Providence Little Company of Mary

Providence Little Company of Mary (PLCM) is a not for profit regional health care provider serving the South Bay area of Los Angeles that is teaming up with AmeriCorps to create a Community Health Corps. PLCM’s Community Health Department is directly responsible for putting PLCM's commitment to serving the poor and vulnerable into compassionate action. Our primary focus is to meet the needs of the community which are: Access to Low Cost/Free Primary Health Care, Wellness Education, Linkage to Support Services.

MISSION: As People of Providence we reveal God’s love for all, especially the poor and vulnerable, through our compassionate service.

CORE VALUES: respect, compassion, justice and excellence

SKILLS and REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to adapt to different personality types, basic computer proficiency, a High School diploma or GED, and most importantly the desire to serve their community. Applicants must be 18 years old. It is preferred, but not required, that applicants are bilingual in Spanish/English and have 2 years relevant experience.

AmeriCorps members commit to completing 1,700 service hours, or approximately 40 hours a week for an 11 month period (September 2011 – July 2012). Members will receive a $13,600 living allowance, basic health insurance, an education award of $5,550, student loan deferment, and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. PLCM will provide members the necessary skills and training to fulfill the position as well as career and personal development opportunities (career assessments and guidance, goal setting, resume writing, and interviewing skills).

To apply send resume and cover letter detailing why you are interested in becoming an AmeriCorps member to Monica Ravizza at Monica.ravizza@providence.org.

SPECIFIC PROGRAMS: Creating Opportunities for Physical Activity (COPA): Physical Education Instructor Work with elementary children in Hawthorne and Wilmington to become more physically fit and better learners! AmeriCorps members are responsible for the implementation of the COPA (Creating Opportunities for Physical Activity) physical education curriculum at assigned schools in Hawthorne and Wilmington. Members will promote non-competitive, physical activity by organizing games at recess and lunch, providing instruction to participating teachers, and running an after school program. Members will also participate in volunteer recruitment when out in the community.

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP): Community Health Educator Help children get access to low cost medical insurance. AmeriCorps members are responsible for providing outreach and insurance enrollment for Healthy Families and Medi-cal for children. Activities also include screening for eligibility, making appointments, and assisting families in understanding their insurance benefits. Members will participate in volunteer recruitment when out in the community.

Chronic Disease Management (CDM): Community Health Educator Provide education to adults suffering with a chronic disease, such as diabetes, so that they become empowered to take charge of their health! The AmeriCorps member is responsible for providing outreach and educational presentations with the goal of promoting physical, mental, spiritual and social health to vulnerable populations in Hawthorne and Wilmington. The primary educational focus is chronic disease management for individuals with diabetes. Members will participate in volunteer recruitment when out in the community.

CHIP/COPA: Physical Education Instructor/ Community Health Educator Work in both COPA and CHIP. Work with adults to promote a healthy lifestyle through physical activity. Members in this position spend half their time in the COPA program working with students and their parents. The parent focus will be on developing parent walking groups and exercise programs. The remaining time will be spent in the CHIP program outreaching to parents and providing information regarding accessing and utilizing their child’s insurance. Members will participate in volunteer recruitment when out in the community.