AmeriCorps Construction Crew Leader, Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia

Posted by on May 30, 2011

Construction Crew Leader (AmeriCorps Member), Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia

Posted on: May 20, 2011

Background:

Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia is an independently chartered affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI), a nonprofit organization that seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world, and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. Locally, Habitat Philadelphia is on a mission to transform lives and our city by building quality homes in partnership with families in need, and uniting all Philadelphians around the cause of affordable housing.

Description:

AmeriCorps Construction Crew Leaders will work with volunteers and partner families to build homes and engage the community in the work that Habitat Philadelphia does. Members will lead small groups of volunteers in a variety of tasks, working on new construction homes as well as rehab homes. Members will be oriented and educated on the affordable housing crisis in Philadelphia so that they are able to engage in meaningful conversations with those volunteers. They will not only help to build homes for the families we work with, but they will help to build advocacy within the Philadelphia community. Our Construction Crew Leaders are integral to our goals of building more homes and building better neighborhoods and communities throughout the City.

Member Duties & Responsibilities:

Construction Crew Leaders will be trained on and aid in the construction and rehabilitation of homes
Ensure that volunteers are well-employed while on the construction site
Maintain site safety and help with materials management at the warehouse and on site
Assist with hands-on construction tasks and lead small groups of volunteers
Follow safety guidelines and model proper safety for volunteers
Arrive on time, ready to serve
Members may get the opportunity to assist in planning for projects with the direction of their supervisor.

Service Week: generally Tuesday-Saturday 7:30am-4:00pm
Our ten-month position as a Full-Time AmeriCorps Member requires:

Ability to serve full-time from September 2011 to July 2012.
Understand the Habitat for Humanity philosophy and have the desire to promote it
High school diploma/GED or technical school
Good communication skills
Ability to serve well with a diverse group of people, and an understanding of the difference between “doing for” and “doing with”
You must desire to provide needed community services to an under-served community while receiving the following benefits: a living allowance of $11,000-$12,000 for the service term and monthly grocery gift card or SEPTA pass, an education award of $5,500 upon successful completion of term of service, loan forbearance w/ interest accrual payment, and health benefits.
We would prefer if the member also has experience as a volunteer and a valid driver’s license
Construction experience is helpful, but not required.

Physical requirements for this position:

Ability to lift at least 50 lbs. on a regular basis
Ability to work in varying weather conditions – sites are often not heated during winter and not air-conditioned during summer
Ability to be on one’s feet for extended periods of time

Interested applicants should send the following via mail, e-mail or fax:

Letter of Interest (why do you want to work at Habitat Philadelphia?)
Resume
List of three references

Attn: Meghan Tidwell, Director of Family Services
Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia
1829 N. 19th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19121
Telephone: (215) 765-6000, x13
Fax: (215) 765-6002
Email: meghant@habitatphiladelphia.org