AmeriCorps Member Service Fellow, LIFT-Philadelphia

Posted by LIFT on December 15, 2014

Moving out of poverty is difficult. LIFT Member Service Fellows work to lift families out of poverty – for good.

LIFT takes a people-powered approach to fighting poverty: A network of Community Members, Advocates and Advisors work together to build the strong personal, social and financial foundations people need to get ahead. We have resource centers in neighborhoods in Boston, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and Los Angeles, where trained volunteers work with families to find a decent job, safe housing or a good education for themselves or their kids. Since LIFT’s founding, over 12,000 volunteers have served nearly 100,000 individuals and families. For more information, please visit www.liftcommunities.org.

POSITION SUMMARY

Member Service Fellows meet daily with 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. Member Service Fellows build strong, ongoing relationships with community members, inspiring community members’ confidence and skills to manage tough times. Member Service Fellows are also responsible for identifying new resources for members, as well as inspiring more members to access LIFT’s services in order to strengthen outcomes for the entire community.

Member Service Fellows may share some responsibilities for supporting LIFT’s robust volunteer Advocate base by answering questions and concerns, leading debriefs, and coaching Advocates, as requested by the management team.

LIFT sites typically operate from 9 am-5 pm, Monday – Friday. Member Service Fellows receive comprehensive training when they join LIFT, as well as ongoing professional development opportunities throughout their term of service

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Commitment to LIFT’s mission and core values
• Successful completion of Criminal Background Check
• BA/BS strongly preferred; all majors and career interests are encouraged to apply
• US Citizen or Permanent US Resident (AmeriCorps requirement)
• Demonstrated commitment to community service and prior experience working with low-income communities is preferred
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
• Excellent time-management skills and ability to prioritize and multi-task
• Ability to thrive in the start-up environment of a fast-growing, entrepreneurial organization; must have flexibility, creativity, ability to take initiative, and a commitment to being a team player
• Sense of humor
• Proficiency in Spanish is a plus in all offices, though not required
• Willingness to work some weekends, evenings

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

This position is part of the AmeriCorps service program. As an AmeriCorps member, you will serve your community through LIFT, and receive a modest living stipend of $16,394 (if starting July 1, 2015) during your term, as well as full health, dental, and vision benefits.

Upon successful completion of your service term, you are eligible for an education award of approximately $5,645, to be used for college, trade school or other educational expenses, including qualified federal loans. AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for student loan forbearance; see the AmeriCorps website for more information.

http://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps/segal-americorps-education-award

http://www.idealist.org/view/job/XfKPfWH5WZ5P/