AmeriCorps members serving through the Economic Opportunity Coaching program will provide individualized coaching to clients with disabilities and other barriers to employment in Peckham’s PATH program located at Capital Area Michigan Works! Members will focus on providing individual coaching in a wide range of activities designed to assist participants with reducing their dependence on public assistance and moving towards self-sufficiency. Members will support skill development classes by providing individualized coaching using Edit U online learning classes, job search and matching skills, resume and cover letter development, interview preparation, and completing employment applications. Members will also provide ongoing coaching and reinforcement of appropriate workplace behaviors.
Service Activities
Responsibilities include the following:
1. Provide comprehensive coaching to clients, including individualized goal setting, to help people improve their employability skills.
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. Coordinate and participate in Michigan’s AmeriCorps and National Days of Service activities and events.
Community Need Addressed
Assisting TANF (welfare-to-work) program recipients with employability skills attainment.
Position Outcomes
Increased job search and employability skills for Peckham's PATH program participants.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
Skills you will gain
Teamwork skills related to task groups, professional development, 1:1 coaching skills (financial literacy skills & employability skills), teaching groups, and the many soft and hard skills related to working in a community based social service office work setting.
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
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 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, 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