Family Promise is seeking a full-time (1,700 hours) AmeriCorps member that is motivated, driven, and interested in committing to a full year of service with homeless families in the Grand Rapids area. Family Promise is an organization the goal of finding permanent safe and affordable housing for families with children when faced with an emergency housing crisis.
As a full time AmeriCorps member you will:
- Work with the case manager to provide assistance to the client in securing safe and affordable housing.
- Work with the case manager and the client to identify resources other than housing including but not limited to - health care resources, benefits, childcare and employment. This includes generating a comprehensive resource list for our clients.
- Collaborate with the Grand Valley State University Masters of Social Work (MSW) interns to integrate the new phase of the mentorship program into the Grand Rapids community.
- Work with the volunteer coordinator to recruit, train and supervise volunteers and volunteer projects related to housing services and housing sustainability.
- Help to educate the clients in the Interfaith Hospitality Network program in financial literacy through working with the financial literacy volunteer to create a more in depth program that includes resources and measurable results.
- Attend housing and homeless coalition meetings to create positive relationships and bring the knowledge gained back to the family promise community.
- Attend an AmeriCorps Orientation in Lansing and have the opportunity to attend other statewide events throughout the year.
- Submit bi-weekly timesheets and quarterly reports to the AmeriCorps Program Director
Full-time members receive a variety of benefits including a $12,100 living stipend, loan forbearance, health and dental insurance and a $5,350 education award when the term of service has been successfully completed through the AmeriCorps program. Full time members may also be eligible for child care through the AmeriCorps program. Travel to AmeriCorps related events is covered by the AmeriCorps program.
In order to be considered for the position, candidates must be a U.S. citizen or national, or a lawful permanent resident of the United States. Candidates must also be able to pass and FBI criminal history check and must be able to arrange reliable transportation to and from service to the statewide AmeriCorps trainings. Other necessary skills for the position include:
- At least two years of college or comparable work experience; Bachelors degree preferred.
- Some knowledge of the homeless population in Grand Rapids, especially regarding families.
- A firm commitment to a full year of service.
- Strong verbal, written and computer skills.
- Flexibility and the ability prioritize tasks in a changing environment
- Willingness to work with a diverse population and desire to help families succeed.
Our offices are located within our day center and we interact with our clients on a regular basis, so the AmeriCorps member must possess the desire to work in that environment.
The AmeriCorps Position will start on October 24, 2011 and end on October 19, 2012.
If you are interested in this position please send a cover letter and resume to: katie@familypromisegr.org or fax to (616) 475-5286
If you would like more information about Family Promise of Grand Rapids please contact Family Promise of Grand Rapids at (616) 475–5220.
For more information about AmeriCorps, visit www.americorps.gov