Student and Family Support Specialist (Commonwealth Corps)

The mission of the Commonwealth Corps service internship program is to engage Massachusetts residents of all ages, backgrounds, and identities in direct service to strengthen communities, address critical needs, and increase volunteerism. Through hands-on experience, Commonwealth Corps members gain professional skills and valuable knowledge while positively impacting diverse communities in our state.

The Massachusetts Service Alliance (MSA) is a private, nonprofit agency that oversees the program and supports host site partners and members to find success throughout the program year. The two Commonwealth Corps members with Friends of the Hernández will serve 10 monthsin a full-time capacity. They will join a diverse corps of members across Massachusetts who share a common desire to explore their passions and expand their network in service to their communities and the Commonwealth. The 2026-2027 program year will support 8 unique host sites and 17 CC members with the opportunity to share, support, and collaborate with the group.

Friends of the Hernández (FOH) is the non-profit organization that advocates for and supports the Rafael Hernández Dual Language K - 6 School and its surrounding community. Enrolling 335 students, the school is a citywide school located in Roxbury/Boston and provides dual language education, with all students learning in both English and Spanish. FOH provides enriching After School programming, increases access to the arts, provides educational and workforce opportunities for adults, and provides basic needs for students and families in need of assistance.

The two Commonwealth Corps Student and Family Support Specialists will directly support students to actively engage in the classroom and in After School activities. They will support students one-on-one and in groups to enhance the student experience at the Hernández. They will also assist with FOH’s Adult Education and Basic Family Needs Programs. Each Specialist will take on one capacity building project, helping adultsin the community to achieve greater economic security and well-being. One project will assist in the operation of biweekly Distribution Days and our Donation Center, and the other supporting the job search and/or volunteer skills of adults through 1:1 and small group trainings. The goal is to provide students and families with the goods and services they need to thrive.

What You’ll Do:

Essential Responsibilities:

• Complete a minimum of 1500 hours of service, serving August 17, 2026 through June 19, 2027.
• Attend a minimum of 6 Commonwealth Corps trainings and events held by MSA, generally 1-2 times per month.
• Participate in a minimum of 30 minutes of MSA-related activities each week. This includes filling out timesheets, completing a bi-monthly reflection or check-in, or other MSA-related tasks or activities.
• Provide direct service to students during classroom time; in special classes such as art or music; during lunch/recess; and during FOH’s After School Program, which operates from 3:00 to 6pm.
• Help maintain a safe, orderly and positive climate in accordance with FOH and Hernández values, including valuing students and families as partners, prioritizing relationships, honoring culture, seeking justice, being open, and expecting excellence.
• Design and facilitate activities that are engaging for students during and after school, for example games, crafts, or other activities of interest/expertise for the Corps member.
• Assist with wraparound services for students and families through FOH’s bi-weekly distribution of food and household items and Donation Center, and/or through the Adult Education program, assisting adults seeking volunteer/employment opportunities.

Marginal Responsibilities:

• Attend team, all-staff, and relevant professional development meetings
• Act as a volunteer ambassador, recruiting family and community members to engage in school/After
• School/Adult Education activities, Family Council, and in other volunteer capacities.
• Be a part of the greater Commonwealth Corps community, including participating in cross-site learning
• groups, writing a short profile for the CC newsletter, connecting with other members on our online
• platforms, and attending optional social/service events.
• Who You Are:

You must be:

• A Massachusetts resident (see guidelines here) with legal authorization to work in the U.S.
• 18 years of age at minimum (member age range is 18 – 70+ years old)
• Excited to give back to your community and interested in developing your skills and gaining new professional experiences
• Committed to 10 months of service and able to balance service internship commitments with personal commitments in a sustainable way
• Experienced with and/or interested in working with K-6 students and their families
• Flexible and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Respectful and appreciative of linguistic and cultural diversity

It would also be great if you:

• Speak Spanish – multilingual candidates encouraged to apply
• Have an interest you’d like to share with students via an After School club or activity
• Have an interest in helping other adults expand their job search skills

What You’ll Get:

• Stipend of $1,250 semi-monthly while in service, up to $26,250, minus taxes and withholdings;
• Health insurance (individual coverage only)
• Member assistance program, including unlimited, confidential, 24/7, phone counseling services and up to three free, in-person counseling sessions, plus a lot more;
• Completion award of up to $4000 upon successful completion of service, minus taxes and withholdings; Reimbursement for outside training or professional development opportunities relevant to member’s service and goals (Up to $100; Dependent on pre-approval from MSA)
• Ongoing training and support from MSA including professional development workshops and opportunities;
• Limited travel reimbursement from MSA to Corps-wide MSA-sponsored activities;
• Limited travel reimbursement from your host site for certain service-related travel away from your usual service location;
• Internet reimbursement up to $50/month if required to complete some service from home;
• Free enrollment in college classes in Early Childhood Development through the Urban College of Boston, an FOH partner, and professional development time during Corps hours to attend classes on site at the Hernández
• 10 Mental Health/Personal Days (1 day = 8hrs) counting toward service hours
• The opportunity for at least 10 days of planned absences (may include holidays, does not count towards hours requirement);
• Please note that receipt of these stipends/benefits may impact an individual’s eligibility for certain public benefits.

Term of Service:

• Position Start Date: August 17, 2026
• Position End Date: June 19, 2027
• Service commitment: 40 hours per week during the following days/times: Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm with one hour for lunch.

____________________________________________________________________.

How to Apply:

• To apply, send a cover letter and resume to Friends of the Hernández Executive Director Johanna Littlewood at [email protected]. Early applications are encouraged, as applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Questions about this position can also be directed to the Executive Director.
• For questions related to the Commonwealth Corps program contact [email protected]
• *Accepted members will be required to undergo a criminal history check.

Friends of the Hernández will recruit and select persons in all positions to ensure a diverse and inclusive climate without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, color, political affiliation, creed, national origin, marital status, or any other status as protected by federal, state, and local laws. Friends of the Hernández welcomes applications from individuals with disabilities and will make reasonable accommodations for interviews and for service upon request

Pay: $30,250.00 per year

Benefits:

• Continuing education credits
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement

Work Location: In person