PURPOSE AND SCOPE:
This is an 11 month, full-time (40 hours/week) position as a member of the Volunteer Maryland (VM) AmeriCorps program serving as a Volunteer Coordinator at Montgomery County Aging and Disability Services. Volunteer Maryland AmeriCorps Members, ACM’s, are responsible for building capacity and developing and implementing a volunteer program as agreed to in the VM site partnership negotiations that occurred in spring, 2021. The member’s activities will target increasing the Service Site’s effectiveness, efficiencies and/or expand the Service Sites reach or scope. The outcome will be an increase in capacity for the Service Site to serve their identified community. The VM service year will begin on September 15, 2021 and conclude on August 2, 2022; Volunteer Coordinators are expected to complete 1,700 hours of service during the term.
SITE SPECIFIC PROJECT SCOPE:
The Volunteer Maryland AmeriCorps Member will aim to recruit and train at least fifteen Spanish speaking volunteer leaders who will be a part of our Village Development Program – Long Branch Hispanic Outreach. The VM member will plan and execute community outreach to Hispanic older adults who reside in the Long Branch community with the mission of finding local leaders who can plan and organize a Spanish speaking “village” (a local community organization that is led by volunteers to help people age at home) which will reduce social isolation of older adults, increase access to resources and improve health outcomes.
The AmeriCorps Member will work with staff to create community outreach strategies, community needs assessment, evaluation process & documents, policies & procedures manual, recruitment materials orientation and training materials, and volunteer recognition plan.
BENEFITS:
VM AmeriCorps members receive a living stipend of $16,000 (pending funding), health insurance if they are not already covered. They may also qualify for a child care allowance. Other benefits include mileage reimbursement for site-related travel, student loan deferment, professional training, valuable networking opportunities, working with a dedicated team of AmeriCorps members and staff, and making a real difference in a local community. After completion of a successful service year, members receive an education award of $6,495 through the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award- CNCS. May access over 600 national service employees through AmeriCorps Alumni services. Some members may qualify for Public Service Lean Forgiveness, per Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-public-service-loan-forgiveness-en-641/
DUTIES:
- Develop a written work plan and timeline for implementation.
- Recruit volunteer leaders. Outreach methods may include: presentations to faith, business, and/or community groups; staffing information booths at community events; and utilizing the media.
- Train volunteer leaders on community organizing strategies, volunteer recruitment, event planning and nonprofit start up.
- Screen volunteers as necessary; procedures might include interviews, reference checks, and criminal background checks.
- Document the community organizing efforts, its challenges and successes.
- Develop and facilitate orientation and training for volunteers.
- Support volunteers; develop and implement recognition activities for volunteers such as special events, awards, gifts, etc.
- Maintain accurate records of volunteer participation.
- Evaluate progress made in achieving the program’s goals; report on progress in statistical and narrative reports for Volunteer Maryland.
- Develop community partnerships to support the volunteer program.
- Serve as public ambassador for the Service Site, Volunteer Maryland, and AmeriCorps.
- Participate in VM and AmeriCorps training, service projects, and other activities.
ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS:
- To serve as a Volunteer Maryland AmeriCorps member, an individual must:
- be at least 17 years of age
- have a high school diploma or its equivalent
- be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States;
- satisfy the national service criminal history check
- of the national sex-offender registry
- state repository check (Maryland and state of residence),
- and FBI fingerprint check;
- complete pre-service training requirements
SKILLS, ATTITUDES & ABILITIES NECESSARY:
- Skilled at taking initiative, problem solving, and working independently, to be able to develop and implement a volunteer program.
- Skilled at building interpersonal relationships, to work effectively as part of a team (at the Service Site and with their cohort), and to manage volunteers.
- Strong verbal skills, to communicate effectively with staff, volunteers, and community groups.
- Skilled at written communication, to develop program materials and reports.
- Committed to the concept of national service and to making a difference in his/her community.
- Basic computer literacy, to be able to produce program materials and track volunteer hours.
- Have own, or have access to, transportation to and from VM trainings, events, and Service Site-related activities.
- Able to respond to organizational change productively and maintain positive attitude.
- Have an open mindset and focus on possibilities thinking.
HOURS:
Volunteer Maryland AmeriCorps Members are required to serve approximately 40 hours each week. The office hours will be 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. May serve evenings and weekends. Schedule is flexible as long as you are serving 40 hours per week. Volunteer Maryland training days are typically 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
LOCATION:
The AmeriCorps Members’ office will be located at TESS Center (8513 Piney Branch Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20901) as primary location and HHS main building at 401 Hungerford, Rockville as secondary. VM training locations will be held at locations throughout Maryland.
For more information and to apply:
Email: pazit.aviv@montgomerycountymd.gov
Please include a cover letter and resume.