CONFLUENCE AMERICORPS PROGRAM

The Confluence AmeriCorps Program advances environmental equity through innovative partnerships with local organizations in the Portland metropolitan area. We offer life changing service opportunities that engage Members at the intersection of environmentalism and social justice while promoting individual leadership and development. This position is a dynamic combination of serving with a Project Partner on a dedicated project (80%) and engaging in professional and leadership development opportunities, alongside a 20 Member cohort (20%). www.confluencecenter.org

EQUITY & INCLUSION

Confluence does not discriminate against any person or group on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, gender identity, ability, sexual orientation, expression, pregnancy, parents/guardians with children, or veteran status.

Confluence is committed to a diverse workplace, and to supporting our Members and staff with ongoing equity trainings and career development opportunities. Confluence, like many environmental programs, is a predominantly white space, and in an effort to decolonize dominant structures of oppression, we encourage people of color to apply.

Confluence provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees. Applicants with disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation and/or alternative formats at any point in the employment process.

DATES OF SERVICE

September 8, 2021 – July 29, 2022 (11 months – 1700 hours)

PROJECT PARTNER

Reynolds Learning Academy, Reynolds School District

http://www.reynolds.k12.or.us/rla

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is in partnership between the Confluence Environmental Center, AmeriCorps Program, and Reynolds School District. The Reynolds School District is pleased to extend this service opportunity for a committed change agent who has a passion for student service and environmental health. The Multnomah Youth Cooperative (MYC) program at Reynolds Learning Academy has an opening for an AmeriCorps Member to support environmental education and reduce dropout rates with alternative high school students. This 11-month appointment will incorporate student engagement by developing student recruitment and outreach strategies (20%), coordinating and conducting education and enrichment activities with MYC students in an outdoor setting (30%), and conducting public relations outreach (30%). This position collaborates alongside an experienced MYC program coordinator and crew leader.

The Member will also participate in Confluence led professional development activities which include: Professional Development Series, completing a Change Agent Project (CAP), team meetings, National Service events and other self- directed development opportunities (20%).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (to include, but not limited to):

  • Organize and coordinate student recruitment activities that will engage students from diverse backgrounds.

  • Plan and lead environmental education activities for low-income K-12 students.

  • Serve with staff to develop bilingual and low literacy educational and outreach materials.

  • Develop community partnerships that serve youth who may benefit from our program.

  • Collaborate with staff to plan and implement restoration and monitoring projects.

  • Create stewardship opportunities that address needs and schedules of racially diverse students.

  • Research volunteer needs and create volunteer leadership opportunities for underrepresented student groups.

  • Conduct outreach to inform communities about resources and opportunities.

  • Compile a resource guide to assist staff and community members in planning future projects.

  • Gather student and project impact data.

  • Complete and submit all necessary paperwork and reports in a timely manner; abide by program policies; attend and complete all training and service requirements; wear Confluence uniform and/or appropriate identifiers and required safety gear while performing service or attending official events.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

  • Experience working with diverse populations including building relationships with youth from immigrant or refugee populations, youth of color, youth with special needs or limited economic resources.

  • Good English and Conversational Spanish skills

  • Strong desire to promote environmental stewardship to underserved communities.

  • Able to take the lead on the development of individual learning goals, project learning goals, measurable outcomes, timelines and reporting.

  • Willingness to conduct necessary outreach, collaboration and recognition of community based partners.

  • Ability to communicate and interact in positive, professional manner with various populations including diverse student groups, staff, stakeholders, volunteers and the general public.

  • Must have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

  • Ability to transport self to meet students at numerous job sites around the Portland Metro region.

  • Willingness/openness to learn about and discuss racial equity and social justice issues.

  • Ability to serve as part of a diverse team.

  • Regular and reliable attendance and dependability.

  • AmeriCorps Members must be: 18 years of age or older at beginning of service term; U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident; in possession of a high school diploma or equivalent, or commit to earning one prior to receiving award able to commit to the full term of service; able to successfully pass a fingerprint criminal history background check and satisfactory report from the National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) prior to the start of the position.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Familiarity with low-income communities and communities of color.

  • Strong understanding of the culture and community of East Multnomah County.

  • Understanding of the region and green spaces around the Portland area.

  • Deep interest and commitment to natural resource issues and education.

  • Experience working with youth from diverse backgrounds.

  • Desire to participate on several week-long overnight fieldtrips (expenses covered by MYC program).

MEMBER BENEFITS INCLUDE

  • $16,000+ living allowance paid over the 11-month term of service (approx. $1,454 monthly, before taxes).

  • $6,345 education award (qualified student loans and/or education expenses)

  • Loan Forbearance

  • Health Care Insurance

  • Child Care Reimbursement

  • $125 Training Fund

 

  • Professional Leadership Certificate, Trainings and Networking opportunities

  • May be eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

  • Cost free, local travel experiences

  • Access to RLA crew gear

  • Online Staff trainings

PROJECT LOCATION & TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

  • 20234 NE Halsey St., Fairview, OR 97024
  • On busline 77, On Gresham-Fairview Bike Trail
  • Many various partner location sites
  • There are instances when this position will be required to transport oneself around the Portland area to conduct meetings with business partners or meet students at a job site.

HOW TO APPLY

STEP 1:  Apply to Confluence:

• Complete AmeriCorps Application

STEP 2: Apply to Project Supervisor: (Conducts first round interviews and recommends top candidates to Confluence) Email the following items to Rose Sandy at rsandy@rsd7.net or call 503-320-2510:

• Résumé

  • Cover letter (1 page)

  • Contact information for three references (name, title, relationship, email & phone)

QUESTIONS ABOUT CONFLUENCE OR AMERICORPS?

Ashlie Tainer

Operations Coordinator

503-349-0935

atainer@confluencecenter.org