Policies and Guidelines for Full-Time YouthBuild AmeriCorps Members

Transcription

1 Policies and Guidelines for Full-Time YouthBuild AmeriCorps Members The following is an overview of the full-time AmeriCorps member role, and the policies that programs must adhere to in the recruitment, supervision and management of all full-time YouthBuild AmeriCorps members. Please note that the same policies described below, with regard to member roles and allowability, apply to all YouthBuild AmeriCorps members. Topics covered: Policies regarding YouthBuild AmeriCorps full-time members Including: o Full-time member position descriptions, their requirements and process for approval o Prohibited and allowable activities of full-time members o Suggested activities for the full-time members o Living allowance requirements o Healthcare coverage for full-time members o Childcare coverage for full-time members Recruitment suggestions for full-time members What constitutes a volunteer? Sample Position Descriptions o Community Partnership and Volunteer Coordination AmeriCorps Member (Full-Time) o Construction Skills Trainer AmeriCorps Member (Full-time) o Teacher s Aide AmeriCorps Member (Full-time) Policies Regarding YouthBuild AmeriCorps Full-time Members Through their approved direct service activities, full-time YouthBuild AmeriCorps members can bring additional capacity to YouthBuild programs to help address identified local community needs through direct service. YouthBuild affiliates are eligible to apply for a full-time position/s at the start of each three year grant period in addition to their request for AmeriCorps slots designated for their YouthBuild students. If approved, the program must adhere to YouthBuild USA s guidelines regarding full-time member positions. Failure to do so could result in the loss of that position and its associated member support costs. Typically, YouthBuild AmeriCorps members are being utilized in one of three ways across the YouthBuild AmeriCorps field to increase program capacity and to address local community needs (Specific member position descriptions are provided at the end of this guide) 1. Community Partnership and Volunteer Coordination AmeriCorps Member (Full-time) 2. Construction Skills Trainer AmeriCorps Member (Full-time) 3. Teacher s Aide AmeriCorps Member (Full-time) Approval Process for All Member Position Descriptions For any and all programmatic changes, YouthBuild AmeriCorps programs are required to receive written permission from YouthBuild USA. At the start of each grant year, to ensure that position responsibilities adhere to all CNCS and YouthBuild regulations and guidelines, programs will be required to submit position descriptions for each of their different type of member positions to their YouthBuild AmeriCorps Portfolio Manager for written approval. This policy applies to all member positions at a YouthBuild program and not just the full-time position.

2 To assist with this process, YouthBuild USA asks that programs utilize one of the pre-approved YouthBuild AmeriCorps position description templates. However, if the program would like to expand the member position responsibilities beyond what is available in these templates the following must be incorporated into a draft version of the position description: At a minimum member position descriptions must contain: Purpose and scope that defines the position Statement connecting the position to YouthBuild USA s overall grant objectives related to community service, GED/HSD attainment, and the building of low-income housing Supervision Which YouthBuild staff member will actively supervise the member? Clearly-defined duties/ responsibilities Required qualifications, skills, and abilities Benefits The program must also adhere to the following YouthBuild and AmeriCorps guidelines and regulations when expanding upon or modifying a FT member position. Full-time members must be utilized in a way that addresses an unmet community need through direct service, connecting the position to YouthBuild USA s overall grant objectives related to community service, GED/HSD attainment, and the building of low-income housing The program should ask itself, what is the unmet community need that the member is addressing? Full-time members must be used to bring additional direct service capacity to the organization. They cannot displace staff members, their position or responsibilities. This means they cannot serve in a role that would be occupied by a staff member if the full-time member weren t there. Full-time members can be utilized as team leaders of other YouthBuild AmeriCorps members. They cannot be responsible for any supervision responsibilities of other AmeriCorps members. Think coach or aide or trainer if interested in having the FT member work with other AmeriCorps members. Full-time members may also not have access to sensitive information regarding other members, nor should they ever be asked to serve in a disciplinary role with other members. Programs must adhere to the following table when recruiting, supervising and managing full-time members:

3 Table 1: Prohibited and allowable activities for full-time AmeriCorps members Prohibited Performing indirect service (i.e. clerical work such as stuffing envelopes or answering the phone) Service in support of AmeriCorps or YouthBuild program administration, including: o Recruiting AmeriCorps members o Administering and collecting member-related paperwork o Supervising or disciplining other AmeriCorps members o Tracking member hours o Entering data into AmeriCorps Portal or WebSTA Q Writing a grant application to the Corporation or to any other Federal agency Raise funds for living allowances or for an organization s general operating expenses or endowment Advocacy All AmeriCorps member prohibited activities (see provision ) Allowable Clerical work related to the full-time AmeriCorps member s position description Recruiting, training, and managing program volunteers Tracking hours of non-americorps volunteer participants Allowable fundraising activities (may constitute no more than 10% of a member s service hours) include: o Securing in-kind donations ONLY for the direct support of the community service program (for example, obtaining materials to support the building of low-income housing and refurbishing computers) o Writing a grant proposal to a foundation to secure resources to support the training of volunteers o Securing financial resources from the community to assist in launching or expanding a program that provides social services to the members of the community and is delivered through the members of a community-based organization o Seeking donations from alumni of the program for specific service projects being performed by current members For any questions regarding prohibited or allowable activities, please contact your YouthBuild AmeriCorps Portfolio Manager or see the Corporation for National and Community Service rule search website: CNCS Prohibited Activities of All AmeriCorps Members CNCS prohibits AmeriCorps Members from completing certain activities during their service. Individuals may exercise their rights as private citizens and may participate in the below activities on their initiative, on non- AmeriCorps time and using non-corporation funds. The AmeriCorps logo should not be worn while doing so. The AmeriCorps Prohibited Activities must appear in the member contract and programs should ensure that both program staff and AmeriCorps members are aware of what activities are prohibited during service. Below please find a list of the prohibited activities outlined in CNCS regulation 45 CFR : Attempting to influence legislation; Organizing or engaging in protests, petitions, boycotts, or strikes; Assisting, promoting, or deterring union organizing; Impairing existing contracts for services or collective bargaining agreements;

4 Engaging in partisan political activities, or other activities designed to influence the outcome of an election to any public office; Participating in, or endorsing, events or activities that are likely to include advocacy for or against political parties, political platforms, political candidates, proposed legislation, or elected officials; Engaging in religious instruction, conducting worship services, providing instruction as part of a program that includes mandatory religious instruction or worship, constructing or operating facilities devoted to religious instruction or worship, maintaining facilities primarily or inherently devoted to religious instruction or worship, or engaging in any form of religious proselytization; Providing a direct benefit to o o o o o A business organized for profit; A labor union; A partisan political organization; A nonprofit organization that fails to comply with the restrictions contained in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 except that nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent participants from engaging in advocacy activities undertaken at their own initiative; and An organization engaged in the religious activities described in paragraph (g) of this section, unless Corporation assistance is not used to support those religious activities; Conducting a voter registration drive or using Corporation funds to conduct a voter registration drive; Providing abortion services or referrals for receipt of such services; and Such other activities as the Corporation may prohibit. Table 2: Suggested activities for the full-time AmeriCorps member Research upcoming service events, potential volunteer resources Build relationships with local corporations and volunteer groups Design, manage, and implement service activities for members and volunteers Coordinate National Day of Service events Recruit and manage volunteers bringing volunteers into the program as tutors, teachers, and in other roles, and training and managing these volunteers as they meet program needs Maintain volunteer database and organize volunteer recognition events Community service program-related paperwork needs assessment, program plan, quarterly updates, and a final report Create and update program manual for the community-service program, volunteer program, etc. Serve as team leader and volunteer manager on construction site Develop and foster green building partnerships Other primary service activities as approved by your program's AmeriCorps portfolio manager

5 Living Allowance Requirements for Full-time Members An AmeriCorps living allowance is a stipend to a member that appears on the program s budget. A full-time AmeriCorps member must be paid a minimum living allowance of $12,100 for the program year. The maximum living allowance for is $24,200. Because programs are required to pay full-time members a living allowance, payments made to full-time members in accordance with their service must abide by living allowance regulations whether or not the member s living allowance appears on the program s AmeriCorps budget. For programs paying members an AmeriCorps living allowance, the following information will be helpful: A living allowance is not a wage and should not be paid on an hourly basis. Subgrantees should pay the living allowance in regular increments, such as weekly or bi-weekly. Payments should not fluctuate based on the number of hours served in a particular time period, and must cease when a member concludes a term of service. Payments must be suspended if a member s AmeriCorps term is suspended. If a member serves all required hours and is permitted to conclude his or her term of service before the originally agreed upon end of term, the grantee may not provide a lump sum payment to the member. Similarly, if a member is selected after the program s start date, the grantee must provide regular living allowance payments from the member s start date and may not increase the member s living allowance incremental payment or provide a lump sum to make up any missed payments. Healthcare Coverage Requirements for Full-time Members YouthBuild AmeriCorps programs must provide, or make available, healthcare insurance to those members serving a 1700-hour full-time term who are not otherwise covered by a healthcare policy that meets CNCS minimum requirements at the time each begins his/her term of service. The program must also provide, or make available, healthcare insurance to members serving a 1700-hour full-time term who lose coverage during their term of service as a result of service or through no deliberate act of their own. AmeriCorps funding may not be used to cover healthcare costs for members family members. Programs must provide health care coverage to all full-time AmeriCorps members even if members are eligible for Medicaid. Programs may provide health insurance to less-than-full-time members serving in a full-time capacity, but they are not required to do so. For more information about this provision, contact your Portfolio Manager. Minimum Healthcare Benefits When required to provide healthcare insurance coverage, the program may obtain healthcare from any provider as long as the coverage provided by the grantee provides the following minimum benefits: Physician services for illness or injury Hospital room and board Emergency room X-ray and laboratory Prescription drugs Limited mental/nervous disorders Limited substance abuse coverage An annual deductible of no more than $250 charges per member No more than $1,000 total annual out-of-pocket per member A 20% co-pay or a comparable fixed fee with the exception of a 50% co-pay for mental and substance abuse care A maximum benefit of at least $50,000 per occurrence or cause

6 Child Care Coverage Requirements for Full-time Members Full-time AmeriCorps members may be eligible for CNCS-subsidized childcare coverage if the member meets the following requirements: Is the parent or legal guardian of, or is acting in loco parentis for, a child under 13 who resides with the participant. Has a family income that does not exceed 75% of the state s median income for a family of the same size. At the time of acceptance into the program, is not receiving child care assistance from another source, including a parent or guardian, which would continue to be provided while the participant serves in the program. Certifies that he or she needs child care in order to participate in the program. For more information and for specific requirements around member and childcare provider eligibility, please contact your Portfolio Manager. Full-time AmeriCorps Member Position Recruitment Suggestions Recruiting a full-time AmeriCorps member is not about getting someone to fill a position; it is about choosing the right person for the position. Targeted recruitment is a strategic process that connects candidates who are interested in YouthBuild s mission and who have the skills to accomplish your goals and objectives. Targeted recruitment identifies the needs of the position, determines the skills required to fill the position, finds out who possesses these skills, and matches the needs of the program with a potential member's interests and needs. The results of your recruitment process will directly impact several areas, including motivation, retention, quality of service projects, relationships with service partners and community members, funding, and your ability to focus on the program rather than spend the majority of your time addressing problems. Sub-grantees must seek to recruit members of diverse races, ethnicities, genders, ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, education levels, and mental and physical capabilities. Recruitment may include fliers, classified ads, and press releases, in addition to visiting target audiences and networking. Possible target audiences: Local college volunteer board (for example: join the list serv) Local college student government Recent college graduates Students in public administration programs Retirees (for example: SCORE Members of civic groups (for example: Kiwanis clubs or Lion s clubs Individuals working with young people Employees of community-based organizations YouthBuild Graduates who are committed to a year of service in a full-time capacity Referrals from personnel department of large corporations

7 Recommended position advertisement placement: AmeriCorps Portal Idealist.org, monster.com, careerfinder.com, Local newspapers Local community colleges and universities career centers Local community colleges and universities newspapers Other community-based organizations, churches, business or civic groups, retiree associations YouthBuild program website; YouthBuild USA website Source: Williams, Emilio N. Elements of a Successful Recruitment Process. Mr. Williams was formerly with the National Association of Service and Conservation Corps (NASCC). For other valuable resources, visit

8 Position Description Community Partnership and Volunteer Coordination AmeriCorps Member/Full-time [THIS POSITION DESCRIPTION SHOULD BE TAILORED TO REFLECT THE SPECIFIC NEEDS OF THE PROGRAM] PURPOSE AND SCOPE This is a full-time (40 hours/week) position as an AmeriCorps member of (INSERT YOUR YOUTHBUILD PROGRAM NAME). Community Partnership and Volunteer Coordination AmeriCorps Members are responsible for developing and strengthening community partnerships for their YouthBuild program, including identifying partnerships for potential service projects and service learning initiatives. This member will also provide service implementing the program s volunteer program, enabling the program to better serve low-income young people and community residents. This includes developing appropriate materials, recruiting and managing volunteers, and training the site s staff as appropriate so that the site can sustain the program after the member s term of service is completed. DUTIES Assess the community and YouthBuild program s need for the proposed volunteer program or strategize improvements for the existing program. Develop a written program plan, to include specific measurable objectives for the program, how the program will be implemented and evaluated, and the timeline for implementation. Develop program materials such as a policy and procedure manual; volunteer position descriptions; promotional fliers or brochures; and screening, training, and evaluation tools. Recruit volunteers. Outreach methods include: extensive networking; presentations to faith, business, and/or community groups; staffing information booths at community events; and utilizing the media. Screen volunteers as necessary; procedures might include interviews, reference checks, and criminal background checks. Develop and facilitate orientation and training for volunteers. Supervise non-americorps volunteers; develop and implement recognition activities for volunteers such as special events, awards, gifts, etc. Maintain accurate records of volunteer participation. Evaluate progress made in achieving the program s goals. Develop community partnerships to support the volunteer or service-learning program. Serve as public ambassador for the program, YouthBuild USA, and AmeriCorps. Participate in (INSERT YOUR YOUTHBUILD PROGRAM NAME HERE), YouthBuild USA, and AmeriCorps training, service projects, and other activities. Plan an annual National Youth Service Day event for YouthBuild AmeriCorps members in April. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Must be at least 17 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED, and be a US Citizen, US National, or lawful permanent resident of the US.

9 SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED Skilled at taking initiative, problem solving, and working independently to be able to develop and implement program volunteer program. Skilled at building interpersonal relationships, to work effectively as part of a team, and to manage volunteers. Strong verbal skills, to communicate effectively with staff, volunteers, and community groups. Skilled at written communication, to develop program materials and reports. Dependable and able to maintain positive attitude, to fulfill commitment to term of service. Committed to the concept of national service and to making a difference in the community. Basic computer literacy, to be able to produce program materials and track volunteer hours. Able to react to change productively and to handle other tasks as assigned. BENEFITS Community Partnership AmeriCorps members receive a living stipend of $ [INSERT AMOUNT HERE], paid out over the term of service, and health insurance if they are not already covered. Members may also qualify for child card allowance. Upon successful completion of service, members receive an education award of $5500. Other benefits include student loan deferment, professional training, valuable networking opportunities, working with a dedicated team of AmeriCorps members and staff, and the opportunity to make a real difference. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations are available on request. SUPERVISION: The Community Partnership and Volunteer Coordination AmeriCorps member reports to INSERT NAME OF DIRECT SUPERVISIOR.

10 Position Description Construction Skills Trainer AmeriCorps Member/Full-time [THIS POSITION DESCRIPTION SHOULD BE TAILORED TO REFLECT THE SPECIFIC NEEDS OF THEPROGRAM] PURPOSE AND SCOPE This is a full-time (40 hours/week) position as an AmeriCorps member of (INSERT YOUR YOUTHBUILD PROGRAM NAME). The Construction Skills Trainer (C.S.T.) position is responsible for helping to build and guide a team of youth capable of safely building and refurbishing YouthBuild AmeriCorps houses designated for low-income individuals. In addition, the CST will provide support, guidance and encouragement in the development of youth leadership and personal development skills. DUTIES Build and maintain positive relationships with all students Teach basic plumbing, electrical, carpentry skills Teach proper use of all tools Teach the proper use of all cleaning chemicals Be responsible for overall safety enforcement Keep track of all tools and equipment used on the job on a daily basis Assist in personal and vocational counseling and development of trainees leadership skills in conjunction with other YouthBuild staff Participate in community service projects Attend all meetings and retreats as required Serve as public ambassador for the program, YouthBuild USA, and AmeriCorps. Participate in (INSERT YOUR YOUTHBUILD PROGRAM NAME HERE), YouthBuild USA, and AmeriCorps training, service projects, and other activities. Plan an annual National Youth Service Day event for YouthBuild AmeriCorps members in April. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Must be at least 17 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED, and be a US Citizen, US National, or lawful permanent resident of the US. SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED Knowledge of construction practices and experience in construction. Interest in and commitment to sharing expertise to assist in the skill-development of program youth. Skilled at taking initiative, problem solving, and working independently. Skilled at building interpersonal relationships and to work effectively as part of a team. Strong verbal skills, to communicate effectively with staff, volunteers, and community groups. Skilled at written communication, to develop program materials and reports. Dependable and able to maintain positive attitude, to fulfill commitment to term of service.

11 Committed to the concept of national service and to making a difference in the community. Basic computer literacy, to be able to produce program materials Able to react to change productively and to handle other tasks as assigned. BENEFITS The Construction Skills Trainer AmeriCorps members receive a living stipend of $ [INSERT AMOUNT HERE], paid out over the term of service, and health insurance if they are not already covered. Members may also qualify for child card allowance. Upon successful completion of service, members receive an education award of $5,500. Other benefits include student loan deferment, professional training, valuable networking opportunities, working with a dedicated team of AmeriCorps members and staff, and the opportunity to make a real difference. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations are available on request. SUPERVISION The Construction Skills Trainer AmeriCorps member reports to INSERT NAME OF DIRECT SUPERVISIOR.

12 Position Description Teacher s Aide AmeriCorps Member/Full-time [THIS POSITION DESCRIPTION SHOULD BE TAILORED TO REFLECT THE SPECIFIC NEEDS OF THE PROGRAM] PURPOSE AND SCOPE This is a full-time (40 hours/week) position as an AmeriCorps member of (INSERT YOUR YOUTHBUILD PROGRAM NAME HERE). Teacher s Aide AmeriCorps members are responsible for assisting program teachers and staff in improving language arts and social science skill levels [or INSERT OTHER SKILL AREAS HERE] of program participants as these participants work toward GED/HSD, assisting participants with job readiness and job placement services, and providing support to participants around college readiness, counseling, assistance with financial aid applications and college applications. DUTIES Provide individual guidance to students in language arts and social science subjects Provide small group facilitation of classroom activities to support skill acquisition in language arts and social science subjects Assist teachers with classroom activities Assist with job readiness training to all YouthBuild participants Provide guidance to all YouthBuild participants about possible careers and college placement Perform any other reasonable function as directed by the Program Director to the extent that it is not in conflict with the primary position responsibilities. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Must be at least 17 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED, and be a US Citizen, US National, or lawful permanent resident of the US. SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills. Organized and ability to manage details efficiently and effectively. Computer proficient, including MS Word and Excel. Flexibility, patience, tolerance and willingness to learn new related skills. Experience in management and motivation of volunteers a plus. A basic understanding of [YouthBuild Program Name] and commitment to the mission of the organization. Committed to the concept of national service and to making a difference in the community. BENEFITS Teacher s Aide AmeriCorps members receive a living stipend of $ [INSERT AMOUNT HERE], paid out over the term of service, and health insurance if they are not already covered. Members may also qualify for child card allowance. Upon successful completion of service, members

13 receive an education award of $5500. Other benefits include student loan deferment, professional training, valuable networking opportunities, working with a dedicated team of AmeriCorps members and staff, and the opportunity to make a real difference. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations are available on request. SUPERVISION The Teacher s Aide AmeriCorps member reports to INSERT NAME OF DIRECT SUPERVISIOR.