Central California - Volunteer Engagement Fellow, AmeriCorps VIP

Job Description
Service Term: August 20, 2024 - June 30, 2025
Reports to: Program Manager and Coordinators/ Partner Site Supervisor
Partner Site Locations: Fresno, Merced, and Stanislaus Counties
If you are interested in serving in other regions of California, please view our other open position listings.
Position Summary
We are seeking dedicated individuals to join our team as AmeriCorps VIP Fellows. In this role, you will have the opportunity to serve your community by building and enhancing volunteer programming, engaging volunteers, and supporting the mission-driven work of our partner organizations.
VIP Fellows build volunteer capacity at existing nonprofits, government agencies and schools (Partner Sites) that serve children, youth, and families. They do this through 1) building sustainable systems to track, support, manage, and train virtual or in person volunteers; 2) recruiting one-time and skills-based volunteers; and 3) raising funds to support the development of the volunteer program.
Partner Sites change annually based on community and agency needs, and have included organizations such as Food Banks, Boys & Girls Clubs, Community Health Centers, Environmental Education organizations and more! This position is a valuable opportunity to develop and apply your leadership and community organizing skills to make a lasting difference. Extensive training in volunteer management and nonprofit professional skills is provided.
Program Overview
Volunteer Infrastructure Project (VIP) Members are AmeriCorps members who build and strengthen sustainable volunteer programs in existing service organizations. VIP Members leave a legacy in the communities they serve by building lasting systems of volunteer engagement and management. Each VIP Member dedicates their service to a single Partner Site, working "behind the scenes" to enable volunteers to take part in meaningful service positions that meet community needs. VIP Members are a part of a statewide network of over 100 VIP Members, and are placed in small teams of 5 or more in their community who regularly meet for collaboration, professional development and training.
AmeriCorps VIP values and nurtures an environment that is respectful, courageous, inclusive and equitable. We believe service is a way to bring people together and bridge divides; connecting individuals to individuals, and individuals to organizations that can help us tackle society's toughest challenges. We are strengthened by the diversity of our members, and welcome the unique contributions that you bring to our program.
Essential AmeriCorps Duties

• Recruit, train, and manage volunteers to support the infrastructure of community benefit programs.
• Develop and implement strategies to engage volunteers and foster a sense of community that engages high-value volunteers, particularly specialized/skilled volunteers and volunteers who take on leadership roles in the organization
• Track volunteer program and infrastructure development at the Partner Site, utilizing a defined AmeriCorps Member Service Plan
• Serve side-by-side with volunteers to provide guidance, providing guidance and support while gaining insight into the needs of the organization's clients and continually improving the volunteer experience.
• Provide ongoing support and guidance to volunteers and partner organizations to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of volunteer programs.
• Develop business partnerships that provide support for the Partner Site's volunteer program
• Participate in all program-required trainings and development opportunities that occur both in-person and virtually (travel may be required),
• Participate in all CA Days of Action, and a minimum of 2 National Service Day during the service term, typically in coordination with your local cohort

Requirements
Position Commitment:

• Full-time, 11-month commitment serving a minimum of 1700 hours, may include some evenings and weekends.
• Hours are generally Monday - Friday from 8:30 - 6:00PM (varies slightly by Partner Site placement)
• Service hours are expected to occur in-person and VIPs are required to live within a reasonable commute distance from their Partner Site
• All service hours performed must be only approved program related service activities, and not prohibited or unallowable AmeriCorps activities as listed in member contract & handbook.

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years of age (17 with parental approval)
• Clear criminal background check (Truescreen, fingerprint based Fieldprint & CA DOJ/FBI)
• Submit current, clear TB (tuberculosis) test
• Must have at least a high school diploma or a GED by start date
• Must either be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident of the United States (INS Form I-551)
• Must not have more than 3 terms of service previously with AmeriCorps State and National programs
• Organized, responsible, flexible, motivated and professional
• Strong personal standards of excellence, ethics and integrity
• Ability to be committed to a high standard of safety and be willing and able to comply with all safety laws and all of the program's safety policies and rules

Benefits

• Monthly living stipend of $2,727 to cover basic expenses during service term
• Segal Education Award of $7,395* and CA for All Education Award of $2,605* (total amount: $10,000) upon completion of service, which can be used to pay for educational expenses or to repay qualified student loans.
• Student loan deferment and interest repayment
• Health Benefits
• Childcare (if applicable)
• Potential Eligibility for CalFresh (CA's food stamp program)
• Professional development and training opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge in volunteer management and nonprofit leadership.
• Meaningful work experience and the opportunity to build connections with professionals and organizations in the nonprofit, government, and education sectors.

*Please note: the living stipend and education awards are taxable