COVID-19 Recovery AmeriCorps members serving 675 hours over 36 weeks will be partnered with the following organizations across Iowa:
Ames: Mid-Iowa Community Action- Food Security - Position Filled
Cedar Rapids: Catherine McAuley Center- Food Security and Resource Navigator
Cedar Rapids/Linn County: ISU Extension Master Gardeners- Food Security
Cedar Rapids: Olivet Neighborhood Mission- Food Security & Economic Resources
Council Bluffs: New Visions Homeless Services- Food Security and Housing/Homeless Services
Des Moines: IMPACT Community Action Partnership- Economic Support Programming
Des Moines: Willkie House, Inc.- Education
Iowa City: CommUnity Crisis Services & Food Pantry- Food Security and Economic Support Programming
Service Activities
AmeriCorps service with the COVID-19 Recovery program could include a wide variety of activities. Food security community partners utilize members to prepare, receive, sort, package and distribute food and goods through large food banks and local food pantries. Economic relief service activities include placements at Community Action Agencies to process applications for rent and utility assistance and to provide wrap-around services to clients. Members who focus on volunteer management might organize activities such as confirming and scheduling volunteers to fill and deliver orders or aid in volunteer recruitment and training efforts. Direct disaster response includes addressing other community identified needs connected to the ongoing impacts of the pandemic.
Community Need Addressed
The COVID-19 Recovery AmeriCorps program will utilize AmeriCorps members to increase efforts to alleviate food insecurity, provide services to allow people stay in their homes, manage volunteers, and contribute to other direct needs of Iowans during, and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Members will serve with local organizations who have seen an increase of demand on the resources they provide. All placements are selected to address the greatest needs of a community.
Position Outcomes
This position will engage 12 AmeriCorps members, serving part time (20 hours per week) over the course of 9 months to provide capacity-building services to local organizations addressing food security and economic support programming across Iowa. We expect the efforts of the full COVID-19 Recovery AmeriCorps program to benefit more than 5,000 individuals and result in engaging 100 community volunteers.
Benefits
Education award upon successful completion of service, Living allowance, Training
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Maintain open lines of communication with others
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, 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
Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, 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, 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