As an AmeriCorps NAIP member you will assist immigrants and refugees in their efforts to gain economic stability and fully integrate by improving their English and other job readiness skills, becoming US citizens, and connecting with community resources. Additionally, you will become a member of a capable AmeriCorps NAIP volunteers Corps, many of whom are from the immigrant and refugee community. Through high quality training and experience, NAIP AmeriCorps members will become skilled and passionate service providers, educators, interpreters and advocates. Lastly, by spearheading volunteer programs at each site, you will create a highly visible volunteer “brigade” to engage community volunteers on a large scale to address urgent educational and social needs.
Service Activities
• Job Readiness and/or Job Placement Services
• Assisting or leading English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) instruction
• Citizenship education and application assistance
• Organization of educational workshops
• Special ESOL program development
• Volunteer program development
• Community interpreter services
• Provision of community support services
Community Need Addressed
New American Integration Program (NAIP) AmeriCorps Members assist immigrants and refugees in their efforts to gain economic stability and more fully participate in our communities. Members make a full-time, eleven-month commitment to teach ESOL, provide community services, assist clients on their path to citizenship, and provide job seekers with assistance in finding employment.
Position Outcomes
Refugee and immigrant community members will increase their knowledge of US workplace culture, improve their English language and other job readiness skills, make progress on their path to naturalization, and obtain employment.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
Monthly MBTA pass, or equivalent travel reimbursement for members serving outside Boston (up to $90/month)
Education Benefits
120-hour Certificate Course to Teach English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL); Professional development and training in interpretation, citizenship, and other human services.
Skills you will gain
Members may gain some or all of the following skills during the course of their service:
• Job Readiness and/or Job Placement Skills
• Ability to lead ESOL and Citizenship Courses
• Public Speaking
• Volunteer Recruitment Skills
• Refugee Resettlement and Placement
• Ability to provide Community support services
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, 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, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel
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
Accepts responsibility
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job
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, 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