By Michael Bernaschina, Staff writer
The Johnson Center for Civic Engagement is looking for students interested in service work to fill multiple positions for the upcoming fall semester.
There are eleven positions in total, including the three new additions of Community Engagement Service Scholar, Food Access Service Scholar and Service Housing Coordinator.
According to Pam Frontino, assistant director of leadership and engagement at the JCCE, the student chosen to fill the role of Community Engagement Service Scholar will be responsible for acting as the primary contact between the JCCE and its community partners.
“That person would also help me with maintaining community partnerships, creating new community partnerships, keeping all our information up to date, that kind of thing,” Frontino said.
Other responsibilities of the Community Engagement Service Scholar include managing the JCCE’s major service events like SU GIVE and SERVE and organizing and promoting the annual Volunteer Fair.
“Previously we had a lot of students dedicated to sustainability, but since that has now shifted over to the CEER, I’ve taken four positions and merged them into one,” Frontino said regarding the Food Access Service Scholar position. “We won’t handle big university-wide sustainability efforts, but that person is going to be in charge of working with community partners, particularly some food programs in the area. They’ll handle all of the food donations that come from our campus garden.”
The Food Access Service Scholar is also responsible for maintaining the Food Security Group website, acting as a liaison to the Community Food Action Team and acting as the university’s liaison to the Sowing Change Committee. The Food Access Service Scholar is also responsible communicating with the JCCE’s community partners, including Shepherd’s Pie, Meals on Wheels and Martha’s Table.
The student who fills the last of the three new positions, Service Housing Coordinator, will be responsible for coordinating and supporting students in the university’s Service Housing service program.
“I do want to stress that anyone can apply for these,” said Frontino. “I’m looking for the best candidate, not necessarily someone who has the time to put three years in. In the past, the JCCE has tried to hire first-year students so that they have some time to work into the role, but I really want to give everyone an opportunity.”
Frontino says one of the main requirements for the positions is a dedication to service work and learning about the community.
“It’s not the type of job where you’re just kind of present. I need students to have real, strong interest in the work they’re doing,” Frontino said.