Bakersfield - AmeriCorps Member

Job Description

AmeriCorps Member, California AmeriCorps Disaster Team  
 

Recent graduate? Veteran? Or looking for an opportunity to explore a new career path? 
 

Our AmeriCorps program is looking for passionate individuals who want to make a significant impact on others through public service while gaining meaningful professional experience. 
 

AmeriCorps is a short-term, national service opportunity that involves working with non-profit agencies to meet the critical needs of communities. The American Red Cross hosts a state-wide AmeriCorps program in California that focuses on engaging volunteers, educating communities on emergency readiness, and assisting those who have been affected by disasters. Our AmeriCorps members dedicate 900 hours of service in exchange for leadership and professional development, a modest stipend, and a $3,172.50 education award . 
 

Work location: Bakersfield, CA. This is an in-person role with regional travel 

Main duties 

• Identify and conduct outreach within the communities we serve and partner locations to recruit a diverse pool of volunteers 
  
• Complete and assist volunteers in navigating the onboarding process to engage as a Red Cross volunteer
  
• Support the preparedness of youth and their families through the delivery of preparedness presentations and home fire campaign events 
   

o    Members will be expected to primarily recruit, onboard and supervise youth volunteers in the delivery of these programs as well as deliver presentations themselves 
 

• Support the recovery of individuals impacted by local and national disasters through engagement in our Disaster Action Team, Client Care program, and disaster response operations 
   

o   Members will be expected to recruit, onboard, and supervise volunteers in the delivery of these services as well as respond themselves when called upon 
 

• Disaster Team members are required to deploy at the behest of the California Service Commission for up to three weeks and within 48 hours (about 2 days)' notice. 
   

o   Duties may include distributing emergency supplies, staffing shelters, managing volunteers, conducting damage assessments, etc. The program covers all expenses for deployments. 
 

Requirements

• Must be able to serve approximately 40+ hours per week between 9 /16/2024 to 7/25/2025
  
• Minimum of 18 years old 
  
• Able to pass a criminal background check 
  
• Holds a High School Diploma or GED 
  
• Must be a U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident 
  
• Possess a valid driver’s license 
  
• Provide proof that you are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or qualify for an exemption 
  
• Applicants who currently reside outside of California should be prepared to relocate if selected for the position 
  
• Able to deploy with only 48-hour notice and for up to 3-week increments to assist with disaster response 
  

Desirable Qualities                                                                                         

• Experience working with volunteers 
  
• Willingness to serve outside of regular business hours, including evenings and weekends 
  
• Strong leadership and communication skills, capable of collaborating with diverse groups of people both digitally and in-person 
  
• Self-motivated and capable of managing multiple, competing priorities and deadlines 
  
• Team-oriented and willing to help others without being directed to do so 
  
• Comfortable with public speaking and passionate about community outreach 
  
• Passionate about community outreach and education to build resiliency 
  
• Excellent ability to navigate problems with energy and a positive attitude, flexible when priorities change  
  
• Process driven and able to navigate different virtual platforms/technology 
  
• Previous experience as a Red Cross or youth volunteer is a plus 
  
• Bilingual language skills in Spanish and Mandarin Chinese are not required, but highly desired 
  

Benefits

• Invaluable experience with a nationally and internationally respected organization
  
• The opportunity to build your network and accrue professional development skills including communication, project management, leadership ability and interpersonal effectiveness 
  
• Extensive opportunities for Red Cross and Emergency Management training  
  
• A bi-weekly stipend of $1,108.70 (before taxes), health, dental and vision coverage, and childcare assistance for those who qualify. Member may also be eligible for CalFresh benefits 
  
• Federal student loan forbearance during service period. Accrued interest of those loans will also be paid with the successful completion of the program.
  

Requirements
Minimum Eligibility Requirements Must be able to serve approximately 40+ hours per week, between 2/19/2024 to 7/26/2024 Minimum of 18 years old Able to pass a criminal background check Holds a High School Diploma or GED Must be a U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident Possess a valid driver’s license Applicants who currently reside outside of California should be prepared to relocate if selected for the position Able to deploy with only 48-hour notice and for up to 3-week increments to assist with disaster response Desirable Qualities Experience working with volunteers Willingness to serve outside of regular business hours, including evenings and weekends Strong leadership and communication skills, capable of collaborating with diverse groups of people both digitally and in-person Self-motivated and capable of managing multiple, competing priorities and deadlines Team-oriented and willing to help others without being directed to do so Comfortable with public speaking and passionate about community outreach Passionate about community outreach and education to build resiliency Excellent ability to navigate problems with energy and a positive attitude, flexible when priorities change Process-driven and able to navigate different virtual platforms/technology Previous experience as a Red Cross or youth volunteer is a plus Bilingual language skills in Spanish are not required but are highly desired

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