VYDC – Spectrum Food Coordinator AmeriCorps Member
Be part of a community-based organization helping homeless and at-risk youth. Spectrum’s Drop-In Center provides food, basic needs, life skills, and emotional support to youth in Saint Albans, VT.
PROGRAM: The fulltime & part-time members of the VT Youth Development Corps AmeriCorps State Program (VYDC) implement diverse youth initiatives, fostering positive development & building resilience to help youth avoid opioid misuse & other unhealthy behaviors, transcend the effects of COVID-19, and the gain academic, social, & job skills needed to thrive. Website: VermontYouthAmeriCorps.org
SITE: Spectrum Youth & Family Services is a leader in youth work, recognized locally and nationally for offering innovative best practice programs and services responsive to community needs in collaboration with community partners. Clients are welcomed and respected and receive the support and resources they need to change their lives. Spectrum’s culture supports independent thinking, interdependent teamwork, mastery in our work, and passion for positively impacting people’s lives. Our programs include a Burlington and St Albans Drop-In Center, Supported Housing, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Counseling, Mentoring, Case Management, Recovery Coaching, and Violence Intervention. We work closely with the Pearl Street Youth Clinic, which is a part of the Community Health Centers of Burlington. The VYDC-Spectrum Food Coordinator AmeriCorps Member serves in our Saint Albans Drop-In Center, the access point for clients in Franklin County, which provides basic needs, including food, clothing, hygiene items, shower, & laundry. The member, while remaining client-focused & empathetic, –1) assists youth in applying for jobs, housing, and health & other benefits; 2) builds trust and relationships with youth; and 3) discusses & provides information about important subjects (e.g., substance misuse disorder, mental health, trauma, and wellbeing).
COVID-19: Among youth, the pandemic increased food insecurity, struggles with socialization due to the hybrid schooling model, and strain on families from more time spent at home. Service helps to reverse these impacts.
Member Duties: The VYDC-Spectrum Food Coordinator AmeriCorps Member serves at our St Albans Drop-In Center focusing on food security, activities, & support for youth, including – (1) plans meals, grocery shops, manages food donations & the Meal Train. (2) organizes & maintains kitchen. (3) cooks & serves food to youth. (4) plans & implements healthy cooking, nutrition, & food prep class for youth. (5) manages kitchen volunteers and strives to increase the number of volunteers & meal donations. (6) coordinates the Drop-In space, providing supportive engagement and referral services to youth. (7) plans & engages youth in physically healthy activities (hiking, basketball, etc.). (8) builds community partnerships that maintain food access for those impacted by COVID-19.
Knowledge of healthy food preparation, nutrition, and kitchen safety required. Minimum Age 22. Travel: local & monthly to Montpelier for AmeriCorps training; valid license. Send cover letter, resume, & contact info for 3 references.
Program Benefits: Health Coverage, Childcare assistance if eligible, Training, Education award upon successful completion of service, Professional development, Living Allowance.
Terms: Car recommended , Permits attendance at school during off hours , Permits working at another job during off hours.
Estimated Annual Living Allowance: $16,000.
Full-time, Temporary
Benefits:
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Professional development assistance