LEAP Program Roving Crew Leader Position
The Learn, Earn and Prosper (LEAP) program mission is to provide youth who are blind or visually impaired with the skills needed to become independent, confident, and productive young adults. The LEAP program will consist of two four-week long intensive sessions in the summer of 2009.
As a LEAP Crew Leader you will serve as a teacher, work supervisor, and a role model. You will be responsible for building a community, ensuring the health and safety of your crew, and teaching both life and job skills.
The season begins with a two-week paid staff training, during which Crew Leaders will learn both technical and interpersonal skills needed to be a successful leader at the VYCC and in the LEAP program. After training, your first crew will arrive. The summer will consist of two four week sessions with a week break in between.
- 2009 LEAP Crew Leader Details
- May 23rd-August 24th
- Minimum of 22 years old
- $430-500/week
- Room and Board provided
- Teach, live, work, and grow with Vermont's youth
During the first session two Crew Leaders will work with six youth between the ages of 16 and 24 who have visual impairments. Together, everyone will live in the Burlington area in an apartment-style suite. Leaders will help Corps Members learn skills that are essential to living independently, such as doing laundry, using public transportation, shopping for groceries, and using adaptive equipment to cook meals. Crew Leaders will also be responsible for transporting Corps Members to Recycle North and supporting them while they participate in a vocational job training program four days a week. In addition, Crew Leaders will plan, supervise, and work with Corps Members on service projects one day a week. On the weekend, Crew Leaders will help expand the crew’s experience by taking part in local area activities.
The second session will bring together a diverse group of approximately eight youth between the ages of 16 and 24, some with visual impairments and some without, to complete a high-priority conservation project in Vermont. This program will focus on education, leadership, and teamwork as well as personal development. Accommodations will be rustic, and the crew will live in tents and construct their kitchen area out of tarps and back-country stoves.
Field Staff Responsibilities
- Build a healthy community
- Train crew in work skills and proper tool use and maintenance
- Work with project sponsors to coordinate and ensure project
- Lead formal and informal educational activities
- Facilitate the WoRD Program
- Ensure that healthy food is prepared
- Regularly update VYCC headquarters on progress, developments, or challenges
- Process paperwork and payroll
- Write a detailed final evaluation of the program
Qualifications
- A strong desire to teach personal responsibility to young people
- Minimum of 22 years old
- Experience working with youth with visual impairments preferred
- Sound judgment, creativity, humor, compassion, patience, and maturity
- Excellent organization and communication skills
- Leadership experience with diverse groups of young people
- Problem-solving ability, self-confidence,and a strong work ethic
- Outdoor leadership experience
- Budget management and bulk food purchasing experience preferred
- Red Cross Standard First Aid/CPR or equivalent
- A good driving record and a valid driver's license
- Willingness to undergo a criminal background check
Benefits
- Competitive Salary - Based on position, crew duration, VYCC experience, and other relevant experience. $430 - $500 per week.
- Paid Training - Field Staff will receive compensation while attending our residential training.
- Room and Board
Dates: LEAP Crew Leader positions start on May 23, 2009 and end on August 24, 2009.
For more information about LEAP Crew Leader positions, please contact Abigail at 802.434.3969 Ext 138 or amendenhall@vycc.org.