Better Tomorrows AmeriCorps

Posted by Better Tomorrows on August 14, 2017

Better Tomorrows provides case management services, social services coordination and community programming to low-income seniors living in affordable housing communities. Our AmeriCorps Senior Social Connectedness Program is designed to provide enhanced individual social support and reduce social isolation among seniors.

Position Summary

We are seeking highly dependable and mature individuals who a have a passion for helping to improve the quality of life for older adults, particularly those who face economic and other barriers. AmeriCorps members will provide non-medical program support, with a focus on facilitating increased social interaction for seniors who show indications of being socially isolated. AmeriCorps members will seek out a small (max 25) group of senior residents of a Better Tomorrows affordable housing community, for whom they will provide regular individual support as well as arrange social interaction and participation in community events. AmeriCorps members will also support Better Tomorrows’ efforts to assess the effectiveness of the program by conducting surveys of target resident communities and by documenting their interactions with residents.

Location

Opportunities are available in the following Pennsylvania locations:

• Philadelphia (Philadelphia County)
• Horsham (Montgomery County)
• Reading (Berks County) Warminster (Bucks County)
• Lehighton (Carbon County)

We look for members who:

• Enjoy providing quality of life improvements to older adults that otherwise have difficulty connecting with their community
• Have strong team building skills and are comfortable leading and/or being part of a team
• Thrive on self-management with minimal day-to-day guidance required

Responsibilities

• Each Better Tomorrows AmeriCorps member will provide support to older adult residents of affordable housing communities served by Better Tomorrows. General responsibilities include:
• One year of service beginning in August 2017 until August of 2018 the following year with an approximately 37.5 hour service week
• Assisting residents in maintaining independent, socially-engaged lifestyles
• Promoting the positive physical, emotional and psychological well-being of seniors
• Helping maintain a safe and supportive living environment for senior residents

Specific Duties

• Survey senior residents of the communities served by the program to determine residents’ needs and interests
• Engage residents served by the program with individual/one-to-one and group social interaction
• Observe and report any changes in the client’s mental, physical, or emotional condition or home situation to the AmeriCorps program manager or other appropriate staff
• Review, document and record program data gathered from prescribed assessments and program activities
• Participation in five scheduled Saturdays of Service throughout the year
• Optional participation in approved Extra Hours service/professional development opportunities

Benefits include:

• Opportunity to join a service-driven team and network with professionals and peers who share your interests and values
• $12,630 annual stipend
• Health insurance provided for the AmeriCorps Member
• Educational award of $5,815 upon successful completion of 1700 service hours
• Laptop computer to take with you after successful completion of 1700 service hours
• Professional development and leadership training
• Student Loan Forbearance (if eligible – Go to AmeriCorps.gov to see if your loan qualifies)
• Child care (if eligible)

Training:

• Members must attend pre-service orientation before they can perform service on-site
• Members will participate in professional development trainings, webinars and classes during their term of service

Required qualifications

• 17 years of age or older
• U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident
• High school diploma or GED required (or agree to work towards one while serving)
• Reliable transportation or reside within walking distance to assigned site
• Able to follow spoken and written instructions
• Able to maintain satisfactory relationships with residents, property management staff and team members
• Applicants must agree to drug and alcohol testing, and must be able to pass a criminal history background check
• Proficiency in Microsoft office suite and other computer software database programs

To apply for this position

Please submit both a cover letter and a resume to applytobtameri@bettertomorrows.org