Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) AmeriCorps members commit to direct Service, intentional Community, and Spirituality/reflection in Appalachian Kentucky. Disaster Relief Caseworkers provide relief and emergency services to survivors of disasters through housing clean-up/repair, supply distribution, donation warehouse work, casework, etc. Members also facilitate educational opportunities for the local community on the subjects of disaster preparedness and planning immediate and long-term recovery efforts.
Service Activities
• Provides relief and emergency services to survivors of disasters responded to by the CAP Disaster Relief Program. Those services may be in different methods, i.e., housing clean-up/repair, supply distribution, donation warehouse work, casework, feeding, etc.
• Provides, or assists in providing, speaking engagements and presentations to schools, churches, or organizations to educate them on the needs of the people affected by the disaster as well as educating them on disaster preparedness.
• Assists the Eastern Ky. region’s long term recovery groups, or any other long-term recovery groups CAP is involved with, in providing needed services to return those qualified for the assistance back to “pre-disaster” conditions.
• Assists in leading volunteer disaster recovery work groups with housing repair for the people whose homes were damaged by a disaster.
• Assists the Director of Disaster Relief in planning for responses to future disasters as well as researching information on the internet for related data important responses or updated material in teaching disaster preparedness.
• Assists in maintaining a database of community volunteers for relief response and tracking volunteer hours.
• Attends Disaster Relief related trainings and may work towards becoming a Community Crisis Response Team Member in order to provide direct support services to survivors of disasters.
• Participates in area-wide planning meetings and disaster exercises.
• Assists in other CAP Human Service Mission programs during non-disaster times and needs. This may include but is not limited to assisting with transportation of program clients, assisting with CAP’s annual WorkFest repairing or building houses, assisting with special event needs of programs.
Community Need Addressed
When natural disaster occurs, many communities lack adequate relief services
Position Outcomes
Corps members will help individuals and families recover from disaster more quickly.
Benefits
Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Relocation allowance (if applicable), Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
The stipend ("living allowance") is $960 bi-weekly for members.
Education Benefits
GED/High School Diploma
CPR, First Aid
Skills you will gain
CPR, First Aid, public speaking,contruction, casework, communication, conflict resolution
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
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
Derive consensus, 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, Anticipate the consequences of 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
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
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