Habitat for Humanity of Greater Des Moines is seeking members to assist the Family Services Team. Members will welcome new homebuyers into the Homeownership Program and guide these families in meeting sweat equity and education requirements to ensure that families are adequately prepared for the responsibilities of homeownership.
Service Activities
• Support in answering questions about Habitat for Humanity program(s) to potential applicants, collect application paperwork and schedule home assessments.
• Assist in the Family Selection process including compiling information, administrative needs, tracking applicant information and preparing files.
• Work the partner families to schedule and track sweat equity hours for the program.
• Participate in the planning and execution of special events for family selection process.
• Assist in guiding families through family selection process.
• Provide support for homeowner education sessions.
• The program may require the member to engage in additional allowable activities that support the AmeriCorps program design and which help the program meet its goals as outlined in the approved AmeriCorps application. In no circumstance, will members be asked or allowed to perform prohibited activities.
Community Need Addressed
Habitat Iowa AmeriCorps members serve with the goal of improving economic opportunity for Habitat for Humanity partner families as they partner with HFH to achieve the American Dream of owning a home.
Our three primary grant goals are to address the needs of affordable housing, owner-occupied unit availability and ability to achieve economic self-sufficiency.
Position Outcomes
By helping Habitat homebuyers, AmeriCorps members improve lives in a dramatic way. Homeowner studies show that after moving into their homes, 80% felt safer, 63% children's study habits improved, 56% children's grades improved, 35% children's school attendance improved, 50% of homeowners had either started or completed a higher education program or were planning to start one; 73% felt more connected to community, 69% spend more quality time with family, 67% reported improvement in how well the family gets along; 40% reduction in overall government program usage with a 31% drop in food support, 73% drop in welfare assistance, 11% drop in medical assistance, and 29% drop in energy assistance.
Benefits
Education award upon successful completion of service, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
Skills you will gain
timekeeping, public speaking, project management,
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Maintain open lines of communication with others
Creativity & Problem Solving
Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers
Decisions
Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process
Tools
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 plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently
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, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment