Weatherization & Home Repair Crew Leader (AmeriCorps Member), Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia

Posted by on May 14, 2012

Weatherization & Home Repair 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.

The Weatherization and Home Repair Program serves current low-income homeowners and builds on Habitat’s traditional homeownership model (no-interest construction loans, sweat equity, and volunteer labor). Our priority is to stabilize homeowners in their homes by: making key repairs that preserve the home and raise the quality of life for the homeowner; providing weatherization services to lower utility bills; and giving the home a facelift through façade improvement, landscaping and sidewalk repair.

Description:

The Construction Crew Leader will help our affiliate expand the capacity of the Weatherization and Home Repair Program (WHRP), enabling us to complete more projects, host and train more volunteers in weatherization and home repair techniques, and ultimately serve more Philadelphia families in need. The Construction Crew Leader will plan, coordinate and lead volunteer work days for the department, which will include a combination of weatherization projects and façade/exterior improvement work. By facilitating volunteer work, the member position will expedite the program’s construction process, allowing the WHRP director to focus on project management and technical repair work, and allowing the WHRP coordinator to focus on program administration. This in turn will allow the WHRP program to build its capacity for completing more projects each year and for hosting and training greater numbers of volunteers. Over time, the member’s direct investment in educating volunteers will benefit the program by fostering an engaged group of core volunteers who are skilled in and educated about weatherization and home repair.

Service Week:

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

Member Duties & Responsibilities:

Assist the WHRP Director with skilled critical home repair work (skilled carpentry work; basic electrical, plumbing and HVAC; and energy auditing and home evaluations).
Organize and prepare supplies, tools and materials for volunteer workdays
Educate volunteers and homeowners in weatherization techniques and home repair methods, and lead work groups in applying these best practices to
projects. Ensure that volunteers and homeowners are well-employed and safe while on site.
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.
Demonstrate and uphold the affiliate’s safety policies
Complete all AmeriCorps paperwork and reporting requirements in a timely manner.

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
Valid driver’s license, with no serious driving-related convictions or at-fault accident 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/B2xhW6wTwssP/