PAL Peer Assistance and Leadership Intern

Submitted by Linda Tailleart on Thu, 08/30/2012 - 10:05am

LOCATION

4747 N. 7th Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85013
See map: Google Maps

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Fingerprint/background clearance is required.

Special Requirements
Fingerprint/background clearance is required.
Educator's fingerprint card. The fee is $65 and it takes five to eight weeks to process. The student should be able to start some orientation and training before the card comes back. This card is required for any type of work with children under the age of 18.

SCHEDULE OPTIONS

Semester availability

Fall
Spring

Service hours

Morning
Afternoon

Available days/hours

Available days/hours
If interns take on efforts to enhance the Peer Assistance and Leadership (PAL) program and Youth Advisory Board efforts, it will require about 3-4 hours per week in the classroom: 1-2 hours for assistance with class preparation per week and 1-2 hours with program logistics including tasks with assisting the program facilitator and office type duties. The program sessions will be targeted for week days (Monday-Friday) only after school.  However, flexibility is needed as to accommodate the school/youth serving organization’s schedule. Some weekend work may occur based on additional program activities and events.

 

REQUIRED/DESIRED SKILLS

Required/Desired Skills

·         Enjoy interacting with teens and engaging them in program material.

·         Interns must be comfortable in discussing topics with teens from the PAL curriculum. Topics include but are not  limited to bullying, conflict resolution, leadership skills, and engaging youth in team building activities.

·         Experience working with teens in a dynamic setting preferred.

CATEGORIES

Education
Mentoring
Youth (direct interaction)
Youth III: 11-14 years (6th-9th grades)
Youth IV: 14-18 years (high school)

COMMUNITY PARTNER

Catholic Charities Community Services

ABOUT THE INTERNSHIP

Duties

Duties

Interns would assist the program facilitator to implement Peer Assistance and Leadership (PAL) program in Maricopa County in middle and high schools, youth serving organizations and faith-based communities. Interns would also assist in the coordination of additional youth development efforts in the form of the Youth Advisory Board. PAL and Youth Advisory Board are youth development efforts of Catholic Charities’ North Star Youth Partnership that helps teens engage in positive efforts within their schools and community after school. North Star provides a variety of youth development programs for teens in Maricopa and Yavapai Counties.

Interns would help the program facilitator engage teens in discussion and activities, as addressed via PAL curriculum and program guidelines. Interns would also assist in engaging youth with planning and implementing efforts outside of the program for community service and volunteer hours.

  •   Assist in the recruitment of school/youth serving organizations to participate in programs
  •    Organize materials needed for each session
  •    Assist in implementation of weekly PAL sessions and monthly Youth Advisory Board meetings
  •    Participate in debrief meetings
  •    Be available to arrive on time and leave at the end of each session for PAL and Youth Advisory Board meetings.
  •     Attend events or outside activities as scheduled
  •     Create and research social media updates (Facebook, North Star website

 

Population served

Population Served
We will target at-risk teen populations in public, private and charter schools as well as youth serving organizations and faith-based communities. Students will be selected to participate at each site via a recruitment process. In a time when youth are faced with constant decisions and challenges, the PAL program and Youth Advisory Board can assist students by reducing the risks they face and enhancing the protective factors that empower them to make their own positive decisions.

Community need/impact

Community Need

North Star Youth Partnership’s over-arching goal is to help teens to become involved in their communities, abstain from risk-taking behaviors, and gain and strengthen competencies needed to develop into healthy, productive adults.

Community Impact
Positive youth development has been linked to a decrease in dropout rates, teen pregnancy, substance abuse and violence amongst teens. The PAL Program and Youth Advisory Board efforts will target youth in schools, youth serving organizations and faith communities. These programs will give teens the skills they need to make healthy decisions, give them an opportunity to make a difference and learn how to be involved their schools and communities. Interns will get a first-hand opportunity to make a difference in these teen’s lives.