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.** In this final phase of this VISTA project, the member will continue to support transition from a fully online learning environment to a hybrid one by expanding the current online outreach to include in-person outreach for volunteers, students in order to re-establish in-person enrollment of adult low-literacy issues in the areas of English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), General Education Development (GED) test prep, citizenship, work and digital literacy skills. Improve access to student resources and develop an external communication program that disseminates and educates about low-literacy issues and Literacy Source services. Increase Literacy Source’s organizational capacity by creating a sustainable system that improves access and management of internal information systems, resource and digital services to enhance the service of free basic skills education and resources to low-income adults working to improve their lives.

Member Roles & Responsibilities:

• Conduct targeted online and in-person volunteer and student outreach in order to increase student and volunteer enrollment, particularly in the Adult Basic Education population and low-level ESOL classes.
• Increase the diversity of the volunteer base so that it includes a higher representation of the Literacy Source community which includes immigrants, refugees, and native English-speaking basic skills learners. 
• Develop leveled materials and curriculum to provide students with information about student community resources. 
• Create a program and tracking system to ensure students are provided with the resources, devices, and technology they need to attend classes.
• Develop a sustainable document management and storage system that will store, organize and share access to current internal files using MS SharePoint & Staff Wiki.
• Update and enhance the organization’s website and communication methods to provide better advocacy about literacy issues, and services offered to adult learners.

Position Length: 12 Months

Benefits & Compensation:

• Bi-weekly living allowance of $1,027.88 (pre-tax)
• $6,895 Education Award upon successful completion of service
• Additional $1000 completion bonus from UWKC upon successful completion of service
• 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
• Pre-paid transportation through an ORCA LIFT card
• 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
• 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

Successful applicants will have a passion for the VISTA experience, effective written and verbal communication skills, experience working in nonprofits or public agencies, excellent organizational and creative problem-solving capabilities, emotional intelligence, and project and time management skills. This position requires collaboration, flexibility, and adaptability.

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 through June 2024. 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
• 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=117238

• 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.