Send Resume to:

cwshr {at} churchworldservice(.)org
or mail to: Church World Service
Attention: Karen de Lopez
P.O. Box 968
Elkhart, IN 46515
or fax to 574/266-0087
Deadline to Apply: Until Filled
Service Term: 09/01/2009 – 08/31/2010

Primary Purpose:

As an AmeriCorps member, the full-time AmeriCorps Community Development Associate will be responsible for 4 primary activities. These are: 1.) Plan and implement education and acculturation programs that support the establishment of long-term self-sufficiency for refugees; 2.) Resource Development; 3.) Build Furniture Bank Program in partnership with other agencies; and 4.) Community Awareness.

Please note this position is thru the AmeriCorps VISTA Program. The incumbent needs to work 1700 hours over the term of September 1, 2009 thru August 31, 2010 and will receive a stipend from AmeriCorps for the time served.

Essential Duties:

Activity 1: Plan and Implement education and acculturation programs that support the establishment of long-term self sufficiency for refugees.

• Planning: Create volunteer position descriptions that will support new programs.
• Training: Create volunteer training curriculum and implement trainings.
• Recruitment: Recruit volunteers who are interested in helping to develop new programs.
• Design: Work with volunteers to develop workshop curriculum and volunteer service models that support self-sufficiency.
• Implementation: Implement programs and volunteer services.
• Sustainability: Ensure that programs are sustainable through volunteer resources.

Activity 2: Resource Development

• Prioritize: Work with Sponsorship Developer and Sub-Office Director to outline funding goals and program priorities.
• Resources: Develop “boiler plate” of information to be used in future grant seeking, fundraising, and resource development activities.
• Research: Research local grant opportunities and resource sources (financial and in-kind) as well as potential partner organizations
• Fundraising: Write small grants, organize fundraising events, work with staff to build individual donor base and solicit in-kind donations.

Activity 3: Build Furniture Bank Program in partnership with other agencies

• Research: Research and visit model partnerships and furniture banks
• Recruitment: Recruit volunteers in collaboration with partner agencies to support the establishment of a collaborative refugee furniture bank.
• Volunteer Management: Work with partners to develop effective volunteer management system for furniture bank.

Activity 4: Community Awareness

• Publicity: Develop network of contacts in the media, university, business and faith communities that will support publicity of awareness events.
• Events: Work with staff to organize monthly community awareness/education events.
• Follow-up: Maintain database of event attendees, send out future event notices, conduct follow up feedback reviews and compile information.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Perform all duties in a culturally appropriate manner.
• Undertake other duties as assigned.
• Work varied hours, including some night and weekend work.
• Must have valid driver’s license and suitable vehicle for work in the community. (Compensation is paid by CWS for mileage when using personal vehicle.)

Qualifications:

Education: High School Diploma or GED by end of program year.

Experience: Computer literate with proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel and Word), internet research and e-mail; Superior written and verbal communication skills; Strong organizational and time management skills; Knowledge of grant writing, fundraising, and community organizing; and be eligible to work in the U.S.

Competencies:

Communications: Listen carefully to assure clear understanding of instructions and requests. Communicate a positive, professional image of CWS, demonstrating respect, empathy and integrity. Ask appropriate questions in seeking explanations needed to perform job. Support “transparency of information” by sharing information and ideas with others to support effective performance. Understand staff roles and procedures and prepare standard reports to track job progress or activities. Recognize the particular needs of partners and use established channels to respond to those needs. Understand and be able to use appropriate technology to communicate with others inside and outside CWS. Respect and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information within parameters defined by supervisor and/or CWS policy.
Constituent Relationships: Understand who stakeholders are and be responsive to their needs. Facilitate interactions and serve as a resource in relations with stakeholders. Recognize and be sensitive to issues of concern to stakeholders. Recognize and be sensitive to cultural, ethnic and religious issues.
Job Knowledge: Understand the mission and values of CWS and faith-based organizations and how they apply to their work and relationships with others. Understand the work performed and how it supports CWS in achieving its goals. Understand how to work multi-culturally with sensitivity and integrity. Be able to use and willing to expand learning of applications or technology to perform job duties. Apply a depth of knowledge within area of responsibility to implement assigned activities. Interpret CWS’s policies and procedures for staff and stakeholders, keeping the “human” side in sight.
Leadership: Take responsibility for performance of own job duties. Model behaviors consonant with CWS’s mission and values. Demonstrate sound judgment in performing all duties. Recognize and use individual strengths to enhance work performance. Recognize areas of weakness and seek assistance to improve performance. Take initiative within area of responsibility. Respect the skills, needs and schedules of others in performing assigned duties and responding to others. Contribute ideas for implementing CWS’s vision and strategic plan.
Problem Solving: Identify problems in procedures that affect program work and recommend changes in systems or procedures to address them, and then implement approved changes. Know whom to consult for assistance in solving non-routine problems. Exercise creativity in resolving problems and trying new ways of doing things. Know how and when to apply technical solutions to problems. Share results of problem solving experiences with others. Remain flexible in responding to organizational priorities.
Program Planning and Management: Anticipate work flow and take proactive steps to balance work priorities. Gather, analyze and make use of information and resources necessary to complete work. Successfully balance multiple activities, in support of program or departmental goals. Manage contacts with internal and external stakeholders to ensure flow of information and coordination of efforts. Verify the accuracy and quality of own work and the work of others.
Resource Building and Stewardship: Recognize resource building potential in all interactions and be responsive and professional in providing information. Use financial and material resources provided by CWS to their best advantage, including business equipment and supplies. Demonstrate concern for natural resources in carrying out work activities. Make the most of own time and resources to maximize stewardship to CWS. Demonstrate respect for one another in work relationships.
Teamwork: Understand what a team is and what it does. Demonstrate a willingness to work on a team. Understand own role on the team and how it fits in to the overall results to be produced. Contribute skills, knowledge and ideas to team discussion and work. Accept accountability for assignments made within the team and for producing results on time. Keep team leader and members informed of work status. Demonstrate awareness of what other teams do and how their work affects own team. Recognize and respect the importance of work performed by colleagues. Understand organizational priorities and be willing to set aside own tasks to assist others to complete high priority tasks.