AmeriCorps Member Position Description

Position Title: AmeriCorps Member

Position Type: [Full-Time or Half-Time]

Duration of Term:

 

Reports to (daily): AmeriCorps Host Site Supervisor

Reports to (overall):  MCAH Program Directors

 

Program Objectives:

The Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness AmeriCorps Program will support service providers by increasing their capacity to offer assistance and services to homeless and at-risk individuals and families. As an overall program, AmeriCorps members in the program provide direct, comprehensive services to those experiencing or at-risk of homelessness in order to bring those individuals under the scope of services, assist with increasing self-sufficiency in the areas of income, life skills, and employment, and assist with obtaining/maintaining employment. Members will fulfill their specific positions, based on the needs of their host site organization, to contribute toward this increased capacity to serve their communities more efficiently and effectively. 

 

Classification:

According to the National and Community Service Act of 1990, AmeriCorps members are not considered employees of the agency where they serve, nor are they employees of the program or the federal government. As such, members cannot engage in activities performed by employees of the host agency or otherwise displace employees.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

*Select the position (from 1, 2, and 3 below) which you are applying for and remove the descriptions for the other positions. If interested in multiple positions, create a separate position description for each position. Please update the following categories to appropriately reflect the duties of your AmeriCorps member. Add and subtract as necessary, but do not remove any text in red*

 

(1) Outreach Specialist Position

 

  • Conduct intakes for the MSHMIS screen process
  • Maintain regular contact with other local service providers to make appropriate referrals for clients
  • Provide housing information and access to services to those on the streets and not engaged in care
  • Link/coordinate with resource specialists for housing resources
  • Gather and disperse food and clothing donations to clients
  • Link and provide information to mainstream services and benefits (Medicaid, SSI/SSDI, Section 8, TANF, etc.)
  • Generate information materials for clients, such as newsletters/pamphlets/etc.
  • Provide follow-up services to outreach clients

 

(2) Housing Search and Information Specialist Position 

  • Assist with intakes to assess the housing needs of that client
  • Address housing barriers for the client
  • Create/update lists of available housing for the clients to choose from
  • Connect clients with necessary funds to pay for security deposits, rental fees, or utility payments
  • Maintain/develop relationships with local landlords
  • Receive training for/conduct Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and other housing inspections
  • Assist with independent living skills support related to addressing income and housing stabilization needs
  • Gather and disperse food and clothing donations to clients
  • Facilitate delivery of needed household items to clients who receive housing 
  • Generate information materials for clients, such as newsletters/pamphlets/etc.
  • Provide follow-up support services as needed

 

(3) Resource Generation and Management Specialist Position 

  • Network with employers to create access to employment opportunities
  • Support clients with job searches
  • Assist with resume writing, help with filling out employment applications
  • Provide linkages to GED, education, and other skilled trade programs
  • Work to create employer mentorship programs
  • Seek out employers/organizations who would be willing to assist at the agency for income and/or employment readiness
  • Work with clients to help balance budgets, create sustainable living plans
  • Teach life skills classes related to income and budgeting
  • Provide information to clients related to other income sources (TANF, Medicaid, SSI, etc.)
  • Assist clients with applications to mainstream benefits or refer to case manager
  • Seek to establish a certified MI-BRIDGES portal
  • Connect clients with additional necessary resources 
  • Gather and disperse food and clothing donations to clients
  • Generate information materials for clients, such as newsletters/pamphlets/etc
  • Provide follow-up services to clients as needed

 

Training:

Members are expected to participate in program and host site trainings throughout the service year, as scheduled and requested by the program. Basic training events will include member orientation, mid-year training, and end-year training. The program will also schedule various member conference calls and webinar topics. Host sites will be responsible for conducting an initial on-site orientation and training, as well as provided necessary continued training related to the service activities and professional development. For program-held training events, members will be provided the date and details at least three weeks in advance. 

 

Restrictions: 

No more than 20 percent of the member’s total time can be spent on fundraising or training activities. 

 

Principal Working Relationships: 

  • Host Site Supervisor 
  • AmeriCorps Program Directors 

 

Minimum Qualifications:

    • Be at least 18 years of age
    • Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or a lawful, permanent resident of the U.S. and provide a copy of a birth certificate, passport or permanent resident card to prove citizenship
    • Have completed of some college or comparable work experience
    • Must be able to complete a full term of service (one year)
  • Pass the following criminal history checks in accordance with MCAH’s National Service Criminal History Check policy: State of Michigan, State of Residence (if applicable), FBI fingerprinting, and National Sex Offender Public Registry
  • Have a car or can arrange reliable transportation to and from service site, multiple mandatory training sessions in Lansing, and travel on behalf of site
  • Possess proficiency with word processing software and email
  • Be able to interact respectfully with individuals from diverse socio-economic backgrounds

COMPENSATION:

  • A stipend totaling $19,000 for FT or $10,059 for HT, paid bi-weekly over the course of the service year
  • Upon successful completion of the term, an education award, $6,895 for FT or $3,447.50 for HT, which can be used towards qualified student loans
  • Health insurance, provided for by the program, for full time members only

 

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