AmeriCorps members providing employment services will help immigrants and refugees learn how to apply for and retain jobs. This includes helping them understand the US workplace culture and etiquette, developing resumes, practicing mock interviews, and fulfilling other responsibilities, contributing to successful job attainment. Additionally, the members will provide integration support services by connecting them to resources, educational opportunities, and service providers as they integrate into their new homes to become self-sufficient and contributing members of society.
Service Activities
Typically, AmeriCorps members serving in a position providing employment services will be responsible for some of the following general responsibilities as they apply to the role assigned to them (tasks listed not in order of priority).
• connecting and developing relationships with potential employers
• assisting clients in applying for jobs
• seeking out job opportunities for clients
• assisting clients and employers throughout the application processes and serving as liaisons between clients and employers
• assessing client skills
• reviewing client work and educational history
• assisting clients in writing resumes and cover letters
• developing employment plans for clients
• seeking out relationships with potential employers and maintaining relationships.
• maintaining records of employment services provided to clients and maintaining appropriate databases for required reporting.
• assisting clients in learning basic computer skills
• conducting online job searches
• assisting clients in completing online job applications
• teaching clients about US workplace behavior/soft skills/cultural norms
• conducting mock interviews with clients
• helping clients learn to use public transportation
• providing transportation to/from job interviews and the medical screening process to clients
• following up with clients for employment services and provide post-employment support as needed.
• provide integration support services such as housing assistance, obtaining government-issued documents, financial literacy, navigating public
transportation, healthcare access, cultural orientation, enrolling in school or ESOL classes, college preparation, and accessing educational
programs or adult education.
As applicable, AmeriCorps members fluent in the language(s) spoken by clients will help interpret for clients during application processes, interviews, orientations, and appointments for documents required for job attainments, such as at the Department of Motor Vehicles and Social Security Administration.
Community Need Addressed
While many refugees have previous professional experience/education, they often lack the language, understanding of the culture, degrees/certifications, and knowledge of the US job environment needed to obtain/sustain employment after resettlement. They may take low-skilled jobs with little opportunity for advancement or skill development, limiting economic self-sufficiency and resulting in employment declines the longer they reside in the US.
Position Outcomes
AmeriCorps members will help increase the economic opportunity for immigrants and refugees as a pathway to economic self-sufficiency. They will provide employment services to 100 immigrants and refugees, resulting in 65 placed in jobs.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
All AmeriCorps members will receive training specific to their service responsibilities and other professional development opportunities. Training topics include Introduction to Immigrants & Refugees, Community Resources, and Employment Coaching and Placement, just to name a few.
Bilingual AmeriCorps members will receive Foundations of Professional Interpreter training and, upon completion, will receive a 16-hour training completion certificate. Typically, this training costs $250 to attend. It's FREE to AmeriCorps members in the ACCSES Project as part of their professional development training.
Education Benefits
CPR/First Aid Certificate of Completion, Foundations of Professional Interpretation for Health & Human Services Certificate (bilingual members only)
Skills you will gain
Time management, Public speaking, Community outreach, Relationship building, Professional development, Personal growth
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others
Creativity & Problem Solving
Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel
Teamwork
Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization