Americorps National: Critical Home Repair Crew Leader

AmeriCorps National: Critical Home Repair Crew Leader

Position Description

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 affordablehousing.

Habitat Philadelphia also operates two programs that provide low-cost critical home repairs to low-income Philadelphia homeowners. The Other Carpenter (TOC) and the Weatherization and Home Repair Program (WHRP) build on Habitat’s traditional homeownership model (no-interest construction loans, sweat equity, and volunteer labor). Our priority is to stabilize homeowners in their homes bymaking key repairs that preserve the home and raise the quality of life for the homeowner, and by giving the home a facelift through façade improvement, landscaping and sidewalk repair.

Description:

The Repair Crew Leader will help our affiliate expand the capacity of Habitat’s The Other Carpenter (TOC) program, enabling us to complete more projects, host and train more volunteers in home repair techniques, and ultimately serve more Philadelphia families in need. The Repair Crew Leader will plan, coordinate and lead volunteer work days for the department, which will include a combination of minor structural work, interior quality-of-life improvements (focused on health, safety and aesthetics), and façade/exterior improvement. By facilitating volunteer work, the member position will expedite the program’s construction process, allowing TOC staff (the director and site supervisor) to focus on project management, technical repair work, and program administration. This in turn will allow the TOC 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 home repair.

Service Week:

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

Member Duties & Responsibilities:

·  Assist the TOC Director with home repair work (minor structural work, interior quality-of-life improvements, and façade/exterior improvements).

·  Organize and prepare supplies, tools and materials for volunteer workdays

·  Educate volunteers and homeowners in home repair techniques and 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 something “for” and “with” someone

·  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 $12,100 for the 10 ½ -month service term;

·  A monthly grocery gift card or SEPTA Transit pass;

·  For AmeriCorps members who have served with Habitat in the same/a similar role before, a small additional monthly living stipend;

·  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.

How To Apply:

Applications must be submitted by June 15, 2013, and will be taken on a rolling basis. The application process has two separate components. If you are interested in pursuing this position, please do both of the following:

1.  Apply on the AmeriCorps website (here). This portion is submitted to Habitat for Humanity International and takes 1 – 2 weeks before we can begin reviewing it.

2.  Send your resume, cover letter, and three references directly to Henry Randolph, the affiliate’s AmeriCorps Host Site Manager (contact information below). This will allow us to begin reviewing your candidacy immediately. It's fine if your resume and references are the same as in the AmeriCorps application, but make sure that your cover letter explains your interest in the specific position you're applying for.

For questions, please contact Henry Randolph at or 215 765 6000 x17.

Other:

This position is 10 ½ months (1700 hours), and lasts from September 2013 to July 2014. Before applying, make sure you thoroughly understand the AmeriCorps program (its goals, requirements, benefits, etc.). You can learn more on the AmeriCorps website.

Job Details (listed on right-hand side bar):

Application deadline

June 15, 2013

Education requirements

High school diploma, GED or technical school degree

Employment type

Full time

Benefits

For full description, visit the AmeriCorps benefits page.