START/END DATE: 6/3/2024 - 6/2/2025

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

Increase low-income students’ access to federal meal programs by enhancing technical assistance and available tools for schools and community partners operating these programs across Washington. Consult with schools and community partners to support their implementing and/or improving alternative breakfast models, the Summer Food Service Program, the Seamless Summer Option, and the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Additionally, to raise awareness of the Community Eligibility Provision to eligible schools. Key Washington counties for this work include Chelan, Clark, Cowlitz, Ferry, King, Klickitat, Lewis, Lincoln, Mason, Okanogan, Pierce, Spokane, Stevens, Thurston, and Walla Walla. This project fights poverty by increasing access to federal meal programs for students and by raising awareness of the Community Eligibility Provision. Increased access to federal meal programs, and increased adoption among schools of the Community Eligibility Provision, allows students to access low cost and free meals through schools and community partners, which allows families to allocate resources elsewhere to meet their basic needs. Additionally, these programs ensure young people are accessing reliable, nutritious meals, which support educational outcomes.

MEMBER ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Execute on a statewide campaign to raise awareness about Free Summer Meals, a resource that is underutilized in high-need communities, prioritizing key regions.
• Provide resources for staff in school districts and community organizations serving Free Summer Meals.
• Support analysis of the successes and areas for improvement at the conclusion of summer.
• Support the growth of the organization’s relationships with school districts across Washington implementing new or continuing Breakfast After the Bell (BAB) programs to increase student access to school breakfast.
• Support districts in creating and maintaining BAB programs with maximum impact. Collaborate to implement a strategy for increasing awareness about, and participation in, Afterschool Meals, or the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), in Washington.
• Support districts in maximizing the impact of the Community Eligibility Provision for students by maintaining resources with up-to-date program information and best practices.

Position Length: 12 months

Benefits & Compensation:

• Bi-weekly stipend of $1117.06 (pre-tax)
• $7395 Education Award or $1,800 End of Service Stipend upon successful completion
• Monthly Housing Stipend of $400
• Loan deferment and payment of interest accrued during service year on qualified student loans (loans must be federally-backed; personal/private loans not eligible)
• Noncompetitive eligibility for federal jobs for up to one year after completing service
• Health benefits that meet the minimum standards of ACA compliance
• Childcare assistance
• 10 days sick leave, 10 days personal leave plus 10 federal holidays
• Enrollment in an assistance program with 24-hour access to phone counseling
• Access to emergency assistance program to mitigate unforeseen financial emergencies that put your continued participation in AmeriCorps service at risk
• Monthly team meetings, high-quality training, professional development, and networking opportunities
• Lifelong friends and colleagues who are passionate about service!

Professional Development Benefits:

• Robust professional development to support your personal, professional, and service goals and growth
• Skills to be gained include but not limited to: Interpersonal and Intercultural communication, community outreach, adaptability, relationship building, conflict management, customer service, resource navigation, data entry, knowledge of WA public benefits, knowledge of inner workings of non-profits and community college systems
• Career development trainings provided by UWKC AmeriCorps team
• Previous trainings include: How to Network, Resume Workshops, Mock Interviews, How to make your LinkedIn Profile Shine
• Networking opportunities within United Way and Community Partners

As a member of this cohort, you will be supported with a robust orientation, ongoing professional development opportunities, training, check-ins, and the tools and resources you need to succeed.

What We’re Looking For:

• Hunger and poverty disproportionately affect people who identify with multiple intersections of marginality—including people that identify as Black, Native, POC, queer, trans, disabled, first generation, etc. We believe that these communities must be centered in the work we do. Hence, we strongly encourage those that identify with these communities to apply
• Understanding of systemic racism and commitment to anti-racist work to ensure outputs are relevant and accessible to community members
• Flexibility and quick problem-solving skills to balance the variety of service activities and any potential shift in program priorities
• Experience working on multiple projects at once and ability to self-manage
• Ability to communicate clearly with staff members, partners, and AmeriCorps members
• Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with team, partners, and community members.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills including public speaking skills

AmeriCorps Program Eligibility:

• Must be over 18 years old on the first day of service
• Must be a U.S. citizen, national, or legal permanent resident of the United States. Unfortunately, F1 visas are not sufficient.
• Must be available 40 hours per week. Exact hours may vary by site placement, but will primarily be Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Must undergo a Washington State Patrol background check, FBI background check and National Sex Offender Registry Check, plus state of residence background check if not currently living in Washington
• High school diploma/GED

Please note that United Way of King County is operating in a hybrid model. As such, be prepared to participate in interviews remotely and to complete service responsibilities in a hybrid environment (in-person and remote) should we move forward with your candidacy. If technology presents a barrier to applying, interviewing, or accepting the position, please reach out to unitedwayamericorps@uwkc.org for accommodations.

Additionally, all AmeriCorps members must be able to transition from working hybrid to commuting to their site to serve 40 hrs. per week at any time during their service year. Service schedules will be based on your service site’s needs.

To Apply: Create an application on My AmeriCorps Portal or click here: https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?fromSearch=true&id=117203

• No resume or cover letter is required.
• The application process moves quickly, please expect a response within 1-2 days.
• Please contact unitedwayamericorps@uwkc.org with any questions.