L.E.A.P.S. (Linking Education and Public Service) and Victim Assistance Volunteer Program
Johnson County Government has an exciting internship partnership with the Olathe School District that provides mentoring experiences in the workplace that link education, career interest and skills of high school interns with public service opportunities.
The Victim Assistance Unit strives to lessen the impact of victimization for persons who have suffered from a crime by providing support, information, and referrals. The Victim Assistance Unit was designed to ensure that the Justice System does not further victimize victims. Victims report that being better informed, having a voice in the process and being treated with respect increases their willingness to cooperate with prosecution thus improving the rate of conviction.
Student Requirements & Qualifications: For L.E.A.P.S
- Senior High School Student
- Demonstrates excellent academic (3.0 or higher GPA) and behavioral performance
- Good communication (oral and written), and interpersonal skills
- Demonstrates maturity and responsibility
- Self-directed/proactive/organized and able to manage time
- Available to enroll for two periods of the school day to volunteer for a minimum of 10 hours per week
- Skills, training and availability must match the identified requirements for positions available
- Office and computer skills
- Ability to work independently and as a team
Student Requirements & Qualifications: For Victims Assistance
- Must provide own transportation
- Must not have a criminal history
- Agree to police clearance check
- All references will be checked
- Commitment to confidentiality
Selection Process:
- Applicants must submit a resume, transcript and application to their career counselor
- Applications from the most qualified applicants will be reviewed by Johnson County Government Human Resources
- Applicants who fulfill the qualifications and requirements are subject to an interview and perhaps participation.
Olathe School District Programs & Descriptions:
The Olathe School District offers comprehensive hands-on experience, resources, and training in state-of-the-art high school programs that prepare students for 21st century career opportunities. Internships, with mentor supervision, are needed in these program areas:
- Aerospace & Engineering - teaches concepts and skills related to Aerospace, Architectural, Civil, Computer, Drafting, and Mechanical Engineering. Students with Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) software using state-of-the-art equipment.
- Biotechnology/Life Science - students learn concepts and skills and explore career opportunities in biotechnology, biomedical research, medical practice, and other health professions. Through lab presentations students experience DNA analysis, protein analysis, protein modeling, tissue culturing and Forensic technology.
- Business/Entrepeneurship - program experiences include in-depth studies in entrepreneurship, marketing, accounting, law, economics, personal finance and management. Students explore legal, ethical, and political issues related to business and analyze a variety of industries, including finance, retail, service, and technology.
- E-Communication -
Graphic Design focuses on typography and layout. Students tap their creativity to create traditional and digital projects.
Media Production experiences include broadcasting, communication engineering, script writing, producing public service announcements, and video/TV production.
Web Design & Development focuses on web content, scripting and animation using Dreamweaver, Fireworks, and Flash software. Students create interactive web projects using HTML, JavaScript, and PHP programming languages. - Geosciences - students use fully equipped labs for research in astronomy, environmental studies, geology, meteorology, paleontology and oceanography. Students learn to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to integrate, analyze, distribute and share geographic information.
- Health Careers - program experiences include career research, medical terminology, introductory anatomy and physiology, discussion of the disease process, and basic patientcare skills. Students may earn Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification.
- Landscape Design - prepares students for careers in the green industry, with attention given to turf management, horticulture and greenhouse management. Program experiences include landscape design, weed management and integrated pest management techniques, with emphasis on developing and maintaining lawns, gardens, parks, and golf courses.
- Sports Medicine and Athletic Training - students learn important skills that provide lifelong health, wellness and stress management. They explore career opportunities including: certified athletic trainer, occupational therapist, physical therapist, exercise therapist, sports physician, orthopedic surgeon, and more.
FAQs for Supervisors:
- Question: What types of activities should the department/agency plan to orient the intern to
their new environment and functions?
Answer: The student intern will be expected to participate in the L.E.A.P.S. Internship Orientation Program, which will be conducted by the Program Coordinators and School District’s Facilitator. The orientation will provide the student with an overview of the organization, program, conduct and performance expectations. The student should be provided an opportunity to also participate in the departmental orientation and be provided an opportunity to spend time with other members of the staff to gain a broad understanding of the department/agency, including attending staff meetings, when possible. It is also beneficial to include other staff members in the responsibility of helping the intern experience a smooth and positive transition to the department/agency.
- Question: As a mentor, what type of orientation or training will I receive?
Answer: A special two-hour orientation designed specifically for L.E.A.P.S. Mentors will be arranged for you to attend, along with other department/agency mentors. Information regarding the program structure, evaluation and feedback process, and responsibilities will be shared. Additionally, it will also provide an excellent opportunity to share ideas and recommendations to help mentors jump start to a successful program.
- Question: Who should be contacted if there are Question:s or concerns about the program or
student intern?
Answer: The Program Coordinators are available to provide support and guidance, respond to Question:s or concerns, and to assist in creating a meaningful and fun learning experience for the department/agency and the student. Additionally, department/agency mentors will be contacted regularly by a Program Coordinator to gather feedback regarding how the internship experience is going and to offer additional support, if needed.
- Question: How will feedback be provided to the intern and how often?
Answer: The student intern will be given informal feedback (discussions) on a weekly basis and more formal feedback (in written form) on a schedule that corresponds to the school district’s academic calendar. Mentors will meet the school district’s facilitator to review assessments and assign grades.
- Question: Are the program opportunities established as paid or unpaid internships?
Answer: Although the internship programs are intended to be an enhancement to the classroom learning experience, the students are often excited about the opportunity to contribute to the workplace and earn an income while they learn. However, this determination is at the discretion of the hiring department/agency and is typically based upon budget capabilities. Students are made aware prior to submitting their applications that the internship may be paid or unpaid. For information on alternative options for meeting the expectations of both the student and department/agency, please contact a Program Coordinator.
Student Requirements & Qualifications: For L.E.A.P.S.
- Senior High School Student
- Demonstrates excellent academic (3.0 or higher GPA) and behavioral performance
- Good communication (oral and written), and interpersonal skills
- Demonstrates maturity and responsibility
- Self-directed/proactive/organized and able to manage time
- Available to enroll for two periods of the school day to volunteer for a minimum of 10 hours per week
- Skills, training and availability must match the identified requirements for positions available
- Office and computer skills
- Ability to work independently and as a team
Student Requirements & Qualifications: For Victims Assistance
- Must provide own transportation
- Must not have a criminal history
- Agree to police clearance check
- All references will be checked
- Commitment to confidentiality
Selection Process:
- Submit a resume, transcript and application to your career counselor
- Applications from the most qualified applicants will be reviewed by Johnson County Government Human Resources
- Applicants who fulfill the qualifications and requirements are subject to an interview and perhaps participation.
Educational Opporunities:
- Meeting Facilitation
- Myers-Briggs Training
- Resume Writing/Interviewing Skills
- Business Writing/Email Etiquette
- Conflict Resolution
- Time Management
- Giving and Receiving Feedback
Potential Career Areas:
- Administrative & Office Support
- Cultural & Recreational Service
- Economic Development
- Environmental & Infrastructure
- Executive Management
- Information Technology
- Legal Services
- Public Records
- Public Safety & Court Services
Participating Departments/Agencies and Assignments:
- District Attorney - Victim's Assistance
- Process notification packets to all victims at first appearance stage.
- Advise victim by mail or telephone of "no conact" orders
- Provide compassionate treatment of crime victims by working with experienced staff
- Make telephone contact with victims in reference to impact statements from D.A.'s office
- Notify victims of all court dates, such as hearings and sentencing
- Disseminate information to victims regarding referrals after assessment of need
- Supply on-going information of case status to victims
- Serve as a liaison with other community resources
- Provide information and referrals to victims
- Accompany victims to court
- Human Resources
- Wastewater
- Sheriff's Office
- Office of Financial Management
- ORACLE
- Parks & Recreation
- Appraiser's Office
- District Court Trustee
FAQs for Students and Parents:
- Question: What kind of interaction will there be between the mentor and intern to ensure the
mentoring process is being implemented?
Answer: The mentor and intern will interact frequently and as needed to discuss projects, mutual expectations, and needs. Specifically, the mentor will provide direction and guidance to the intern and will be available to assist the intern with Question:s or problems. The intern will be expected to bring ideas, suggestions, and Question:s to the mentor. Ultimately, the mentor and intern will both play an important role in creating a meaningful and fun learning experience for the student and the department.
- Question: What types of activities are planned to orient the intern for their new environment and
functions?
Answer: The student will have the opportunity to participate in the County’s new employee
orientation as well as a departmental orientation. The student will spend time with other members of the staff to gain a broad understanding of the department. All staff will have responsibility for helping the intern experience a smooth and positive transition to the department.
- Question: How will feedback be provided to the intern and how often?
Answer: The student will be given informal feedback (discussions) on a weekly basis and more formal feedback (in written form) on a schedule that corresponds to the school district’s academic calendar. Mentors will meet with the school district facilitator to review assessments and assign grades.
- Question: Will the intern have an opportunity to work in a team environment or be included on
team projects/assignments?
Answer: The intern will work in a team environment and depending upon the student’s schedule
and availability, he/she will participate in weekly departmental meetings as well as team meetings.
- Question: What type of career opportunities will the student’s experience prepare them for?
Answer: The student will be exposed to various aspects of local government which will be beneficial in pursuing a public service career.
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This page last updated: August 9, 2006
