Residential Change Agent

The AmeriCorps Change Agent plays a critical role in providing structure, guidance, and emotional support to six teenage boys living in a unique, family-style foster home environment.

This is a live-in position with a 3 to 4-day work week, including complimentary room and board (private, secured bedroom), international travel via sailboat, and a competitive compensation package.

The most meaningful benefit? The opportunity to profoundly impact the future of young men in foster care by helping them develop the tools, mindset, and confidence to succeed.

Mornings begin early with wake-ups, breakfast preparation, and motivational conversations as the boys get ready for school (kids attend our private, off-site high school—SailFuture Academy).

Afternoons include home household projects, experiential learning, and extracurricular activities, while evenings are focused on shared meals, chores, and winding down before bedtime. Lights are typically out by 11:00 PM.

We’re looking for individuals who are passionate about social justice, grounded in empathy, and equipped with strong leadership and communication skills. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment and is committed to helping youth navigate life’s challenges with compassion and resilience.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Collaborate with mental health, education, and outside support teams to ensure consistency in each youth’s individualized treatment and case plans
Support youth with job searches, resume building, and employment applications
Teach and reinforce essential life skills like cooking, laundry, cleaning, and personal organization
Maintain a safe and functional home environment, including basic maintenance, landscaping, and household organization
Conduct daily room inspections to promote cleanliness and personal responsibility
Perform nightly bed checks to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents
Administer medications in accordance with prescribed plans and maintain accurate medication logs
Provide transportation for school, appointments, and extracurricular activities as needed
Consistently implement treatment strategies in collaboration with all departments
Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Director to support the success of youth in care
Attend 2-3 7 week international sailing expeditions a year

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements

Be a United States citizen, United States national, or lawful permanent resident
Be at least 17 years of age at the start of service
Have a high school diploma or its equivalent
Not have exceeded the maximum allowable AmeriCorps service terms
Not be listed on any state or national sex offender registry
Not have been convicted of murder, as defined in 18 U.S.C. §1111

Additional Program Qualifications

Collaborative team player with a strong commitment to doing whatever it takes to support youth in their care
Prior experience working with at-risk youth, particularly teenagers, in residential or high-impact environments
Strong communication skills and the ability to remain calm, solutions-focused, and empathetic in challenging situations
Passion for adventure, experiential learning, and personal growth
Sailing experience is a plus, but not required—training is available for the right candidate
This is a live-in position: you are required to reside on-site during their scheduled shifts but are not required to stay during off-days

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

Compensation valued at $77,005 annually

Hourly $3,750
$2,700 Max 401k Contribution per year
$6,910 annual health insurance plan
$12,000 in housing. Furnished room and utilities provided
$7,395 Education award eligibility on completion of year of service
Access to sailboats and kayaks during time off
Clearwater Community Sailing Center Membership; includes the use of facility and equipment
Provisioned phone & cell service
YMCA Gym Membership

TRAINING AND ORIENTATION

Members receive comprehensive training throughout the service term, including:

a) Initial Orientation

Orientation introduces SailFuture Fellowship culture, policies, prohibited activities, service expectations, and reporting requirements.

b) Program-Specific Training

Members receive training related to youth development, trauma-informed care, safety procedures, and service-site expectations.

c) Ongoing Training

Ongoing professional development and skill-building opportunities are provided to support effective service delivery.

DESCRIPTION OF SERVICE

Service Assignment

AmeriCorps members will serve at approved SailFuture service sites in Saint Petersburg, FL. Members may serve in residential foster care programs, education settings, and workforce development initiatives supporting youth and families.

Supervision

Members are supervised by designated SailFuture staff and AmeriCorps Program Managers. Regular supervision meetings are held to review service progress, address challenges, and ensure compliance with program requirements.

Essential Service Activities

Member service activities may include:

Supporting daily operations in licensed residential foster care programs
Assisting with youth supervision, routines, and accountability systems
Teaching and reinforcing essential life skills such as cooking, cleaning, organization, and personal responsibility
Assisting with behavior support and intervention strategies under staff direction
Providing transportation support for youth to school, appointments, employment, or activities, as permitted
Supporting youth workforce readiness, including job searches and employment applications
Collaborating with education, mental health, and case management teams
Maintaining accurate service logs, attendance records, and required documentation
Administer medications in accordance with prescribed plans and maintain accurate medication logs
Participating in required AmeriCorps trainings, meetings, and national days of service
Adhering to all AmeriCorps, SailFuture, and service-site policies
Other duties as assigned

Non-Essential Functions

Assisting with special events connected to youth service
Supporting approved community engagement activities

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Member to successfully perform the essential functions of service assignments.

Frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance;stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear
Occasionally required to sit
Lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
Must be able to wear protective equipment in compliance with general safety and food safety protocol

Completion Requirements

To successfully complete the term of service and be eligible for a Segal Education Award, the member must:

i) Complete the required number of service hours
ii) Participate in all required trainings and meetings
iii) Receive a satisfactory performance evaluation
iv) Comply with all program standards and policies

Employability

Members may not serve at a site with family members and may not be employed by the service site outside of AmeriCorps.

RESTRICTIONS AND COMPLIANCE

All primary service activities must occur within the United States
International travel or service is not part of the AmeriCorps service term
International activities, if offered, are not federally funded and do not count toward service hours
Members may not engage in prohibited political, religious, or lobbying activities while serving
Members may not be employed by the service site outside of AmeriCorps during their term

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION AND REPORTING

Members are evaluated regularly on service quality, compliance, professionalism, and contribution to program outcomes. Accurate documentation of service hours and activities is required and must be verified by the designated supervisor.

DISCLAIMER

This position description reflects the general nature of service expected of AmeriCorps members in this role. Service activities may be modified to meet program needs while remaining compliant with AmeriCorps regulations.

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