AmeriCorps Youth Ensemble & Studio Specialist

AmeriCorps Youth Ensemble & Studio Specialist

Salary

$487.50 Biweekly

Location

Multicultural Family Center - City of Dubuque, IA

Job Type

AmeriCorps

Job Number

01946

Department

Community Impact

Opening Date

08/05/2026

Closing Date

9/23/2026 11:59 PM Central

FLSA

Exempt

Bargaining Unit

NREP

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Summary

Youth Ensemble & Studio Specialist

Example Contract dates:

• September 14th, 2026 - August 14th, 2027 (48 Week Contract)
• September 14th, 2026 - August 28th, 2027 (48 Week Contract)
• Contract start and end dates are flexible and rotate on a bi-weekly schedule

900 Hour Contract - Minimum of 22 hours/week

Compensation: Living Allowance Total: $11,700 ($487.50 -taxes every 2 weeks over 48 weeks) + Education Award: $ 3,697.50

General Purpose:

AmeriCorps is a national service program that takes a different approach to improve lives and fostering civic engagement. AmeriCorps Members commit their time to address critical community needs. In Dubuque, AmeriCorps Members serve at the intersection of education and mental health to help youth understand their emotions, reactions, and relationships through social-emotional learning to improve academic, career, and social success. City of Dubuque AmeriCorps Members implement key skill-building program to have the following impacts:

• Youth experience programs promoting healthy lifestyles resulting in decreased youth risk-related behaviors.
• Youth development skills to build meaningful and healthy relationships while experiencing inclusion and belonging.
• Providing every young person with the opportunity to grow up safely and access their best possible future.

The Youth Ensemble & Studio Specialist plays a vital role in providing creative programming and mentorship to youth in the Dubuque community. The role involves using music as a tool for self-expression, community-building, and skill development. As an AmeriCorps member, you will be responsible for implementing teen ensemble programming, developing and launching Centrally Rooted's new recording studio, building positive connections with youth, and collaborating with community partners to strengthen opportunities for young people. This position requires a compassionate and dedicated individual who is passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of youth.

Benefits:

• Education Award received upon successful completion of their term of service.
• Living Allowance
• Student loan forbearance and interest payments for eligible loans

Job Duties

1. Work closely to engage teens to build programming areas of ensemble groups and recording studio sessions.

a. Facilitate ensemble groups for middle and high school students.

i. Weekly sessions throughout the school year with at least 30 sessions per year with at least 50 students. Program launch January 2026.

ii. Student placement coordinated with teachers based on repertoire and rehearsal needs. Maintain rehearsal schedule and booking of space. Lead ensemble and coordinate guest teachers. Communicate with families to inform about performances.

iii. Student attendance rate: Target 90% attendance.

iv. Student progress in ensemble music theory: Measured through pre- and post-assessments

b. Develop and implement program and plan for new recording studio.

i. Outreach plan to schools, local musicians and partner organizations. Contact at least 1 new individual or group each month.

ii. Under the direction of Executive Director, organize new program launch and workshops to utilize studio space including tracking financials under allowable AmeriCorps guidelines.

iii. Community participation rate: Track studio usage and participation, with a target of 50 participants per year.

iv. Feedback: Collected through surveys from users.

c. Use various musical activities, such as playing instruments, signing, songwriting, and listening to music, to address mental health needs.

i. Weekly activities for at least 40 activities per year.

ii. Participant engagement rate: Target 90% engagement.

d. Tailor sessions to meet the specific needs and goals of each participant.

i. Ongoing, as needed. Number of tailored sessions conducted: Tracked per participant.

ii. Participant satisfaction rate: Target 90% satisfaction measured by member created pre/post survey.

iii. Achievement of individual goals: Measured through goal-setting and progress tracking.

(2) Collect and analyze program data:

a. Collect and analyze data related to youth progress, program effectiveness, and outcomes.

i.Quarterly data collection and analysis. With parental approval, DESSA assessments can be completed with a target of 4 assessments per year (one per quarter).

ii.Improvement in youth progress: Measured through changes in DESSA scores over the year.

iii. Program effectiveness: Evaluated through aggregated DESSA scores and comparison with baseline data as well as increase in program numbers.

b. Collect data and feedback to evaluate program effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

i. Bi-annual feedback collection and evaluation, 2 surveys per year (one every six months). This can be done through parent and/or student.

ii. Participant satisfaction rate: Measured through survey responses, aiming for a 90% satisfaction rate.

(3) Collaborate with AmeriCorps team members:

a. Participate in team meetings and maintain regular communication to ensure a cohesive and coordinated approach to addressing youth crises.

b. Weekly check-ins with Executive Director. Monthly deliverables (draft ensemble plans, curriculum framework, studio revenue outline).

c. Mid-year, end of year progress reports toward program goals as decided with Executive Director/site supervisor.

(4) Volunteer Management:

a. Recruit, manage, monitor, train, and document volunteer involvement with SEL music programming.

b. Coordinate with volunteers to support the implementation of activities and ensure a safe and supportive environment for participants.

• Volunteers recruited and/or managed by AmeriCorps members will not participate in prohibited activities as outlined in the approved grant.

(5) Disaster Response (AmeriCorps-Disaster Response Team)

a. Participate in A-DRT training(s) to ensure the member has knowledge and ability to respond to disasters.

b. Complete other training necessary to support disaster deployments, including but not limited to Volunteer Reception Center (VRC), first aid mental health first aid, and chainsaw training.

Qualifications

Physical Requirements:

• Walk and carry materials up and down steps.
• Sit, stand, and walk for extended periods of time.
• Lift 30 pounds.
• Bend, squat and kneel.

Desired Skills/Qualifications:

• Exhibit experience and/or interest to become competent in working with at-risk youth, teenaged youth, and communities facing barriers.
• Strong music, organizational, and logistical coordinator skills. Clear and timely communicate with students, and families.
• Willingness to learn and grow, particularly in building confidence in group leadership.
• Applicant must have reliable transportation.
• Applicant must be creative, energetic, dependable and a self-starter with attention to detail.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent OR agree to obtain one while under service to the AmeriCorps Program
• Be 17 years or older at the start of service (no upper age limit).
• Pass a national service criminal history check prior to first day of service due to reoccurring access to vulnerable populations.
• Hold one of the following citizenship statuses: US citizen, US national, or Lawful Permanent Resident.

Supplemental Information

Service Schedule:

The Youth Ensemble & Studio Specialist's scheduled hours may fluctuate based on student schedules throughout the school year. Typical schedule: Mon - Fri: Serve flexibly between the hours of 9am - 3pm for a minimum of 22 hours per week. Opportunities for weekend hours or special events may become available during the year.

Example schedule for illustrative purposes:

• Monday: 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
• Tuesday: Off
• Wednesday: 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
• Thursday: Off
• Friday: 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
• Saturday: Off
• Sunday: Off

Leave: Sick leave, personal leave, and holiday leave is allowed, but such time off does not count towards the required number of hours needed to successfully complete the term of service. There are additional benefits offered if the member has a compelling personal circumstance.

Disaster Deployments: Member who opt-in to be engaged in disaster deployment/activities will need to ensure availability for the term of the disaster deployments, generally 2-4 weeks. Make plans for pets, family members, other employment and responsibilities that need regular attention.

Evaluations and Alternative Service:

AmeriCorps Members are required by the program to complete Self-Evaluations.

Mid-Term Evaluations: At the member's halfway point during their term of service, the member will complete a self-evaluation and their Site Supervisor will complete an evaluation on the member through AmericaLearns. The member and site supervisor will meet, with or without Program Staff, to discuss the evaluations in-depth. These evaluations must be submitted to the AmeriCorps Program.

End-Term Evaluations: Upon the completion of their AmeriCorps Contract, all members will complete an End-Term Evaluation through AmericaLearns. The End-Term Evaluation must be completed, signed, and submitted to the AmeriCorps Program within 30 days of the member's final date of service. Non-submission of this document within the 30-day timeframe will lead to the member being exited for cause (see section 9 of the Member Service Agreement) and will forfeit the member's right to the Education Award.

Members may engage in other allowable activities that are not specifically outlined in the position description, but that support the AmeriCorps program design, and which will help the Program meet its goals. Under no circumstances will members be asked to perform prohibited activities. Volunteers recruited and/or managed by AmeriCorps members will not participate in prohibited activities as outlined in the approved grant application.

APPLICATION: all applications are submitted electronically via this website.

Questions? CONTACT: City of Dubuque AmeriCorps Program

Phone: 563.690.6171 Email: americorps@cityofdubuque.org

• AmeriCorps member will receive education award in the form of an electronic payment through myamericorpgs.gov. Education award may be used to pay educational costs at eligible post-secondary educational institutions or qualified student loans. Members who are 55+ years of age can transfer award to child or grandchild under specific conditions.

Note: AmeriCorps Members are compensated through the national AmeriCorps program and are not considered employees of the City of Dubuque.

Our Commitment to You

The City of Dubuque is committed to using a merit-based system in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on their relative knowledge, skills, and abilities, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws. Our organization provides equal opportunities for all individuals, fostering a workplace that values innovation, collaboration, and work-life balance. We offer job stability, a comprehensive benefits package, and an opportunity to serve and support our growing community. In accordance with legal obligations our policies and practices are designed to ensure fair treatment and foster a respectful workplace where all are encouraged to apply.

Not Applicable

01

Will you be 17 years of age or older by the contract start date?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Dubuque

Address Human Resources Department

50 W 13th Street

Dubuque, Iowa, 52001

Phone 563-589-4125

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/dubuqueia