Up2Us AmeriCorps Assistant Program Coordinator at KEEN Chicago - Up2us Sports : Job Details

About the Up2Us Coach Program Founded in 2010, Up2Us Sports is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring youth to achieve their potential by providing them with coaches trained in positive youth development. We do this by identifying, training and supporting coaches in their communities who bring sports-based youth development to the most underserved communities. The Up2Us Coach and Up2Us Training programs empower youth-based organizations across the country to become a united force for meaningful change. Up2Us Coach is the first national service program to identify and train young adults to coach and mentor kids in low-income communities. Coaches are trained in youth development and mentoring strategies to promote physical activity, healthy living, and good decision making, while cultivating caring, trust-based relationships with the youth they serve.About AmeriCorps AmeriCorps State and National programs provide thousands of Americans each year the opportunity to improve the lives of their fellow citizens through service. A federal agency, AmeriCorps works hand in hand with local partners, tapping the ingenuity and can-do spirit of the American people to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing our nation.AmeriCorps invests in thousands of nonprofit and faith-based groups that are making a difference across the country. Up2Us Sports is a proud member of the AmeriCorps community. AmeriCorps members are not employees of the Program or of the federal government.The definition of participant in the National and Community Service Act of 1990 as amended applies to AmeriCorps members. As such, a participant (member) shall not be considered to be an employee of the Program in which the participant (member) is enrolled ((42 U.S.C. 12511(30) (B)). Moreover, members are not allowed to perform an employee's duties or otherwise displace employees, and therefore generally not eligible to receive unemployment compensation.About KEEN ChicagoAt KEEN Chicago, we strive to provide an atmosphere where all youth have equal opportunities forrecreation, fitness, and friendship, creating a space where youth of all abilities and backgrounds areaccepted and included. We work with youth and young adults with disabilities aged 5+ providing asafe space for movement. To learn more about KEEN Chicago and our current programming, visitEstablished in 2004, KEEN Chicago has and continues to grow by leaps and bounds. Today, we'reproud to be one of the biggest supporters of Chicago's youth with disabilities working to improvephysical, social, and mental health outcomes throughout our community. We've gone as far as wecan without expanding our team. And that's where you come in.We're seeking a part-time AmeriCorps Assistant Program Coordinator to help manage ourprogram growth. This is a 16-20 hour/week AmeriCorps role. This staff will be responsible formanaging 3-4 programs each month, co-leading a number of other sessions, furthering our volunteerrecruitment and engagement, and various behind-the-scenes program improvement logistics.Principal Duties and Responsibilities Up2Us Coaches serving through AmeriCorps must complete their assigned term of service listed between January/February 2025 through November/December 2025 (not to exceed a 12-month period). During the term of service, the coach will serve in a direct service role. Responsibilities for this role include, but aren't limited the following:

• Attend and lead KEEN programs and special events. The team member will facilitate programming and be responsible for programs-related communications, attendance taking, on-site session management, and other essential session related tasks.
• Plan programs and special events for the KEEN community.
• Maintain accurate attendance records of Coaches and Athletes during KEEN sessions
• Respond to inquiries from parents, volunteer coaches, and local community groups as relevant
• Manage behind-the-scenes program logistics required for safe program execution
• Recruit, train, and retain volunteer coaches for in-person recreation sessions
• Work with the team to enhance KEEN's Volunteer Recruitment and training strategy, ensuring all youth who need a 1:1 to participate in sessions have access to one
• Work closely with the team to maintain the highest standards of safety and fun during KEEN events
• Build upon existing and develop new relationships with volunteer stakeholders in the city of Chicago
• Develop program marketing materials, especially newsletters and social media imagery
• Collaborate and support the work of key committees including KEEN Chicago Parents Committee, KEEN Chicago Coaches Committee, and the Executive Board of Directors
• Other duties as assigned and relevant to the role especially as they are related to expanding programmatic reach and better serving the community of youth with disabilities and their families.

Additionally, the Up2Us AmeriCorps Coach will:

• Encourage participants to gain and develop life skills, knowledge, and techniques through sport, using lessons learned at Up2Us Sports' best in class training events
• Perform data collection activities, as directed by your Up2Us Sports Program Manager
• Act as a role model, gaining the respect and trust of the community and youth served

Up2Us AmeriCorps Coaches must complete the following requirements to ensure successful completion of the AmeriCorps program:

• Completion of the minimum required hours of service and training by last day of coach contract
• Attendance at the Up2Us Coach Orientation
• Completion of bi-weekly timesheets
• Attendance at days of community service
• Attend/participate in Up2Us Sports trainings, meetings, and special initiatives
• Attend Coach Training Institute (date to be announced by Program Manager)

Uniform Policy: Coaches must wear Up2Us Sports branded t-shirts provided by Up2Us Sports with AmeriCorps logo when coaching and at program sessions and eventsMember Eligibility & Qualifications

• AmeriCorps is open to U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents.
• Members must be 18 years old, or 17 with written parental/guardian consent.
• Members must have, or be working toward, a High School diploma, GED, or its equivalent.

Site-specific qualifications/eligibility requirements:

• Positive attitude and desire to support marginalized communities
• Proficiency in ZOOM, Microsoft Word/Excel, Google Drive
• Familiarity with the disability community a plus
• Detail-oriented and strong organizational skills
• Strong interpersonal skills; able to successfully interact with diverse group
• Positive and energetic approach to job responsibilities
• Able to work independently with off-site supervision
• Ability to work a mix of weekends, weekdays, and evenings
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) strongly preferred
• Proficiency in social media including Facebook and Instagram a plus
• Must have reliable transportation to and from KEEN program sites
• First aid and CPR certification or willingness to be certified as a part of the onboarding process

Restrictions on Eligibility for BenefitsIf a candidate has participated in two full-time service terms (or their equivalent), they are ineligible for a third Education Award or other in-service and after-service benefits. Additionally, a candidate cannot serve if:

• Failed to disclose to Up2Us Sports any history of having been released for compelling personal circumstances or for cause from another AmeriCorps program. This will render him/her ineligible to receive the Education Award and may render the Coach ineligible for service with the Program.
• Released for cause from another AmeriCorps program but was released having performed satisfactorily, the candidate may still be eligible for participation in the Program. However, this eligibility does not guarantee selection or placement.
• Served four AmeriCorps National Direct or State service terms previously, regardless of whether those terms were served on a full or part-time basis. The candidate is ineligible to serve after four terms.

Application Submissions/InquiriesTo apply, please submit a cover letter and resume. Applications without a cover letter and resume will not be considered. We are accepting applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled.Inquiries should be directed to:Laura Fillenwarth, Executive Director ([email protected])