The Home Energy Savings AmeriCorps Member helps to provide programmatic and project support of residential energy efficiency improvement projects that ranges from conducting energy audits to leading teams of up to 10 volunteers. Orientation, volunteer management, project management, and technical skills training will be provided. AmeriCorps Member will receive additional life skills, educational enrichment, and professional development training opportunities, including: 1) Membership in Nashville's Center for Nonprofit Management’s Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (if elected); 2) Quarterly AmeriCorps social networking sessions; and 3) Regularly scheduled Hands On Nashville staff and supervisor meetings. The successful candidate will report directly to Hands On Nashville's Sustainability Manager. A criminal history background check is required for this position.
Service Activities
Service activities directly support both homeowners and the volunteers who provide labor to complete "done-in-a-day" HES scopes of work. Typical scope of work at project sites include: leading volunteers; installing attic insulation, weather-stripping, and light bulbs; much more. Project preparation and post-project tasks include: procuring project supplies; performing energy audits at homes; recruiting homeowners and volunteers; keeping in contact with homeowners; etc.
Community Need Addressed
“Housing” and “Housing-Related Assistance” are the most frequently identified needs in Davidson County, according to Metro Social Services’ Community Needs Evaluation. Homeowners in inner-cities often struggle to maintain ownership due to high utility bills and home maintenance issues. Many lack the funds and know-how to make their homes more cost effective/energy efficient.
Position Outcomes
The AmeriCorps Member will support Hands On Nashville's award-winning Home Energy Savings (HES) Program, which annually engages volunteers to improve the energy efficiency of 50 homes owned by Nashville residents living on low incomes. Through HES, the AmeriCorps Member gains knowledge and skills to help increase the comfort and safety of these homeowners while decreasing their homes' utility costs by an average savings of $390 per year/per project.
Benefits
Education award upon successful completion of service, Living allowance, Training
Be a part of a team that works to address critical issues facing the greater Nashville community through volunteer-centric programming. Annually, Hands On Nashville connects thousands of volunteers to service opportunities supporting area nonprofits as well as its programs in urban agriculture, home energy savings, and environmental restoration. Hands On Nashville challenges everyone to find a way to make a difference.
Skills you will gain
Background/training in community outreach and project management; skills and enthusiasm for community outreach and relationship building; excellent organizational skills; works well independently and as part of a team; excellent written, presentation and oral communication skills; ability to schedule and carry out tasks independently; familiar with building construction and energy science; proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
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
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, 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