Early and Crisis Housing for Women and Families AmeriCorps

IRC Background:

Founded in 1933, the IRC is a leading nonsectarian, voluntary organization providing relief, protection and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. In the U.S.; IRC provides assistance to refugees resettling here through 25 offices operating in 16 states. IRC resettles approximately 12,000 refugees per year and provides numerous program services to assist the refugee from their arrival through citizenship. The IRC in Salt Lake City opened it office in 1994, and provides resettlement services through extended case management to newly arrived refugees for up to 24-months as well as over twenty different programs to educate and empower refugees. 

Job Overview:

Operation AmeriCorps is a national program where community members have the opportunity to serve in local nonprofits for one year helping to eliminate poverty. In return for service, members receive a living allowance and other benefits.

 The Early and Crisis Housing for Women and Families AmeriCorps position will focus efforts towards families and women in our housing access and resource acquisition program in the long term. The position will work with clients to maintain safe and healthy homes through personalized and educational home visits, assessments and liaising with caseworkers on needs and follow-up. This position will also provide logistical support in setting and new homes for refugee family arrivals. Another key component of this position is to provide support for victims of domestic violence to swiftly seek alternative safe housing and support services by connecting clients to resources that lead to the self-sufficiency path.

 This is a full time contract and commitment for the course of one year (12 months), with a minimum of 1700 hours of service. Upon successful completion of the contract, minimum hours and satisfactory fulfillment of your one (1) year contract, you would be eligible for an Education award of $6,345. You may use to either further your education or pay on a previously accrued qualifying Federal student loan(s).

 Also while serving as an Operation AmeriCorps member, if you have any qualifying Federal Student loans, they will may qualify for forbearance along with any taxes accrued, will be paid by the National Corporation (Trust) at the end of your 12 month contract. The full time position also has Health Care options available through RBI Insurance (subject to eligibility and costs to the member).

AmeriCorps BENEFITS:

Living Stipend of $18,850 split up and distributed over 12 months

Upon completion of one year (12 months) with a minimum commitment of 1700 hours of service, member is eligible for an Education Award of $6,345 to use for either further education or pay on previously accrued qualifying Federal student loan(s)

Qualifying Federal Student Loans may be eligible for forbearance

This position assists women who are at risk for homelessness in accessing skill-building resources and education towards livable wages. It also works with families to ensure that children have support and access to education thus guarding against intergenerational poverty and provides infrastructure for women to participate in skill building by providing outreach and childcare support.

Major Responsibilities:

·Instructing refugees on basics of household safety

·Conducting pre- and post-assessments, in coordination with current assessments, to determine needs and areas for improvement

·Liaising with caseworkers in regards to clients’ needs to be addressed

·Assisting clients with home maintenance requests and communicating with landlords

·Assisting with the coordination and implementation of on-site VITA program

·Providing housing support services to families and victims of domestic violence

·Providing logistical support in setting and new homes for refugee family arrivals

·Assisting clients with the Light Bulb Exchange program in some specific Zip Code areas