Outreach Specialist AmeriCorps Member

About Community Action House

Since its founding in 1969, Community Action House has been the focal point of community efforts to provide critical support and pathways out of poverty for our neighbors in need. Our community-powered work takes a client-centric approach that meets people wherever they are at and offers services that enhance ownership and agency. Our work is organized in three interconnected areas: Food Access, Resource Navigation, and Financial Wellness. Welcome, excellence, and collaboration are some of our core values. Learn more at www.communityactionhouse.org.

In October 2021, we launched our new ‘Food Club & Opportunity Hub’ to expand efficient, impactful healthy food assistance with the on-site integration of other pathway programs. More recently, we announced a partnership with Dwelling Place to help address the affordable housing crisis here in Holland. In July 2023, we publicly launched our expansion of Lakeshore Food Rescue (www.lakeshorefoodrescue.org).

Organizational budget: $9M-10M (inclusive of $5M in-kind support)

Agency Size: 60-70 staff and 2,300 annual volunteers

Our Values

Who we are. Who we aspire to be. What drives us. What unites us. Learn more, here!

- Radically Welcoming

- Guest-Centered

- Lead with Kindness

- Curiosity-Driven

- Always Improving

- Collaborative by Design

- Contagious Commitment

- One Team

Position Details

Type: Full-Time 

Duration of Term: This is a 1-year term position that must start before March 01, 2025

Host Site: Community Action House

Reports to (daily): AmeriCorps Host Site Supervisor - Housing Access Program Manager

Reports to (overall): MCAH Assistant Program Director - Eric Krogsrud ekrogsrud@mihomeless.org 

Program Objectives: 

The Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness AmeriCorps Program will support service providers by increasing their capacity to offer assistance and services to homeless and at-risk individuals and families. As an overall program, AmeriCorps members in the program provide direct, comprehensive services to those experiencing or at-risk of homelessness in order to bring those individuals under the scope of services, assist with increasing self-sufficiency in the areas of income, life skills, and employment, and assist with obtaining/maintaining employment. Members will fulfill their specific positions, based on the needs of their host site organization, to contribute toward this increased capacity to serve their communities more efficiently and effectively. 

Training: 

Members are expected to participate in program and host site training throughout the service year, as scheduled and requested by the program. Basic training events will include member orientation, mid-year training, and end-year training. The program will also schedule various member conference calls and webinar topics. Host sites will be responsible for conducting an initial on-site orientation and training, as well as providing necessary continued training related to the service activities and professional development. For program-held training events, members will be provided the date and details at least three weeks in advance.

• Homeless Management Information Service database systems entry
• Introduction to grant writing 
• Introduction to strength-based interviewing 
• Time Management 
• Professional Development Planning 
• Staff Learning Meeting Topics include: DEI, Personal Development, Unconscious Bias, Time Management, Leadership Skills, etc.
• Cross team training topics include: De-escalation and boundary setting, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed Care, Compassion Fatigue and Burnout Prevention, QPR, Mental Health First Aid, etc. 

• Conduct intakes for the Michigan State Homeless Management Information System (MSHMIS) screen process 
• Maintain regular contact with other local service providers to make appropriate referrals for clients 
• Provide housing information and access to services to those on the streets and not engaged in care 
• Link/coordinate with resource specialists for housing resources 
• Gather and disperse food and clothing donations to clients 
• Link and provide information to mainstream services and benefits (Medicaid, SSI/SSDI, Section 8, TANF, etc.) 
• Generate information materials for clients, such as newsletters/pamphlets/etc. 
• Provide follow-up services to Outreach clients

• Ability to handle a variety of constituencies, manage multiple tasks simultaneously and thrive in a complex environment with multiple priorities.
• Willingness and interest in continuous learning and adaptation based on your professional interests and organizational needs.
• A high standard of performance and integrity, and ability to lead by example to foster a positive workplace culture.
• Self-reflective, humble, and able to compassionately engage and process with coworkers and diverse populations with a history of trauma.
• Demonstrate a genuine passion for our mission and a commitment to upholding our team’s values: Radically Welcoming, Guest-Centered, Lead with Kindness, Curiosity-Driven, Always Improving, Collaborative by Design, Contagious Commitment, & One Team.
• Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people.
• Strong interpersonal skills, particularly building rapport and relationships with clientele. 
• Ability to network effectively.
• Ability to empower others. 
• Proficient in Google Office, Microsoft Office. 
• Proficiency in clear and effective written and verbal communication, and ability to develop trusting professional relationships.
• Utilization of personal and professional boundaries.
• Integrity, positive attitude, and commitment to learning, reflection, and growth.

• Be at least 18 years of age 
• Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or a lawful, permanent resident of the U.S. and provide a copy of a birth certificate, passport or permanent resident card to prove citizenship 
• Must be able to complete a full term of service (one year) 
• Pass the following criminal history checks in accordance with MCAH’s National Service Criminal History Check policy: State of Michigan, State of Residence (if applicable), FBI fingerprinting, and National Sex Offender Public Registry 
• Can arrange reliable transportation to and from service site, multiple mandatory training sessions in Lansing, and travel on behalf of site 
• Possess proficiency with word processing software and email 
• Be able to interact respectfully with individuals from diverse socio-economic backgrounds 

• The full stipend for the position is $21,000 for a full year of service, paid bi-weekly.
• Upon successful completion of the term, an education award, $7,395 for Full-Time, which can be used towards qualified student loans
• Health insurance, provided for by the AmeriCorps program, for full time members only

Classification: 

According to the National and Community Service Act of 1990, AmeriCorps members are not considered employees of the agency where they serve, nor are they employees of the program or the federal government. As such, members cannot engage in activities performed by employees of the host agency or otherwise displace employees.

To be considered, you must apply through this website as well as submit an application using the following form --> MCAH AmeriCorps Application Form 

Remember to select Community Action House on the application form!

Application

Interviews are conducted on a rolling basis until position is filled. To apply, submit resume and 1 page cover letter, depending on position. Contact peopleandculture@communityactionhouse.org with questions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Community Action House is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth), sexual orientation, and gender identity, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, height, weight, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply.

Note: This Job Description is a description of the typical duties of this position, and is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties. Job incumbents may be asked to perform other duties as required.

Salary : $21,000