As economic mobility coaches, members will assess participants' individual situations, identify barriers to success, and set long-term stability goals. They will work alongside clients to overcome barriers to success through strategies such as community resource navigation and connection to support networks and social capital. The team will also support Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) clinics for 12 hours/week from Feb-Apr. Service starts with a 2-week orientation in Greenville and daily service continues at individual host organizations.
Service Activities
Day-to-day duties vary depending on host organization match. All members are trained to provide the following services to clients in need:
Resource Navigation - When someone is in crisis, it is hard to know where to turn, our team connects people to community resources internally at host organizations and externally to a wide network of partners. Members can also help people apply for benefits through the Thrive Hub system.
Economic Mobility Coaching - Individuals can opt-in for long-term coaching with an AmeriCorps member. We utilize the evidence-based Mobility Mentoring® model from EMPath. As coaches, members will assess participants' individual situations, identify barriers to success, and set long-term stability goals. They will work alongside clients to overcome barriers to success.
VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) - Our members receive training on basic tax preparation and are mobilized during tax season to help at free tax clinics through the VITA program. During tax season (late January–mid-April) team members’ schedules vary from the norm. Meaning some weeknight evenings (3-8 pm) and Saturday morning shifts are expected, but it depends on tax site assignment.
Community Need Addressed
Our team members serve at a variety of partner organizations to overcome barriers, improve access, and create vibrant and equitable communities. Moving out of poverty is complex, a multi-year process that requires families to juggle maintaining their health, taking care of their kids, managing their money, gaining post-secondary education or credentials, and moving into a family-sustaining career – all at once. Our team will utilize Mobility Mentoring® practices to provide comprehensive support to families.
Position Outcomes
By placing our members at local nonprofits and other service locations, we are able to support opportunities that improve economic mobility and create vibrant communities for those across Upstate South Carolina.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
- Learn to be a leader and public speaker through our team's corporate Toastmasters Club that meets monthly.
- Grow as a professional at our monthly training sessions on topics such as motivational interviewing, mental health first aid, and trauma-informed care.
- Make lifelong friendships and networking connections through service and by participating in optional team social events.
- Feel secure in your healthcare with included dental and vision benefits at no cost to you.
- Receive reimbursement for miles driven for service-related activities (not including commuting)
- Supplement your AmeriCorps living allowance by utilizing SNAP and other state and federal resources. The AmeriCorps living allowance is generally excluded from the calculation for these benefits.
Education Benefits
Thrive Hub counselor for benefits applications, Foundations of Mobility Mentoring training (12 hours), Motivational Interviewing, Mental Health First Aid, VITA Advanced IRS Tax Preparation, Cyber Security Awareness Training, etc.
Skills you will gain
Team building skills, communication skills, customer service skills, volunteer management skills, computer/technology skills, and social service skills.
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
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Provide relevant expertise
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, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
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, Set goals
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, 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