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What is Community HealthCorps?

The Community HealthCorps is a national AmeriCorps program that promotes health care for the underserved while developing future healthcare workers. HealthCorps members engage in a variety of projects to promote access to health care and health information in medically underserved communities. They can also recruit and develop volunteers to support community health centers.

What is the Institute for Family Health?

The Institute for Family Health is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality and availability of family practice services to medically underserved populations. Founded in 1983, the Institute operates 16 full-time and 9 part-time federally funded community health centers throughout Manhattan, the Bronx, and the Mid-Hudson Valley in New York State, including a school-based health center and eight part-time sites that serve the homeless.

What would I do?

Currently we are recruiting for a Diabetes Educator to work in our New Paltz and Hyde Park Clinics. This member will have numerous responsibilities; a few examples are listed here.

• Use the electronic health record to identify patients who are diabetic and in need of outreach and education
• Develop educational interventions for patients with diabetes
• Facilitate completion of diabetes action plans
• Participate in community health fairs
• Collect data
• Assist in diabetes support group education sessions

How long is the program?

Full-time HealthCorps members serve for 1,700 hours over an 11 month period – approximately 40 hours/week; beginning September 2009.

Quarter-time members serve 450 hours. However, these members do not receive a stipend but do receive an educational award of $1,125.

What qualifications should members have?

• United States citizen, United States national, or lawful permanent resident
• High school diploma or GED or commitment to obtain during the service year
• At least 17 years of age
• Strong commitment to service
• Respect for and interest in working in medically underserved communities

What are the benefits of being a Community HealthCorps member?

All members receive extensive training and professional development.

Full-time members also receive:
• A living allowance of $11,400 for the year
• $4,725 taxable education award to be used toward student loans or future education costs
• Health insurance
• Childcare benefits – if income eligible
• Loan deferment on qualified student loans
• Transportation Benefits

How do I apply ?
All candidates must apply through the AmeriCorps website at www.americorps.gov. Search for positions with the Institute for Family Health. If you are interested in only a quarter time position, please note that in your motivational statement. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, please apply as soon as possible. Further questions can be directed to Nicki Fietzer at nfietzer@institute2000.org.