ABOUT AMERICORPS & HEALTH FELLOWS
AmeriCorps is a national service program that engages more than 80,000 Americans in intensive service each year at over 21,600 unique sites including nonprofits, schools, clinics, and faith based groups across the country. AmeriCorps service is in areas such as education, health, disaster services, economic opportunity, and the environment. To learn more about AmeriCorps, please visit www.americorps.gov
The AmeriCorps Health Fellows is CCALAC’s Workforce Pipeline program focused specifically on increasing access to comprehensive primary care for Los Angeles County’s medically underserved. In partnership with California Volunteers and the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) the CCALAC AmeriCorps Health Fellows program will place 23 full-time AmeriCorps Health Fellows at various community health centers across Los Angeles County. Health Fellows dedicate 1700 hours of service at a CCALAC member clinic in exchange for a living allowance, education award, work experience, and the opportunity to give back to the medically underserved.
SERVICE TERM, HOURS and PROGRAM LENGTH
AmeriCorps Health Fellows must serve full-time (40 hours a week) and must complete a minimum of 1,700 hours over the course of 11 months. CCALAC’s tentative program dates are: September 10, 2018 - July 31, 2019.
POSITION DESCRIPTION SUMMARY AND SERVICE ACTIVITIES
Under the direction of the CCALAC’s Workforce Coordinator, the AmeriCorps Health Fellows will serve at one participating CCALAC member clinic for the duration of their service term. 2017-2018 participating clinics included: APLA Health, Central Neighborhood Health Foundation, QueensCare Health Centers, South Central Family Health Center, The Children’s Clinic, UMMA Community Clinic, Venice Family Clinic, and Westside Family Health Center. Applicants will be notified of the updated 2018-2019 host site clinics during the interview and selection process.
Service Activities
Service Activities
Dependent on the specific Health Fellow’s role and clinic site, he/she will perform one or more of the following activities:
1. Outreach and Enrollment
Conduct outreach in the community and provide education about clinic services or health insurance eligibility. Assist patients with the enrollment process for health programs, health insurance plans and/or pharmaceutical assistance programs
2. Health Education
Provide linguistically and culturally appropriate health education in one-on-one or group setting. Engage and educate community members to improve health outcomes in nutrition, physical fitness, financial literacy, reproductive health and more.
3. Case Management
Provide support for patients in navigating health systems, service and programs. Provide positive reinforcement of treatment and prevention plans through goal setting and progress monitoring.
4. Other Functions
All AmeriCorps Health Fellows will perform the following activities: participate in pre service orientation training, participate in monthly team trainings, participate in clinic specific trainings and team meetings, submit monthly data, submit monthly stories of service and attend National Days of Service throughout the program year.
Community Need Addressed
Helping medically undeserved populations gain access to health care and health benefit programs.
Position Outcomes
Increased number of individuals being enrolled in health insurance and increased utilization of health benefit programs and knowledge about health care.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
COMPENSATION AND PROGRAM BENEFITS
A stipend of $14,500 will be paid in biweekly installments over the course of the 11-month term of service. In addition, AmeriCorps Health Fellows will receive: reimbursement for their background checks, mileage reimbursement for travel to trainings and service projects, a $100 professional development allowance, monthly training, AmeriCorps gear to wear throughout the year, access to the Anthem Blue Cross EAP program, and optional health insurance coverage. Other qualifying benefits include: childcare benefits and federal student loan forbearance. Upon successful completion of the program and 1700 hours, AmeriCorps Health Fellows are eligible for an Education Award of $5,920 provided through AmeriCorps.
Education Benefits
CPR and First Aid
Mental Health First Aid
Non- Violent Crisis Intervention
Skills you will gain
Project Management, Public Speaking, Health Care Management, Insurance enrollment, time management, CPR and First Aid, Mental Health First Aid, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention.
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Turn taking, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
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
Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Effectively delegate tasks, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, 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, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment