* Beginning in 2012, the ASP Staffer-In-Training (SIT) program will become a formal part of the summer staff application process. Acceptance into the SIT program means that you are committing yourself to apply for 2013 ASP Summer Staff and that you do not need to attend a Staff Applicant Weekend (SAW), which will be held from November 2012 through March 2013. 

SIT Program Description

The Staffer-In-Training (SIT) program is one of two ways to apply for 2013 ASP Summer Staff along with attending a Staff Applicant Weekend (SAW) between November and March. The SIT program provides the opportunity for summer staff applicants to spend a week getting a first-hand look at how ASP’s Summer Youth Program operates from a staffer’s point of view. The program is also designed for applicants to be of service to the Appalachia Service Project beyond a traditional volunteer experience. This program is designed for eligible applicants who are applying for a summer staff position with ASP in 2013.  It is not for those who simply want to help for an extra week.

Through the SIT program, you’ll learn all that the staff does to make ASP’s home repair program successful. You will spend one day of the week shadowing each member of the staff, learning the nuances of each position (Operations Coordinator, Finance Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator and Center Director) and understanding all that goes into operating a successful emergency home repair center. Sometime during your week as a SIT, you will have a formal interview with a Program Manager, who is a member of ASP’s Ministries Department staff responsible for supervising the center staff. At the conclusion of your week, your Center Director will complete an evaluation of your performance in conjunction their Program Manager. Even if you end up deciding that the summer staff job is not for you, the Staffer-In-Training Program will be a worthwhile experience as you lend your hands to make homes warmer, safer, and drier and help provide a great experience for volunteers.

All members of this program should see themselves as being served by the staff, and being in service to them as well.  The primary responsibility of ASP staff members is to provide a satisfying service experience for volunteers and the families that are served.  This must be the priority of all SITs as well. SITs will be included in parts of staff meetings, runs, evening gatherings, and other staff responsibilities when appropriate.  For insurance reasons, you will not be permitted to drive any ASP vehicle for any reason.  As you will be privy to sensitive information, confidentiality is extremely important for all SITs.  Since there are many unknowns in ASP’s program, all SITs must be extremely flexible and find opportunities to help the staff in whatever way possible.  SITs should set as a goal for themselves to be satisfied with whatever they are able to contribute, not insisting on having something to do at all times or complaining that there is too much work to do.

As you may know, the summer staff job with ASP is extremely challenging.  The Staffer-In-Training program is designed to help those interested in becoming staff members experience the realities of being on staff.  Additionally, having an extra set of volunteer hands at the center will assist the summer staff to “serve at the pleasure of the volunteers” and to do tasks that would make their lives easier, thus contributing to the well being of everyone at the center.

SIT Program Requirements

• Must have graduated from high school by Summer 2012
• Must be 18 or older by May 1, 2013
• Must submit a résumé, 2 references and complete an online assessment prior to your SIT week
• Must provide own transportation to and from the center
• Must understand, sign and abide by the ASP Staffer-In-Training Covenant
• Must consent to a background check being conducted before being accepted as a SIT
• Must be able to fulfill all the requirements of the SIT program as outline in the application
• All Summer Youth Program SIT applications must be received no later than July 13, 2012.

If you are eligible and would like to apply for 2013 ASP Summer Staff by taking part in the Staffer-In-Training program, please download the 2012 SIT Application Packet and e-mail a copy of your current résumé to Flossie.McCaffrey@asphome.org

»2012 SIT Application Packet

If you have specific questions regarding the Staffer-In-Training program or general questions about the 2013 summer staff application process, please e-mail Steve.Tomick@asphome.org