The Manna Supportive Services program will provide food and supportive services to those in need, as well as increase awareness and champion the cause of the under served through outreach, program planning, and collaboration. The Manna Take-Home Backpack program will provide food and supportive services to those in need, as well as increase awareness and champion the cause of the under served through outreach, program planning, and collaboration
Service Activities
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
● Treat everyone who comes into Manna with respect and understanding
● Supply clients and Culinary Program students with necessary resources and assistance
● Document and record provided assistance and client progress
● Know organization requirements to meet the needs of clients who are requesting assistance from Division of Motor Vehicles, Durango Lions Club, A.V. Hunter Trust “Funds for One” and Friends of Man
● Collaborate with Social Services and other community partners to coordinate SNAP outreach and SNAP application assistance
● Provide SNAP application assistance to clients who are eligible for benefits
● Refer clients to medical, mental health, housing, education, transportation, and employment resources
● Create a monthly calendar of scheduled events for clients
● Coordinate activities and opportunities for clients’ personal and professional growth
● Assist Manna staff in creating and administering a survey to clients
● This position requires emotional and intellectual fortitude and can be quite stressful. Self-care and advocacy will be a component of the service year.
● Collaborate with the school system to highlight the importance of the Take-Home Backpack Program and begin to break down the stigma of poverty
● Increase education and support of the Take-Home Backpack Program through marketing/outreach
● Coordinates food intake and distribution of backpacks
● Developing and maintaining relationships with community partners
● Creating and implementing special events to raise awareness and materials for the Take-Home Backpack Program
● Track in-going and outgoing food and the number of backpacks distributed per year
● Partner with other organizations to host food drives
● Provide assistance to the Chef/Manager to help engage the volunteer base
● Administering a questionnaire to students, parents and teachers who are involved in the Take-Home Backpack Program. The goal is to improve the facilitation of the program, increase quality of the food and break down stigmas.
It is important that the Take-Home Backpack Program Coordinator is compassionate and comfortable serving with diverse populations. They should also be excellent problems solvers and handle pressure well.
Community Need Addressed
In La Plata food insecurity is one of the biggest unmet needs. In 2017 Kids count reported that 34.7% of the school aged children in La Plata county qualified for free or reduced lunch. The human Services Gap Map reports that only 45% of eligible citizens in La Plata county participate in SNAP, which is significantly lower that the state average of 54%.
Food security is one of the top common social determinants of health. Disparity in food security represents one of the most dramatic indicators of economic and health inequality. Financial and geographic barriers limit an individual's access to adequate proportions and nutritious foods. Poor nution has negative effects on a person's physical health, mental health and quality of life.
Position Outcomes
With this position the ability to provide direct service will increase the number of clients that we can serve and the amount of time spent with each client. With the added support more in-depth case management and follow-ups can be done. Additionally the help of direct service we can also expand our reach to new populations in our community.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
● A living allowance in the amount of up to $13,728.
● The member is eligible for health benefits compliance with AmeriCorps policy.
● The member is eligible for child care benefits in compliance with AmeriCorps policy.
● The program will provide FICA (Social Security and Medicare), and worker’s compensation.
● Upon Successful completion of the member’s term of service, the member will receive an education award from the National Service Trust in the amount of $6,095.
● The member is eligible for the forbearance of most federally-guaranteed student loans and some private loans.
● The member is allowed 5 vacation days and 3 sick days per 6 month term.
● The opportunity to gain applicable experience, training and certifications that are resume quality.
● The opportunity to strengthen or learn new life skills (relationship building, conflict management, budgeting).
Education Benefits
College Degree
Skills you will gain
Community organization, public health, leadership, team work, social services, counseling
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, Facilitate group planning, 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