Peckham’s AmeriCorps program is a year-long service commitment; it is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable professional development at a national award-winning organization, recognized for its achievement in providing exceptional vocational rehabilitation, creating inclusive cultures and building a quality workplace for employees. AmeriCorps members serving through the Economic Opportunity Coaching Program will provide individualized coaching to clients with disabilities and other barriers to employment to help them achieve and maintain economic stability. Full-time, Half-time and Quarter-time members will provide coaching to clients in the areas of financial literacy and employment-related skills. Members will provide support to clients in class, and in individual coaching sessions outside of class. Members will provide individualized coaching for clients participating in Peckham’s financial literacy classes; including budgeting, money management, credit education, identity theft & fraud, asset building, retirement planning, tax preparation and other various financial topics. Members will also provide coaching in the area of employability skills and provide resume and cover letter writing, interview preparation, professional image coaching, basic adult literacy and other skill-building topics.
Service Activities
Responsibilities include the following:
1. Provide comprehensive coaching to clients, including individualized goal setting, assistance in competing assignments and integrating teachings into everyday life to help people improve their economic stability.
2. Communicate verbally and in writing with Peckham staff regarding clients’ progress in meeting their individualized goals.
3. Collaborate with community partners to coordinate on-site classes and link clients with community services.
4. Provide support to clients experiencing crisis by connecting them to emergency resources as needed.
5. Coordinate and participate in Michigan’s AmeriCorps and National Days of Service activities and events.
6. Document service activities according to program requirements utilizing multiple databases.
Community Need Addressed
People with disabilities, refugees, and low income clients at Peckham, Inc. will be coached in financial literacy and employability skills by AmeriCorps Economic Opportunity Coaches.
Position Outcomes
Clients will expand their total economic opportunities through increased financial knowledge and improved employment skills.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
Skills you will gain
Communication skills, organizational/planning skills, interpersonal skills, financial literacy, employment skills, one-on-one/group coaching skills, teamwork skills, customer service skills, computer skills, overall professional development.
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, 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
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, 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, 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, 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