The Neighborhood Revitalization Associate will assist habitat for Humanity construction team on repair projects. This includes welcoming, orienting and guiding volunteers and Habitat partner families at Habitat construction sites, as well as assisting Habitat staff prepare sites. Position duties may also include assisting with outreach to area residents, assisting on new construction homes, and helping on community space projects to provide decent affordable Habitat homes as a means of transforming lives and neighborhoods.
Service Activities
Responsibilities include:
• Load, unload and maintain organization of tool trailers, site containers and warehouse storage space
• Promote effective teamwork among staff and volunteers
• Welcome volunteers to Habitat sites and ensure they have a safe, productive volunteer experience
• Be aware of the proper way to stay safe on the work site including proper ways to use tools, carry materials, life items, etc. and help educate volunteers and staff
• Lead groups and individuals through various tasks on the construction site and during events, always keeping a positive manner and representing Habitat in the best way possible
• Assist in material pick-up, lot clean-up, home repairs or improvements, and home construction as assigned
• Communicate and serve with a diverse team of staff, AmeriCorps members, volunteers, partner families, and neighborhood residents
• 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 or receive critical home repairs.
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
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
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
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
Accepts responsibility, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them
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