START/END DATE: 6/5/2023 - 6/4/2024

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

**UWKC AmeriCorps members must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to the first day of service.** At King County Housing Authority (KCHA), we know that safe, affordable, stable housing is a social determinant of health, but we also know that health disparities continue to persist among the individuals we serve. The VISTA will help build the capacity of the King County Housing Authority to engage KCHA residents/clients in collaboratively identifying and responding to the health-related needs of the public housing community by establishing new and expanded resident-led health initiatives, by equipping KCHA staff and clients with resources and tools to support health and wellness throughout KCHA communities, and by eliciting partners to provide accessible services and programming. Building a structured, ongoing mechanism for resident feedback and involvement will help develop and grow a model of responsive, volunteer- and peer-led health promotion and engagement programming. By better understanding barriers to health and wellness, and by working with KCHA residents to towards eliminating those barriers, we hope to see improved self-reported health status, increased social and community connections, and more engagement in health-related activities, all with the intent of supporting housing stability.

MEMBER ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Establish a KCHA Resident Wellness Committee, made up of KCHA clients, to help identify and respond to health-related needs of the community of KCHA clients.
• Identify additional KCHA clients who are willing to volunteer their time to support health and wellness programming, even if they do not join the Committee.
• Develop partnerships with community-based organizations to provide training for Wellness Committee members and other volunteers and to support accessible delivery of health and social services to KCHA clients. 
• Develop outreach and informational materials that will be used to update KCHA residents and staff about the activities of the Wellness Committee, the available health-related services for clients, and opportunities for engagement and service.
• Develop protocols and processes for identifying volunteer interests of residents, facilitating access to training and other supports for volunteers, and matching volunteers with health-related programming and activities.

Position Length: 12 months

Benefits & Compensation:

• Bi-weekly stipend of $1027.88 (pre-tax)
• $6,895 Education Award or $1,800 End of Service Stipend upon successful completion of
• 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 11 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
• Per United Way of King County Policy, AmeriCorps members must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by the first day of service. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. If you are a selected candidate, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination. Please reach out to unitedwayamericorps@uwkc.org if you need information on medical or religious accommodation.

Please note that United Way of King County has moved to remote and limited in-person operations. 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, per United Way and public health guidance, 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=117105

• 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.