AmeriCorps Cape Cod Member Position

AmeriCorps Cape Cod is a full-time residential service program dedicated to addressing the critical environmental and disaster preparedness and response needs on Cape Cod. 

As an AmeriCorps Cape Cod Member, you will have the opportunity to:

·      Explore various sectors of the environmental and disaster preparedness field.

·      Gain valuable skills through training and hands-on service experience.

·      Foster personal and professional development.

·      Build leadership skills.

·      Provide valuable and quality service for the environment and community of Cape Cod. 

AmeriCorps Cape Cod Members are expected to adhere to the service, community strengthening, and residential standards and follow all Program Guidelines and Operating Procedures outlined in the Member Handbook and Contract. The program standards are summarized below:

Service:

As an AmeriCorps Cape Cod member, you are expected to provide quality community service in the areas of natural resource management, disaster preparedness and response, environmental education, and volunteer engagement to Barnstable County departments and towns, state and federal agencies, and non-profit entities on Cape Cod. You will participate in a variety of service projects both as a team member and as an individual.

Community Strengthening:

You are expected to build and strengthen the Cape Cod community and your residential community by demonstrating leadership, initiative, motivation, and teamwork and serve as a role model for others. 

Residential:

As an AmeriCorps Cape Cod member, you are required to live in an assigned program-provided residence. Housing is an exclusive benefit to members enrolled in the program. Pets are prohibited in the residence. Smoking (including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco), alcohol use, and the use of recreational and illegal drugs are prohibited in the residence and on the property.

All AmeriCorps members must adhere to all AmeriCorps, Barnstable County, and AmeriCorps Cape Cod rules and regulations including following all standards set by AmeriCorps the Agency regarding prohibited member activities.

The Year 24 Term of Service begins on September 5, 2022 and ends on July 27, 2023.

Benefits:

As an AmeriCorps Cape Cod member, you will receive an in-depth orientation and training, housing during the term of service, a living stipend with the option for health care benefits, and a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $6,495 from the National Service Trust upon successful and satisfactory completion of the program.

To be eligible for a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award, you must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 1,700 hours (approximately 40 hours per week) of service within the program time frame. Of the 1,700 hours, a maximum of 20% may be counted for training, education, or other similar approved activities.

Your Term of Service may be extended by the program for the following reasons:

·      Your service is suspended due to compelling personal circumstances.

·      Your service is terminated but a grievance procedure has resulted in reinstatement.

Mandatory Qualifications of Applicants

• Must meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements including clearance on all required National Service Criminal History Checks (National Sex Offender Public Website, State Criminal History Check, and FBI).
• Must successfully pass Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) an Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) checks
• Must be 18 years or older.
• Must be a United States citizen or a legal permanent resident.
• Must have at least two years of college or equivalent work or volunteer experience (GED or High School diploma required).
• Must be able to provide your own reliable motor-vehicle and valid driver’s license.
• Must pass a physical exam before term of service begins.
• Must reside in an assigned program residence with other AmeriCorps Members for the duration of the term of service.

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Skills, knowledge, and ability with a background in Geographic Information Systems, environmental studies, biology, or other sciences.
• Experience working with children.
• Experience overseeing volunteers and/or groups of people.
• Experience responding to natural disasters.
• Experience working outdoors and with power tools.
• Knowledge and ability to use Microsoft Office Suite.

Essential Functions of the Position

• Reports to assigned location to conduct fieldwork requiring endurance and conditioning. May endure extensive physical activity, including walking and climbing with equipment, through difficult terrain.
• Provides assistance during disaster response efforts, including weekend hours.
• Demonstrates commitment to community service and/or environmental service
• Must live in a residential setting and foster a positive environment with housemates, in accordance with program established rules.
• Demonstrates ability to work well in a team setting as well as independently.
• Must be available to deploy nationally in the event of a disaster with short notice.
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds and to bend, stoop, pull, twist, and kneel.
• Ability to perform demanding physical labor in all weather conditions (cold/hot/dry/humid/snow/rain).
• Ability to drive in difficult weather conditions.

Other important items to know:

• Barnstable County/AmeriCorps Cape Cod is committed to the inclusion of all people with all abilities and to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation, contact Justyna Marczak, Non -Discrimination Coordinator, at least ten days in advance at: 508-375-6646, or e-mail at jmarczak@barnstablecounty.org
• We are an EOE/AA Employer
• Barnstable County/AmeriCorps Cape Cod does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender or gender identity, disability, ancestry, age, marital status, public assistance status, sexual orientation, veteran history/military status or genetic information, in the administration of its programs and activities, in accordance with County policy and applicable federal and state statutes and regulations.

AmeriCorps Cape Cod members are not Barnstable County employees. Members receive a bi-weekly stipend and are required to serve a minimum of 1,700 hours during the term of service contingent on awarded grant funds.The AmeriCorps Cape Cod program is funded through grants from AmeriCorps the Agency and matching funds from Barnstable County. Housing is provided by Barnstable County, Town of Barnstable, the Chatham Conservation Foundation, and the Cape Cod National Seashore.