Disaster Recovery AmeriCorps Program - Santa Cruz County, CA at SBP – Santa Cruz, California

Ready to make a difference?

Help Santa Cruz County recover from fire and atmospheric river damage by serving with them for a 10-month AmeriCorps term! SBP, a social impact organization focused on disaster resilience and recovery, is hiring two AmeriCorps members to serve with the Long Term Recovery Group of Santa Cruz County (SCCLTRG). SCCLTRG was established as a nonprofit in 2023 to support disaster response for past and future disasters in the area. Additionally, SCCLTRG aims to collaborate with organizations and stakeholders for strategic preparedness and mitigation efforts to ensure that Santa Cruz County residents are better prepared for future disasters both collectively and individually. The members will be an integral part of SCCLTRG, helping bring families home to safe, sanitary, and secure housing.

What positions are available?

• As a Project Lead/Volunteer Coordinator, you will rebuild, construct, and fortify the homes of disaster survivors. You will learn and master various phases of construction, and recruit, lead, mentor, and coach volunteers as they assist with your rebuilding efforts. In this role, you will welcome volunteer groups, discuss the impact of their service with them, and empower individuals to join us in being part of the solution.

Essential Functions of Position:

• Conduct outreach activities with the goal of recruiting more volunteers
• Respond to volunteer requests, questions, or general inquiries via email and phone in a timely fashion, maintaining an energetic and positive attitude
• Coordinate logistics for multiple volunteer groups and serve as the point of contact for current, previous and future volunteers and groups
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized worksite.
• Ensure that all construction work is of the highest quality.
• Actively participate in construction projects completing each phase of construction on schedule with or without the presence of volunteers.
• Interact professionally and maintain a positive attitude when interacting with other team members, staff, homeowners, and volunteers.
• Maintain the ability to perform strenuous, physical labor in different climates, over long periods of time.
• When volunteers are present, Project Leads must:
• Clearly articulate the homeowner’s story and enduring needs, and educate volunteers on the area and the effects of the storm.
• Communicate daily and weekly goals.
• Supervise, participate alongside, and provide effective training and constructive feedback to volunteers who are completing insulation, drywall, mudding, painting, flooring, trim, doors, and other phases of construction.
• Serve as a liaison between the homeowner and volunteers.
• Adhere to the site's Construction Manual and Safety Protocol and participate in regular safety trainings.
• Participate in September 11th Day of Remembrance and Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service events, which may take place on a weekend or during holidays and include activities outside of the scope of typical day-to-day functions.
• Per 45 CFR §2540.100, member activities are not supplementing, duplicating, or displacing staff or volunteers.

SBP AmeriCorps Benefits:

Benefits & Compensation Package

• Stipend of $2,227.90 per month (pre-tax)
• Free individual health insurance
• A housing stipend of $175/month for AmeriCorps alumni
• Relocation reimbursement of up to $500 for eligible members
• Segal Education Award of $7,395 (Can be used as tuition assistance and/or for repaying qualified student loans and is awarded upon successful completion of a 10-month term of service)
• AmeriCorps Childcare Benefits Program
• Student loan forbearance for qualified loans
• Free Mental Health, Financial, and Legal support through the Member Assistance Program

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications Required:

• Be at least 17 years of age or older.
• Have a high school diploma or its equivalent
• Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States
• Strong interpersonal skills, including active listening.
• Ability to maintain a calm, professional demeanor in challenging situations, including client crises.
• Ability to clearly communicate needs and expectations to people of various backgrounds.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills.

COVID-19 Safety Statement: While COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are highly encouraged, they are not mandatory for SBP team members at this time. However, SBP strongly recommends that all team members stay current with vaccinations and boosters, which remains one of the best ways to protect themselves, their colleagues, and the clients we serve.

When would you start?

• ASAP

Want to learn more?

• Watch SBP's Anthem video to hear how we are helping prevent people from reaching their breaking point.
• Watch this video to learn What is AmeriCorps?
• Fill out this form to have a member of our team contact you!

As an AmeriCorps member serving with SBP, you will join over 1 million members who have dedicated time to national service. You will receive professional development from a team that takes a holistic approach to combating natural disasters—increasing the readiness and resilience of communities before they happen and streamlining rebuilding and recovery after. If you’re committed to learning, have a strong work ethic, and enjoy working as part of a team, join us!

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