Financial Stability Navigator - AmeriCorps

Part-Time (900 hours to be completed August 15, 2022 - July 29, 2023)

Reduced Part-Time (675 hours to be completed August 15, 2021 – May 26, 2022)

Number of Positions: 6 Part-Time Positions Available; 9 Reduced Part-Time Positions Available

• Positions contingent upon grant funding

Program Overview:

United Way of the Piedmont’s AmeriCorps Program is designed to increase opportunities for self-sufficiency and financial stability for low- to moderate-income individuals and families in Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union counties.

AmeriCorps Member Position Overview:

As Financial Stability Navigators, AmeriCorps members will help clients navigate the path to self-sufficiency by supporting intensive case-management efforts. Members will assess client needs, connect clients to resources, and follow up with clients on a regular basis to be sure they stay on track with their goals. Members will also connect clients to benefits through the Benefit Bank and file taxes for free through the VITA program.

Minimum Requirements:

• Be at least 17 years of age or older.

• Have a high school diploma or equivalent (or agree to work toward one)

• Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States

• Satisfy the National Service Criminal History Check eligibility criteria pursuant to 45 CFR 2540.202.

Essential Functions:

The Financial Stability Navigator will work directly with the leadership of Site Supervisor, Program Director, the Benefit Bank

Counselor, and the VITA Director. They will also work with agency staff, other AmeriCorps members, AmeriCorps VISTAs, and volunteers to achieve duties.

Case Management

• Work with clients across the socio-economic spectrum to determine needs, provide clients with resources, and follow up with clients regularly.

• Complete training: Financial Coaching; Motivational Interviewing; Mental Health First Aid.

• Assess client needs and track progress using Charity Tracker and the Readiness Tool.

VITA Tax Preparation

• Prepare a minimum of 40 tax returns at 10 VITA clinics and answer basic tax questions for qualifying taxpayers.

• Complete IRS certification up to the advance level (minimum basic level)

VITA Site Coordination (optional)

• Complete IRS Tax Certification up to the Advanced level.

• Conduct a quality review on each tax return prepared at the site.

• Ensure that all tax returns are electronically filed with the IRS in a timely manner and that acknowledgments are reviewed.

• Ensure rejected returns are either corrected or the affected taxpayer contacted.

• Maintain accurate up-to-date records of volunteer certifications and volunteer hours.

Additional Responsibilities:

Each service site can identify 1-2 additional responsibilities related to increasing self-sufficiency that the AmeriCorps member will conduct on-site. For a list of sites and site-specific responsibilities, visit www.uwpiedmont.org/americorps

Physical, Emotional, and Intellectual Demands:

To perform the services successfully, the AmeriCorps member should demonstrate the following competencies to perform the essential functions of this position:

• Flexibility/Resilience – The ability to adjust to and thrive in a complex and changing environment; handles setbacks and failures with professionalism and candor; effectively and appropriately responds in the face of adversity or conflict.

• Ability to Work Independently – The ability to be a self-starter and accomplish tasks independently and without constant direct supervision.

• Ability to Multi-Task – The ability to handle multiple tasks and assignments; prioritizes more important tasks while maintaining a good handle on others; reports in a timely manner any barriers to task completion and allows ample opportunities for supervisor to adjust deadlines

• Results-Oriented Thinking and Behavior – A genuine concern for effectiveness. Possesses the desire to get the service done with excellence; mentally, is focused on getting the best results for actions taken; does not settle for mediocrity.

• Awareness and Sensitivity to the External Environment – Situational awareness; is aware of the organizations that they represent, including UWASC, AmeriCorps SC, CNCS, and the Host Site’s position in the community and the effect of their words and actions on that position; demonstrates savvy in dealing with agencies, volunteers and donors; is promoting and affirming in conversations about and on behalf of those organizations.

• Sedentary Work: Member is required to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

• Physical Activities:

o Manual Dexterity: Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise serving, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand or arm as in handling.

o Communicating: Expressing or exchanging ideas. Activities must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly.

o Listening: Ability to receive detailed information through appropriate communication.

• Visual Acuity: Member is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and

analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; and/or expansive reading.

• Service Conditions: Member is subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions.

Benefits:

This position is eligible for a living allowance and education award. The stipend for this position is up to $8,000 (PT) or up to $6,300 (RPT) distributed on a bi-monthly basis. The education award for this position is $3,172.50 (PT) or $2,417.14 (RPT) upon completion of hours. Members are also allowed to shop once a month at UWP’s Gifts in Kind Center for household items.

Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

More Information & Application Process

To apply and find more information, visit https://piedmontamericorps.weebly.com/

Contact Carolyn Smith with questions. csmith@uwpiedmont.org

864-864-1582