AmeriCorps

AmeriCorps
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Baton Rouge partners with AmeriCorps to further its mission of eliminating poverty housing.  AmeriCorps is funded by a federal grant given by the Corporation for National and Community Service, an independent federal agency whose mission is to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering.

AmeriCorps members spend a year of service constructing homes and assisting staff members in day to day operations.  AmeriCorps members serve a minimum of 1700 hours full time in areas ranging from construction to volunteer management and family services.  For more information regarding the AmeriCorps program, visit www.americorps.gov.

While in service, AmeriCorps members receive a living allowance, housing stipend, and insurance to cover the basic costs of living.  Upon successful completion of a term of service, AmeriCorps members receive an education award to help pay off school loans or further education.  Opportunities are available to adults age 18 or older who possess a high school diploma or GED. Previous construction, community service and/or leadership experience is helpful but not required for acceptance into this program.

HFHFGBR is currently hiring for the following AmeriCorps positions.  Please apply at http://www.habitat.org/hr/americorps.aspx or contact [ Jason ]  for more information.  

Family Service Assistant (National Direct)
The Family Services Assistant will provide essential support to our partner families to ensure their success as future homeowners.  The member will assist applicants through the application process, he/she will assist with the required education courses, and he/she will work with partner families on the construction site as they complete their sweat equity hours.

Specific duties and responsibilities for this position:  
• Assist in marketing and outreach for homeowner applicants
• Assist in the entry of applications
• Assist homeowners during on-site construction projects and other outdoor projects
• Assist in preparation of Sweat Equity Assemblies/Meetings
• Assist in preparation of Homebuyer Education Workshops
• Maintain consistent and timely records of sweat equity hours for families
• Schedule and attend home visits with families
• Willingness to work evening and weekend hours when deemed necessary
• Inquire on a frequent basis with Construction Dept. and other resources to determine sites and locations homeowners may attend to work toward sweat equity hours
• Assist homeowners in determining where sweat equity hours may be obtained during any given day and/or week by calling homeowners to inform
• Assist with on-site volunteer management and construction as needed and directed by supervisor

Education, Experience, Knowledge & Skills Required:  
• Social service training and/or experience
• Basic understanding of personal financial management principles
• Ability to interact with individuals and families experiencing situational crises
• Positive and professional attitude
• Flexibility of scheduling
• Basic computer and math skills

Physical Requirements to Perform Duties:
• Able to use standard office equipment
• Able to interact with the public, including use of telephone
• Able to lift (up to 20 pounds)

Construction Specialist (National Direct)  
The Construction Specialists will learn and develop skills relating to all aspects of construction according to HFHGBR’s standards while leading volunteers on the construction site.  By leading and teaching construction skills to local volunteers, the member will aid in the development of our skilled volunteer base which will help us to meet our goal of building 25 houses during the 2010-2011 term.  
Specific duties and responsibilities:
• Learn basic residential construction according to HFHGBR standards
• Assist Construction Director and site supervisors in completion of construction tasks
• Assist in training and leading volunteers in specific on-site construction skills
• Determine and prepare for daily construction tasks
• Manage tools and building materials
• Ensure worksite safety and positive volunteer experience
• Assist with on-site volunteer management, including hospitality and family services as needed

Education, Experience, Knowledge & Skills Required:
• Experience in residential construction preferred, but not required
• Basic knowledge of power and hand tools (training available)
• Positive and professional attitude
• Ability to interact with the public, including use of telephone
• Ability to lead, support, and work with HFH volunteers and homeowners
• Willingness to learn
• Flexibility of scheduling
• Able to work weekends and extended hours as needed
• Basic computer and math skills

Physical Requirements to Perform Duties:
• Able to lift (up to 40 pounds)
• Able to use hand and power tools
• Able to climb a ladder and work in elevated spaces