Construction Crew Leader (AmeriCorps Member), Habitat for Humanity

Posted by on May 14, 2012

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

Posted on: April 26, 2012

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:

Our Construction Crew Leaders are integral to our goals of building more homes and building better neighborhoods and communities throughout the City. During their term of service, Construction Crew Leaders will work with volunteers and partner families to build homes and engage the community in Habitat Philadelphia’s mission. Members will lead small groups of volunteers in a wide variety of construction tasks on both rehabbed and new-construction 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 volunteers. Thus they will not only help to build homes in partnership with our partner families; they will also help to foster the community’s understanding of the housing crisis that faces Philadelphia.

Service Week:

Generally Tuesday-Saturday, 7:30am-4:00pm

Member Duties & Responsibilities:

Assist with hands-on construction tasks in rehab and new-construction homebuilding projects.

Lead small groups of volunteers, ensuring that they are well-employed while on the construction site.

Maintain site safety and help with materials management on site and at the affiliate warehouse..

Use volunteer management techniques to facilitate positive experiences for volunteers and partner families working on site; collaborate with construction staff to identify skilled/enthusiastic volunteers and cultivate their involvement in Habitat’s work.

Attend regular safety trainings with our construction staff; model safety guidelines and practices when leading volunteers.

Arrive on time and ready to serve, and promote the mission, goals and values of the AmeriCorps program.

Depending on construction schedules, interest, and previous experience, members may have the opportunity to assist in planning for projects with the
direction of their supervisor.

Complete all AmeriCorps paperwork and reporting requirements in a timelymanner.

Position Requirements:

Understand the Habitat philosophy, and possess the desire to promote it

High school diploma, GED or technical school degree

Good communication skills

Ability to work with a variety of people

An understanding of the difference between “doing for” and “doing with”

We prefer that the candidate have previous experience as a volunteer

A valid driver’s license, with no serious driving-related convictions or at-fault accidents is preferred

Construction experience is helpful but not required

Attendance at meetings, trainings and events required by Habitat for Humanity International and by Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia

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 work on ladders and heights of up to two-stories
Ability to be on one’s feet for extended periods of time

Compensation and Benefits:

Although listed as a job, an AmeriCorps position is not technically employment; it is a year spent serving the community. Members must have the desire to work with an underserved community, and receive the following benefits:

A living allowance of $11,000 – $12,000 for the 10 ½ -month service term;
A monthly grocery gift card or SEPTA Transpass;
An education award of $5,550 upon successful completion of the term of service;
Health benefits through AmeriCorps’health insurance carrier;
Educational loan forbearance with interest accrual payments.

Other:

This position is 10 ½ months (1700 hours), and lasts from September 2012 to July 2013. Before applying, make sure you thoroughly understand the AmeriCorps program (its goals, requirements, benefits, etc.). You can learn more on the AmeriCorps website.

http://www.americorps.gov/Default.asp

Benefits

For full description, visit the AmeriCorps benefits page.

http://www.americorps.gov/for_individuals/benefits/index.asp

http://www.idealist.org/view/job/t9xgZtBsgCH4/