RISE Program Specialist (part time)

Hiring Agency: Supreme Court - Agency 5, Hastings, NE

Hiring Rate: $17.134 per hour

About the Role

AmeriCorps members, titled “RISE Program Specialists,” facilitate a skill-based curriculum to adjudicated youth, ages 12-18, focusing on educational skill development. The facilitation occurs in a group setting with youth attending either in-person or virtually. Members may also serve youth on an individual basis, specific to the youth's needs. Additional support is provided to each youth after curriculum completion for up to 6 months.

AmeriCorps is a civil society program supported by the U.S. federal government, foundations, corporations, and other donors, engaging adults in public service work with a goal of "helping others and meeting critical needs in the community." RISE AmeriCorps members gain valuable experience for future jobs or graduate school while making a difference in their community.

Recognizing Increased Skills in Education (RISE) is a grant-funded AmeriCorps Program requiring a one-year commitment from August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2027. Part-time members must complete 900 service hours and may serve up to four service years.

Responsibilities

• Teach youth educational-based skills—such as goal setting, motivation, organization, study skills, and test-taking strategies—using a pre-written curriculum.
• Host in-person groups at schools, probation offices, or other community sites.
• Collect and submit school attendance variables to satisfy grant-defined performance measures.
• Attend AmeriCorps National Service events and specific Nebraska Probation training sessions.
• Engage in additional training throughout the service year, including juvenile justice or education conferences and webinars.

Requirements

• Completion of 48 hours of college coursework from an accredited institution in social sciences, criminal justice, education, or a related field is encouraged. Related work experience may substitute for the required college coursework.
• Preferred: A bachelor’s degree in social sciences, criminal justice, education, or a related field.
• Ability to speak Spanish is desired but not required.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident.
• Must submit to a criminal background check, including FBI fingerprinting, a national record check, the National Sex Offender Public Website, and a state criminal background check. Enrollment is contingent on the results of a National Service Criminal History Check.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in reading and writing English.
• Understanding of basic computer functions.
• Familiarity with accurate record-keeping practices.
• Commitment to dependably serve up to 20 hours per week.
• Strong work ethic and a passion for volunteerism.

Skills

• Effective verbal and written communication with AmeriCorps members, Nebraska State Probation staff, school officials, and community stakeholders.
• Maintaining consistent attendance and dependability throughout the service period.

Schedule

Part-time position serving from August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2027. Hours vary, with a requirement to complete 900 service hours. In-office only at 300 N St. Joseph Ave Suite 210, Hastings, NE 68901.

Pay

Living stipend of $1,485.00 monthly ($17,820 annually). The stipend is not considered a salary or wage per AmeriCorps federal regulations.

Benefits

• Segal Education Award: Upon successful completion of the term, members receive $3,697.50. The award can be used for college, vocational school, qualified student loans, or transferred to children or grandchildren.
• Student Loan Forbearance: Members may qualify for loan forbearance during service. Upon completion, the National Service Trust may pay all or part of the interest accrued on qualified student loans.
• Training in key areas and professional development.
• Access to an alumni network.