Community Engagement Specialist (Public Health AmeriCorps) at Northwest Initiative

Why serve with Public Health AmeriCorps? Address the public health needs of our nation by advancing more equitable health outcomes for underserved communities, and gain onsite experience for future careers in public health. For more information visit: https://americorps.gov/serve/americorps/americorps-state-national/public-health-americorps

AMERICORPS POSITION DETAILS

Host Site: Northwest Initiative

Position Title: Public Health Project Specialist – Community Engagement Specialist

Reports To: Northwest Initiative Outreach Coordinator

Term of Service: April 29, 2024 to September 30, 2024

Slot Type and Minimum Service Hours: Reduced half time (675 service hours) or Quarter time (450 hours)

Living Stipend: $7,619.05 (reduced half time) or $5,291.01 (Quarter time)

MEMBER IMPACT

This role involves a multifaceted approach to community engagement, including spearheading social media campaigns, fostering relationships with clients as an outreach ambassador, providing operational support for farmers market activities, and assisting with fundraising and grant writing efforts. The ideal candidate is passionate about community outreach, possesses strong communication skills, and is adept at leveraging digital platforms to drive engagement and awareness.

POSITION DETAILS - ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILTIES

Community Engagement

• Fund development including researching and solicitation of potential funding opportunities (grants, in-kind, donations)
• Develop comprehensive social media guide including a “communications toolkit,” template posts and calendars
• Manage content calendars, schedule posts, and monitor social media platforms to maintain consistent and compelling online presence

Program Implementation and Management

• Develop engaging and informative video content on various aspects of our organization's mission, activities, and protocols
• Identify training needs and create targeted video materials that effectively communicate key concepts and procedures
• Provide operational support for farmers market activities, including setup, teardown, vendor coordination, and customer assistance
• Collect relevant program data and provide future recommendations in end-of-season report

Client Support

• Use computer and internet browser to access information
• Assist clients with accessing and using social services through online government systems
• Aid in preparation of client benefit requests using online government benefit request systems within a reasonable time frame for client service satisfaction

Marginal Functions – none.

Position Minimum Knowledge and Qualifications –

• Must meet AmeriCorps program eligibility requirements
• Use of computers and software including: Design Tools such as Canva, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Drive, Zoom
• Knowledge of public health concepts

Service Conditions:

• All hours are expected to be completed in person
• Office environment – Shared, open concept, Offsite – Local community agencies, Outside – subject to weather conditions (heat, rain, etc.)

Service Schedule:

• Required during Market season: Tuesdays and Thursdays 8am-7pm
• Must be available to serve on Lansing Mobile Farmer’s Market days (Tuesdays and Thursdays) which can include shifts ranging from 8am-7pm
• Service term must be through September 30, 2024
• Full Lansing Mobile Farmer’s Market season is July-first week of October
• Additional hours must be during regular business hours: Monday-Friday between 8am-4pm, occasional weekend or evening hours
• Members are required to participate and attend monthly ICHD Public Health AmeriCorps professional development, quarterly ICHD AmeriCorps professional development, participate in events including national service days, and regional and local service projects.
• Sick or personal days are allowed, but members lose possible days to earn the required number of hours needed to successfully complete the term of service. There are additional benefits offered if the member has a compelling personal circumstance.

AMERICORPS PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

• Participate in monthly ICHD PHA AmeriCorps Training and Professional Development
• Participate in quarterly ICHD AmeriCorps Professional Development and Service
• Participate National Days of Service (9/11 Day of Service, MLK Day of Service, Russ Mawby Regional Day of Service, Youth Volunteer Day)
• Attend AmeriCorps orientation at the Ingham County Health Department
• All members will participate in an end of service performance evaluation
• All members will be required to submit bi-weekly time sheets, quarterly data reports, and all other data tasks requested by the Host Site
• All Public Health AmeriCorps members are required to complete “Foundational Training for Public Health AmeriCorps” by the CDC

Public Health AmeriCorps Members should possess:

• a desire and ability to work with a diverse group of people,
• a willingness to learn and serve others;
• an ability to work independently and in a team environment successfully and
• strong organizational, writing, and oral communication skills, and a high attention to detail

AmeriCorps Program Eligibility

• be 17 years or older at the start of service (no upper age limit)
• be a U.S. citizen, U.S. National, or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien
• Agree to and pass a national service criminal history check with eligibility verification in accordance with 45 CFR 2540.202.

AmeriCorps Commitment and Benefits –

• Loan forbearance and interest repayment available for eligible loans
• Health Insurance and Childcare assistance for full-time members
• End of Service Segal AmeriCorps Education Award $2,626.27 (Reduced half time) or $1,824.07 (Quarter Time)
• $25 per month allowance for mileage reimbursement during each month of service for service related travel
• Up to $130 available in professional development funds
• Member Assistance Program (Member Assistance Program (Free!))
• Hands-on experience in Public Health

APPLICATION PROCESS County of Ingham is an equal-opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations will be made for interview/service as needed. To apply, submit application via https://bit.ly/ICHDapply or submit resume and cover letter directly to mcole2@ingham.org

Job Types: Part-time, Temporary

Pay: From $5,291.00 per year

Expected hours: 20 – 30 per week

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• Loan forgiveness
• Professional development assistance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Application Question(s):

• REQUIRED: Compensation for AmeriCorps positions are a living stipend and dependent on the number of service hours agreed to. Compensation amounts can be found in the position posting. Acknowledge your understanding by including your initials.
• REQUIRED: In 200 words or less, why are you interested in serving with Public Health AmeriCorps? Learn more about AmeriCorps at https://americorps.gov/serve/americorps/americorps-state-national/public-health-americorps

Ability to Relocate:

• Lansing, MI 48933: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person