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Industry: Hospitality, Human Services & Education

Type of Job: Hospitality, Human Services & Education

Type: Internship

Location: In-Person in Durango

Age Requirement: 18 and Up

$ Paid

Starts: Sep. 9, 2024

Ends: Aug. 31, 2025

Hours Per Week: 40

Available Days of the Week: Monday

Available Time of Day: Flexible & Dependent on Activities

Description

Program Overview:  Led by the United Way of SWCO (UWSWC),  Team UP AmeriCorps places AmeriCorps members at organizations throughout Southwest Colorado.  While these members serve as part of a regional cohort and participate in regional cohort trainings and activities,  they spend the majority of their term serving directly at a specific host site organization.  Through collaborative service,  Team UP AmeriCorps members develop their own professional skills and passions,  expand effectiveness of southwest Colorado organizations,  and ultimately support people to thrive.  Team UP has been utilizing collective impact initiatives since 2015 to collaborate across sectors and promote communication towards common goals within rural Southwest Colorado communities.

 

In the Weeds (ITW)  is a non-profit organization whose aim is to support the overall health of restaurant &  hospitality staff.  Our primary focus is to create new and healthy lifestyle choices amongst staff and employers,  while also creating public awareness of challenges and barriers our industry faces.  We are a network of Restaurant Owners,  Managers,  Chefs,  Servers,  and more.  According to SAMHSA,  our industry is the third highest for Substance Use Disorder (SUD).  Chefs and Head Cooks are among the highest for suicide rates in the US from data collected by the CDC.  These debilitating data points and anecdotal instances are why our network strives to invoke change in the deeply rooted cultures of our industry. 

 

Our approach is Three-Fold:

 

  1. TOP-DOWN:  Giving owners/operators the tools to strengthen the livelihood of their teams.

 

  1. MIDDLE-OUT:  Providing tools and resources to staff that can help reduce or prevent Substance Use Disorder (SUD)  and also address Suicide Prevention.  We do this by working with the Social Determinants of Health in our programs and community partners. 

 

  1. BOTTOM-UP:  Building public awareness to influence how guests interact with staff and how to support businesses supporting their teams.

 

In the Weeds plays a major part in substance use and suicide prevention with the individuals it serves

 

Service Position Summary:  The Outreach Coordinator will be at the forefront of ITW’s mission,  reaching out to communities in Archuleta,  Montezuma,  and La Plata Counties,  assessing their unique needs,  and implementing programs that address these needs.  The Coordinator will attend current programs (rock climbing,  yoga,  etc.)  provided by In the Weeds to better understand the population we serve and the gaps in programming needs.  The work of the Outreach Coordinator will play a vital role in the development of sustainable,  community-based initiatives to support the mental health and well-being of those within the hospitality industry. 

Responsibilities

Duties and Responsibilities:  Team UP AmeriCorps members serve directly at their Host Site organization to develop,  implement,  and enhance programs,  projects,  and activities through direct and indirect service.  Duties include:

  • Community Outreach:  The primary responsibility of this role is to reach out to communities within the specified counties,  identifying their unique mental health and wellness needs.
  • Program Development:  Collaborate with community members and stakeholders to brainstorm,  develop,  and structure community-based programs.
  • Program Implementation:  Oversee the successful launch and execution of programs,  coordinating logistics and working with partners.
  • Resource Provision:  Offer information and referrals to individuals seeking resources beyond the programs offered by In the Weeds.
  • Social Media and Email Marketing:  Manage the promotion of programs related to the target communities through social media and email marketing.
  • Collaboration:  Foster partnerships with local organizations,  service providers,  and businesses to enhance the impact of programs.
  • Data Collection:  Track and collect relevant data on program participation,  effectiveness,  and community needs.
  • Team Collaboration:  Collaboration closely and communicate often with other team members and program coordinators to ensure a holistic approach to mental health support across the organization.
  • Track host site and AmeriCorps data
  • Attend Team UP AmeriCorps regional trainings,  cohort connection days,  and Days of Service

 

Physical,  Emotional,  and Intellectual Demands:

  • Willingness to learn,  adapt,  and grow in a position
  • Ability to serve independently,  take initiative,  and be motivated by the projects they are doing
  • Compassion and awareness:  self-awareness,  awareness of cultural differences,  social differences and understanding of implicit bias
  • Strong commitment to justice,  equity,  diversity and inclusion

Qualifications / Career Path

Desired Qualifications:

  • Ethic of national and community service and a strong desire to create positive change
  • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing;  computer literate
    • High School Graduate or GED required,  college graduate or equivalent work experience preferred
  • Ability to pass criminal history check
  • Reliable transportation &  proof of auto insurance
  • U.S.  Citizenship or lawful permanent resident status required
  • Skills or experience preferred:
    • Service Industry (restaurants,  bars,  coffee shops,  hotels,  etc.)  experience
    • Lived experience or work in recovery (substance use prevention,  suicide prevention,  etc.)

 

Term of Service -  Time Commitment:  This is a Full-Time national and community service position requiring,  at a minimum,  a total of 1700 hours during the year (approximately 40 hours/week.)  The position begins September 9,  2024 and ends August 31,  2025.  Flexible hours are required,  including occasional evening and weekend commitments.  Service on the following dates is required:

 

  • September 9-10:  Team UP AmeriCorps Member Orientation
  • September 11:  Host Site Orientation
  • October TDB:  Fall Group Service Day
  • Jan.  20 :  MLK Jr.  Day of Service Event
  • March 31:  Cesar Chavez Day of Service Event
  • 2nd Tuesdays of Nov,  Feb,  April,  &  June:  regional Team UP AmeriCorps Member Trainings

 

Training and Support Provided:  Team UP AmeriCorps members receive significant training and experience in community engagement,  project implementation,  leadership,  diverse populations,  and more.  Up to 20%  of total hours served may be spent in applicable,  approved trainings.  Members will be supervised and supported by ITW Executive Director Blaine Bailey (director@intheweeds.org),  as well as by Team UP AmeriCorps program staff.  The PY 24-25 cohort of Team UP AmeriCorps members serving throughout the region will also act as additional resources and support for each other.

Location and Service Conditions:  This position is based at In the Weeds 1211 Main Ave.,  Ste.  5 &  6,   Durango,  CO 81301.  Regular travel in the five counties served is expected,  as well as occasional off-site engagement and partnership activities,  meetings,  etc.

 

Benefits:

  • A living allowance of approx.  $1,000/per pay period (twice per month).  Taxes are deducted and the living allowance is distributed by direct deposit to the member’s bank account.
  • An education award of $7,395.00 upon successful completion of term of service.
  • Health Insurance
  • Childcare Assistance,  if qualifications are met
  • It is possible to temporarily postpone repayment of qualified student loans through forbearance while serving as an AmeriCorps member
  • Mileage reimbursement for travel to required AmeriCorps trainings and gatherings
  • Non-tangible benefits including extensive training,  valuable experience,  networking,  and the opportunity to serve the local community in a crucial area of need
  • Additional Host Site Benefits:  $350/month housing stipend

 

Diversity and Equal Opportunity:  United Way values the diversity of our community.   In principle and in practice the diverse nature of our board,  staff,  and volunteers is recognized as one of our best assets.   We respect each individual’s unique gifts and prohibit unfair or discriminatory practices against anyone because of age,  race,  color,  religion,  national origin,  disability,  gender,  sexual orientation,  and any other protected category.

 

To Apply:

Step 1.  Email a cover letter and resume to Team UP AmeriCorps Coordinator Anne Poirot @   AnneP@unitedway-swco.org.  Be sure to indicate which position(s)  you are interested in.

Step 2.  Create an account on myAmeriCorps.gov and submit an application for the position https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?fromSearch=true&id=123636.  Please complete BOTH steps to apply.

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