Are you a natural leader who is passionate about helping vulnerable communities better prepare for natural disasters and addressing food insecurities? Do you thrive in opportunities where you are building relationships, hosting workshops and working in a collaborative environment? If your answers are “yes!,” we’re looking for you!
California Emergency Response Corps (CERC) is a statewide preparedness/response AmeriCorps program whose goal is to help Californians become better prepared and to deploy to disasters such as wildfires, floods, earthquakes and food banks. This program is part of a larger statewide California Volunteers campaign to boost emergency preparedness in communities experiencing social isolation, poverty, language barriers, and food insecurities.
CERC has several 11-month AmeriCorps positions serving at our Regional Partners in Fresno including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central California, Education Leadership Foundation, United Way Fresno Madera, and Binational of Central California.
CERC AmeriCorps Member Responsibilities:
- Serve 40 hours per week through contract duration (11 months).
- Complete mandatory training in-person or virtually as directed.
- Must be available to deploy to state-wide emergency operations 2 weeks each as determined by California Volunteers.
- Provide day-to-day support to nonprofit partner site(s), their mission, and internal programs.
- Attend recurring performance check-ins with CERC staff.
- Weekly communication, documentation and timekeeping of hours and activities.
- Deliver service in the community through Disaster Preparedness Education, alleviating food insecurity at a local food bank or distribution site, providing needed resources to underserved communities.
- Willingness to become a local emergency responder in partnership with the American Red Cross.
- Ability to serve all required State/National Service Days (MLK Day, Caesar Chavez, 9/11 Remembrance).
Community Outreach:
- Strengthening partnerships with local community-based organizations and internal programs.
- Attend events and training on behalf of partner-site and AmeriCorps programs.
- Conduct surveys and other measurable activities.
Community Education:
- Members will lead presentations and outreach efforts through canvassing, and partnerships with local non-profits for the purpose of measurable community behavioral changes in preparedness.
Disaster Response:
As needed, Members will deploy to disasters and provide appropriate assistance to the organization(s) directly managing the disaster response. Deployments will happen on very short notice and last up to two weeks. After each disaster deployment, members and staff will debrief in order to articulate lessons learned and improve policies and procedures for future disaster responses.
Requirements:
- 18 years or older.
- U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
- Live locally to nonprofit partner for day-to-day service.
- Two years professional or volunteer experience (in related fields), or Bachelor’s Degree.
- Ability to potentially serve evenings and weekends when needed.
- Ability to deploy on short notice anywhere in California for disaster response for up to two weeks each.
- Basic knowledge of Microsoft Suite, Zoom, G Suite and willingness to learn.
- Due to recurring access or episodic access to vulnerable populations, service in this role is contingent on the following checks: DOJ, FBI and National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW), and COVID-19 testing or proof of COVID vaccination prior to service. Candidates must also possess a personal automobile, a current California driver’s license and maintain valid automobile insurance. Availability to meet ongoing requirements.
Desired Knowledge, Skills & Experience:
- Ability to provide a consistent, professional, positive adult relationship with the public and host nonprofit site(s).
- Confident oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to serve independently and make decisions.
- Willingness and ability to take initiative.
- Experience working in group and team settings.
- Ability to resolve differences professionally.
- High-level organizational skills.
- Management of assigned technology/equipment/uniforms.
- Ability to speak Spanish or other non-English language strongly preferred.
Personal Qualities:
- Commitment to the mission and values of the partner agency and National Service.
- Strong leadership skills, flexibility and adaptation.
- Growth mindset.
- Ability to inspire others.
- Ability to maintain motivation to achieve goals while dealing with challenges.
- Committed to community building and service.
- Can Do Attitude!
All Members must maintain the expected hours of service of 40 hours per week for the duration of their contract. Service hours are typically, Monday through Friday, 9am-6pm and weekends when needed.
Benefits:
Semi-Monthly member stipend: $2727 monthly (before taxes).
Member Benefits:
- Healthcare.
- $10,000 Education Award upon completion of 1700hr service term.
- Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
- Great life experience and personal growth.
- Childcare coverage (for qualifying members).
- Student loan forbearance (for qualifying loans).
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