AmeriCorps Site Coordinator, LIFT-Philadelphia

Posted by on July 30, 2012

SITE COORDINATOR/AMERICORPS*NATIONAL DIRECT MEMBER
Philadelphia, PA

Our Mission and Vision
LIFT’s mission is to combat poverty and expand opportunity for all people in the United States. We envision a day when all people in our country will have the opportunity to achieve economic security and pursue their life goals.

Our Organization
LIFT currently runs centers staffed by trained volunteers in Boston, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and Washington, DC, to serve low-income individuals and families. LIFT clients and volunteers work one-on-one to find jobs, secure safe and stable housing, make ends meet through public benefits and tax credits, and obtain quality referrals for services like childcare and healthcare. Simultaneously, the LIFT experience pushes volunteers to grapple with our country’s most challenging issues related to poverty, race, inequality, and policy. Since LIFT’s founding, over 6,000 volunteers have served more than 40,000 individuals and families.

About the Position
LIFT-Philadelphia is seeking driven and independent leaders to serve as Site Coordinators/AmeriCorps Members. We look for individuals who are passionate about community development and who will embody and carry out LIFT’s mission to combat poverty and expand opportunity.

Site Coordinators will work directly with LIFT clients to provide a wide spectrum of social services. They will also recruit, train, and manage university student volunteers to provide these client services, and will manage the day-to-day operations of the local site. Additionally, Site Coordinators will build and strengthen partnerships with community and university organizations. They will work with at least one other Site Coordinator/AmeriCorps Member at LIFT-Philadelphia and will report to the LIFT-Philadelphia Program Manager.

The position is a two year commitment. The two years of service will begin August 2012 and end in August 2014.

Specific Responsibilities Include:
– Recruit and manage volunteer corps
– Provide client service trainings and other related trainings to student volunteer corps
– Coordinate delivery of client services at LIFT office
– Oversee and supervise volunteer delivery of client services
– Work one-on-one with low-income community members to find jobs, secure safe and stable housing, enroll in public benefits and tax credits, and obtain referrals for services like childcare and healthcare
– Directly supervise two to five university student directors
– Build and strengthen partnerships with community and university partners
– Participate in meetings and trainings that address local and national poverty issues
– Assist with communications and fundraising initiatives as needed

Requirements:

· Commitment to LIFT’s mission and core values.
· All majors and career interests are encouraged to apply. Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree and have demonstrated a commitment to community service.
· Prior experience working with low-income communities is preferred.
· Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
· Proficiency in Spanish is a plus, but not a requirement.
· Ability to thrive in the start-up environment of a fast-growing, entrepreneurial organization. This involves flexibility, creativity, ability to take initiative, and a commitment to being a team player.
· Willingness to work some weekends and evenings.

Compensation:

· Living Allowance: LIFT is currently a member of AmeriCorps, the national service network. Through this relationship, Site Coordinators will be given a living stipend of approximately $15,120/year from the Corporation for National and Community Service.
· Education Award/Stipend: Upon completion of the year of service, Site Coordinators will be eligible to receive a $5,350 education award at the end of each year of service ($10,700 over the two years), which may be used to pay back qualified student loans or for future education.
· Housing: Site Coordinators will receive a $200 monthly housing stipend from LIFT in their first year of service and will receive a $400 monthly housing stipend in their 2nd year with LIFT. (This will be added to the living allowance).
· Health Care: Full health care coverage provided, including dental.
· Other Benefits: As long as the individual has not previously served as an AmeriCorps Member, s/he is eligible to receive loan forbearance on qualified student loans during her/his term of service.

How to Apply to LIFT-Philadelphia
Please email a resume and thoughtful cover letter, both in Microsoft Word format, addressed to LIFT-Philadelphia, Gina Gendusa, Program Manager at rgendusa@liftcommunities.org. Please outline how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position and state how you heard about this opportunity. Please list in the subject line of your e-mail which position you are applying for. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

LIFT believes that diversity in all dimensions of the organization supports and bolsters the innovative thinking essential to its success. LIFT does not make hiring decisions on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, age, disability, religion, political affiliation, or ideology.