Join Mesa's corps of individuals in their Second Wind
If you're 55 or better, are looking for a fresh challenge with opportunities to help others while also earning a stipend, you've come to the right place.
Operation Second Wind will place Mesa residents, most aged 55 or over, as service delivery professionals at nonprofit human and heath services agencies in the community. Mesa United Way will work with each AmeriCorps applicant to match them with one of the participating agencies. The AmeriCorps will then provide services at one of the agency’s service sites, where they will generally be teamed with a “mentor-trainer” in that office. All positions are part-time.
The objective of Operation Second Wind is to increase the quantity and quality of critical and emergency services available to individuals and families within the community. AmeriCorps members will not be placed in roles or positions which either duplicate services and work of existing personnel or displace existing employees or employment positions. Members must commit to a minimum number of hours service to be completed over an agreed period of time which ends no later than September 30, 2012.
Member Duties:
The AmeriCorps roles at the partner agencies may include, but are not limited to:
Case Management
Education savings program (IDA)
Foster care
Homeless women
Child development program support
Donation and volunteer coordinators
- Assisting unemployed to find jobs
- Federal and state tax preparation services
- Social services screening for low income families
- Property and facility support
Program Benefits:
AmeriCorps member will receive a Living Allowance and an Education Award upon completion of their service that can be used to pay tuition or government student loans. The Education Award can be used by the AmeriCorps member or transferred to one of their direct descendents if the member is 55 or over when they start their service. Their Living Allowance will be paid by Mesa United Way bi-monthly with standard FICA, Medicare, Federal and State income taxes deducted as appropriate. Members are provided with Workman’s Compensation Insurance but do not receive medical benefits.
| Category | Hours | Stipend/Living Allowance | Education Award |
| Half time | 950 | $6,000 | $2,775 |
| Reduced ½ time | 700 | $4,500 | $2,114 |
| Quarter time | 480 | $3,200 | $1,468 |
Timesheet and Payroll:
The AmeriCorps will fill out a printed timesheet every half month (periods ending 15th and end-of-month) indicating the number of hours spent servicing at their assigned site. This will be signed by a mentor at the agency site and sent to Mesa United Way where a running log of service hours will be kept to assure that the AmeriCorps is on track to complete their planned hours before their service end-date. Payroll checks will be issued for a fixed amount based on planned service bi-monthly generally by direct deposit to the member’s bank account.
Training:
There will be three primary type of training available to AmeriCorps members as follows:
1. Orientation and program meetings - Members will be asked to attend a 2-3 hour orientation meeting (presently planned for the morning of October 17, 2011) as well as other meetings or events to be scheduled during the year (not more than monthly).
2. Site specific training - This will be on-the-job, formal and/or informal training specific to the site where the member is serving. This varies depending on the site and is the responsibility of the host organization.
3. "Family Development Specialist Certification Training” - This will be a structured three-day classroom course in human development and professional service delivery. The training will conclude with a written exam and, upon successful completion, members will receive a certificate. Returning members who have already completed this course are not required to attend it again but will be asked to attend a half day “refresher/reflection” session which is scheduled for the afternoon of Monday, October 17, 2011. The full three day training is scheduled for Tuesday-Thursday, October 18-20, 2011.
AmeriCorps members will receive their living allowance while attending all of these activities and the hours will count against their total service hour commitment.
Terms:
Transportation to/from their service site must be provided by the AmeriCorps. Attendance at school and/or working at another job during off hours are permitted.
Qualifications:
Vary with the position, but generally include the following:
- Ability to communicate effectively with diverse clientele and staff
- Administrative assistance - preparing documents, managing schedules, answering phones
- Basic computer skills - use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook
- Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines effectively
- Age +55 highly desirable but not required
- Second language skills a plus but not required
Available Positions:
Click HERE for a listing of current positions available.
AmeriCorps Application Process:
Click HERE for the online application form. Fill out the form - must have Status = “Complete” (two references required)
“Search Listings” for a “AmeriCorps State” program named “Operation Second Wind” in Arizona
Select “Apply Now” and answer questions as appropriate
Contact:
Don Jensen, Program Manager, Mesa United Way
137 E University Drive
Mesa, Arizona 85212
(480) 834-2113
FAX (480) 834-8184
email: don.jensen@mesaunitedway.org
Click HERE for print version