program

Project Sponsor: Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, http://www.omsi.edu/volunteer

Sponsoring Organization's Mission: The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is a scientific, educational, and cultural resource center dedicated to improving the public's understanding of science and technology. OMSI makes science exciting and relevant through exhibits, programs, and experiences that are presented in an entertaining and participatory fashion. OMSI is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and relies on admissions, memberships, and donations to continue its educational mission, programs, and exhibits.

Project Location: 1945 SE Water Ave., Portland, OR 97214

Transportation Information: The closest bus stops to OMSI are on the Hawthorne Bridge (about 2 blocks away from OMSI). Tri-Met buses that service the Hawthorne Bridge include numbers 4, 6, 10, 14, 31, 32, 33, and 41.

Position Summary: The Mentor Coordinator works with OMSI’s summer youth volunteer program, Rising Stars, and serves as a key link in communication between paid staff, youth volunteers and adult volunteers involved with the program. The Mentor Coordinator takes the lead on training, scheduling and coordinating adult “Mentor to Youth” volunteers who work with the high school-aged Rising Stars who are volunteering as educators throughout the museum. The Mentor Coordinator also serves as the “lead” mentor, working directly with the Rising Stars, guiding their development of career skills, such as public speaking, customer service, and teaching techniques; assisting them with presenting science demonstrations and activities to the public, and with developing their own science demonstrations; modeling positive and appropriate workplace behavior; providing work-related guidance for youth who have little or no prior work experience; and assisting the Volunteer Coordinators and OMSI Educators with evaluation of the Rising Stars through written and verbal feedback.

General Responsibilities (to include, but not limited to):
1. Assist with the training, scheduling, and coordinating of adult Mentor to Youth volunteers.
2. Update and revise the Mentor Handbook.
3. Mentor and help train and evaluate youth volunteers participating in the Rising Stars youth volunteer program.
4. Conduct the initial scheduling of youth volunteers and keep the schedule up to date throughout the summer.
5. Prepare written summary of the Rising Stars program and make recommendations regarding needs and issues of youth volunteers participating in the program.
6. Assist Volunteer Coordinator with special projects as needed.
7. Complete and submit all necessary LINKS AmeriCorps Program paperwork and reports in a timely manner.
8. Attend and complete LINKS AmeriCorps Program orientation and enrollment session.
9. Wear an appropriate LINKS identifier and required safety gear while performing service or attending official events.

Member Benefits Include:
• Upon successful completion of a term of service, eligible members receive an education award of $1,000 (300 hour term) or $1,250 (450 hour term). The education award can be used to repay qualified student loans, for further education in an accredited institution of higher learning, vocational or for trade schools. The education award is taxed in the year that it is used.
• Loan forbearance (after successful completion of a term of service, AmeriCorps will pay a portion of the accrued interest on qualified loans, which is taxable).
• Free admission to OMSI and all OMSI attractions (Submarine tours, Planetarium, OMNIMAX)
• Discounts in the Science Store and OMSI Café.
• Discounts on OMSI camps and classes for the LINKS member and their immediate family.
• Free family membership to OMSI.
• Opportunity to participate in staff trainings at OMSI.

How to apply:

Step 1 - Email your résumé to links.recruitment@esd112.org and to volunteerservices@omsi.edu.

Step 2 - Complete and submit an OMSI internship application, available at www.omsi.edu/internships.

Step 3 - Complete your application online at the AmeriCorps website. AmeriCorps Application

1. If you do not already have a username and password, you must create a profile. Create A Profile

2. Once you have created a profile, log in and complete an application by clicking “Applications” under the “My AmeriCorps” menu.

3. To apply to this specific position, click “Search Listings” under the “My AmeriCorps” menu and search for program name LINKS.

4. Select the position listing and click “Apply Now” at the bottom of the page.

Questions about the project? Contact: Carol Cruzan, Manager, Volunteer Services, at 503.797.4693 or ccruzan@omsi.edu.

Questions about AmeriCorps, LINKS or our recruitment process? Contact:
LINKS
2500 NE 65th Ave
Vancouver, WA 98661
links.recruitment@esd112.org
p 360) 750-7500 x 114
f 360) 360-694-2491