Life Skills and Education Access AmeriCorps

JOB SUMMARY
Salt Lake County's Most Vulnerable Populations AmeriCorps Program focuses on reducing systematic inequities in housing stability. AmeriCorps members are selected to provide direct service to individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

What is AmeriCorps: AmeriCorps is a voluntary civil society program supported by the U.S. federal government, foundations, corporations, and other donors by engaging adults in public service work, with a goal of helping others and meeting critical needs in the community. "The program is often seen as the domestic Peace Corps.”
Members commit to full-time positions of completing 1700 hours or part-time completing 900 hours during a 12-month contract.

"Getting it Done" the Duties:
AmeriCorps members are placed in community agencies who serve individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness, at risk of homelessness, fleeing or attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking. Or were recently homeless or have a high risk of housing instability. Our members help bridge the gap and reduce barriers by assisting our community to aid in the goal to make homelessness in Utah rare, brief, and non-recurring. Members assist in activities such as housing placement, job placement, system navigation, and volunteer recruitment.

Location (Sub-sites):
Members are placed throughout the community in a network of nonprofit community organizations and public agencies, to fulfill assignments in reducing barriers for vulnerable populations. For the 2023 grant year we are partnered with the following agencies: International Rescue Committee, The Road Home, and Salt Lake County Homeless Services. All positions are direct-service, remote work is not available. Members will serve under the direction of case management teams.

TRAINING
Members will participate in agency training activities to increase their knowledge, skills, and abilities for delivering client services. Attend AmeriCorps training sessions and participate with AmeriCorps service projects. Members will experience personal growth including professional skill development and work experiences.

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., the IRC resettles approximately 11,000 refugees per year and provides numerous program services to assist the refugee from their arrival through citizenship. The IRC in Salt Lake City (IRC SLC) 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.  

IRC SLC Placement Service Overview:
Under the supervision of the Adult Education Coordinator the Life Skills and Education Access AmeriCorps member will provide support for newly arrived refugee and new American adults learning to navigate their community, move towards their educational goals, and meaningfully engage in positive integration. This includes supporting volunteer recruitment and training as for Cultural Orientation (CO) training to refugee and new Americans with the goals of providing the information necessary for them to successfully navigate available services, their local community, and broader US society and to promote cross-cultural understanding while encouraging clients’ positive psychosocial adjustment. The member will also coordinate individualized education and career readiness intake and co-create development plans with resettled adults; address common barriers to equitable access of educational opportunities (e.g. childcare); and strengthening community partnerships in Salt Lake County to support educational access, specifically for English language acquisition, advanced education, and/or technical training.

Major Responsibilities 
Work with clients to identify education and career pathways based on their educational, experience, and interests in individualized development plans in coordination with IRC SLC’s employment services program that help lead adults to a degree or credentials necessary for pursuing their goals. Support the implementation of monthly CO trainings including the dissemination of the ongoing training schedule to clients, staff, and external partners, secure in-person interpretation, and prepare training materials.

Recruit, train, and manage volunteers to assist with childcare support that will enable refugee woman’s participation in programming, specifically IRC’s Cultural Orientation
Coordinate a continuum of adult education referrals internal and external to IRC SLC, including job readiness training, English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, financial literacy and coaching, health promotion and access, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship courses.
Participate in all staff meetings, trainings, office support, reception coverage and other duties as assigned.  

Participate in all program meetings and staff development activities.
Comply with all policies and protocols of the agency.
Satisfy recordkeeping and reporting requirements.

Establish working relationships with clients, co-workers, and other professionals.
Work independently as well as collaboratively.
Provide constructive feedback to clients. Maintain client confidentiality.
Display cultural competency, appreciation, compassion and understanding for the needs of clients.
 Open to work occasional evenings and weekends if requested.

 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must pass an FBI Criminal Background Check
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• High School Diploma or GED. *Some or College degree in social services a plus!
• Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• Must have a current Driver's License and Auto Insurance.
• Computer Programs (i.e., Microsoft Office, Google Docs)
• Able to work with computer software related to job specific duties.
• Able to operate standard office equipment.
• Relevant professional experience in human services field required; minimum of 1 years’ experience strongly preferred.

Demonstrated Skills & Competencies:
Demonstrated ability to promote an organizational culture that reflects IRC’s core values of service, accountability, integrity, and equality. Ability to lead in a way that recognizes that IRC’s work is best accomplished through the true collaboration of individuals from many cultures with a great variety of skills and perspectives.
Strong relationship building, diplomacy, and networking skills; ability to effectively build internal and external relationships.
Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to prioritize and manage time effectively.
Attention to detail and accuracy in work product.
Fluent in English, both spoken and written; proficiency in Dari, Pashto, Arabic, Kinyarwanda or Kiswahili spoken by client group is desired.
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook); ability to use the internet and other digital tools for data entry, research, and problem-solving purposes.
Valid driver’s license and access to a personal, insured vehicle.
Working Environment:
A combination of standard office environment, remote work, and ‘field’ time within the service delivery area to perform the above outlined responsibilities.
May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.
Other Information
Member Living Allowance on a bi-weekly schedule.
Education Award upon completion of Term of Service.
Health Insurance Reimbursement to qualified Members.
Childcare assistance for qualified Members.

IRC SLC’s COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires new hires to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for any in-office or hybrid positions.  All IRC US offices require full vaccination to attend any in-office functions (e.g., meetings, trainings).

IRC SLC is Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity.  We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal. 

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.