NOAHH is seeking candidates for the 2012-2013 AmeriCorps Program.  NOAHH's program includes positions for AmeriCorps National Directs as well as AmeriCorps VISTAs.  These are AMERICORPS POSITIONS.  These are not paid positions, and receive only a monthly living stipend and a contingent education award.  Housing is provided by NOAHH in one of our “volunteer homes” at a highly subsidized rate.

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume and three (3) references to volunteer@habitat-nola.org.  Please be sure to reference the job title in your submission.  The references should include name, title and contact information; no letters are required. 

In addition to sending NOAHH your resume and cover letter, you will be required to submit an application through AmeriCorps on their website   More details on the AmeriCorps program and the benefits can be found on their website.

Cover letter should include the following topics:

• Why Habitat for Humanity?
• Why AmeriCorps?
• Why New Orleans?
• What skills and background experiences do you bring to be successful in this position?

AmeriCorps VISTA - “A Brush With Kindness” Project Development
AmeriCorps VISTA - Blight Reduction Specialist
AmeriCorps VISTA - Communications Specialist
AmeriCorps National Direct - Construction Crew Asst Site Supv
AmeriCorps National Direct - Family Services Outreach Assistant

Date: April 26, 2012
JOB TITLE: AmeriCorps VISTA “A Brush With Kindness” Project Development
DEPARTMENT: Volunteer Services/Development

POSITION DESCRIPTION:  Research, create, document, implement and evaluate all non-construction components of Habitat for Humanity’s “A Brush With Kindness” program (ABWK).

A Brush with Kindness is an exterior home preservation service that provides painting, landscaping, weather stripping and minor repair services for homeowners in need.  ABWK helps low-income homeowners impacted by age, disability and family circumstances, who struggle to maintain the exterior of their homes, reclaim their homes with pride and dignity.  Most importantly, A Brush with Kindness is part of Habitat’s broader community development strategy, a holistic approach, which assists communities as well as families.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Create ABWK donor system that identifies new and potential donors to ABWK from a local base of support and includes donor recognition, cultivation and stewardship and continued consultation with the Director of Development to strategize fundraising efforts.

• Plan, document and recruit volunteers for neighborhood clean ups.
• Provide organization, production timelines and maintenance of ABWK materials and data.
• Identify leadership to continue the management of all non-construction aspects of the ABWK program after implementation.
• Communication and coordination of progress through the attendance and contribution at weekly Development Committee Meetings and ABWK Meetings.
• Lay groundwork for cost recovery through identification of individuals whose homes are in need of renovations AND have the capacity to contribute financially to the ABWK project.
• Coordinate with Family Services Department for A Brush With Kindness Homeowner outreach.
• With a staff member present VISTA will perform initial interview/intake duties as needed and maintain a log of best practices and policies with regards to identifying partner families.
• Further develop and improve the NOAHH ABWK manual.
• Sustain partnerships with churches, high schools, colleges and other community organizations created by the previous VISTA through programs, meetings, and new allowing these ground floor partners leadership rolls in the development of the program.
• Promote new partnerships that go beyond ABWK homeowner projects and focus more on NRI projects.
• Further develop and maintain the ABWK tracking process for HFHI.
• Further develop relationships with the City of New Orleans. Continue to work with ServeNola and the Office of Neighborhood Engagement.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of fund development principles
• Strong organizational, administration, telephone and interpersonal communication skills, detail and “big picture” oriented
• Outgoing and enthusiastic; a self-starter
• Solid problem-solving capabilities
• Positive, flexible and team-oriented attitude and ability to work effectively with different teams
• Strong word processing, desktop publishing, and spreadsheet experience
• Skill in preparing written reports and presentations
• Ability to transition quickly between tasks
• Professional demeanor, flexible and able to respond to multiple demands
• Able and willing to take responsibility
• Must possess reliable personal transportation and be approved by insurance carrier to drive personal vehicle
• Knowledge of Habitat for Humanity or principles of affordable housing preferred

Additional Qualifications:

• A desire to be a part of the AmeriCorps VISTA program
• A desire to reside in New Orleans

POSITION DESCRIPTION:  The AmeriCorps *VISTA will help develop a comprehensive "Blight Reduction Program" in targeted neighborhoods. The VISTA will identify potential homes to be donated to NOAHH to be rehabilitated.  These homes will be rehabilited and then sold to partner families.  The VISTA will work on strategic partnerships with local nonprofits to utilize vacant lots in those targeted areas. The AmeriCorps *VISTA will increase the energy efficiency of the rehab projects and new construction, and identify possible funding sources such as tax credits, city/state grants and energy grant programs to offset cost of the blight reduction program so that we can serve more families in our community.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Attend and contribute to weekly staff and monthly construction meetings
• Help develop an outreach program to let the community know we are looking for damaged homes to be donated.
• Identify and research homes that are targeted areas to be donated
• Lay groundwork for tracking lots and the construction processes to ensure sustainability
• Consult with the Director of Construction to strategize annual building plan in relations to grants and tax credits
• Research Green Building in a hot humid climate

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Construction knowledge, a degree in construction related field or construction experience.
• Detail oriented and highly organized
• Ability to be a self-starter
• Problem-solving skills
• Experience working as a member of a team
• Experience in word processing, desktop publishing, and spreadsheet
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to multitask
• Professional; able to respond to multiple demands
• Able to take on responsibility
• Knowledge about the mission of Habitat for Humanity and affordable housing

Additional Qualifications:

• A desire to be a part of the AmeriCorps VISTA program
• A desire to reside in New Orleans

Date: April 26, 2012
JOB TITLE: AmeriCorps VISTA Communications Specialist
DEPARTMENT: Volunteer Services/Communications

POSITION DESCRIPTION:  NOAHH is in a transitional communications phase. Hurricane Katrina brought heightened media coverage and we struggled to maintain a level of responsiveness to all media requests. NOAHH has taken a more proactive stance in marketing to families, volunteers and donors. As we move further from Hurricane Katrina, NOAHH continues to migrate from a reactive to a proactive communications program. The incorporation of social media marketing, along with traditional marketing outlets, the affiliate must continue to present a cohesive message through all venues. The member's main focus will support all marketing communications which consist of planning and executing special events, earned media outreach, creating marketing materials, executing social media objectives. The member's work will allow NOAHH to increase its media outreach/marketing attracting more families, volunteers and donors.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Attend and contribute to weekly staff and monthly Development Committee Meetings
• Identify new and potential PR opportunities from local media market
• Assist with planning of special events - dedications, wall raisings, etc.
• Research new opportunities for social marketing focusing on Facebook and Twitter
• Draft copy for key marketing materials produced for Development, Volunteer Services and Family Services
• Assist with cataloging photos of the affiliate's building efforts
• Provide organization, timelines of materials and special event planning
• Structure and guidelines developed and implemented with regards to social media practices.
• Postings on Facebook and Twitter increased from 3 a week to 7.
• Develop a cohesive plan to attract 10 % more Facebook "likes."
• No fewer than 3 social media promotions to take place in the course of one year targeting an increase in "likes" and "followers."
• Develop a cohesive plan to address all social media needs.
• Organize and execute 6 events with families and media in attendance.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• An understanding of and commitment to the mission of HFH
• Ability to work with people of all backgrounds and education levels
• Strong work ethic
• Well spoken and able to communicate effectively
• Proficient in Internet and email
• An advanced understanding of social media platform
• Interacts well with people
• A self starter
• Ability to meet deadlines and to meet and exceed expectations
• Must be a team player and able to work independently

Additional Qualifications:

• A desire to be a part of the AmeriCorps VISTA program
• A desire to reside in New Orleans

Date: April 26, 2012
JOB TITLE: AmeriCorps National Direct - Construction Crew Assistant Site Supervisor
DEPARTMENT: Volunteer Services/Construction

POSITION DESCRIPTION:  The primary task of the Assistant Site Supervisor is to assist the House Leader in the management, training and motivation of volunteers in the construction of new and rehab homes. The Assistant Site Supervisor will ensure that all volunteers have a safe and enjoyable volunteer experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Work with construction supervisors to accomplish construction goals
• Utilize construction tools and techniques
• Organize and utilize materials in warehouse and storage trailers
• Train homeowner in the house construction and home repair maintenance
• Assist construction supervisors with management, training, and motivation of volunteers and work groups.
• Optimize the use of construction volunteers on the site.
• Help ensure sites are organized and necessary tools are readily available.
• Help monitor and ensure a safe worksite.
• Help coordinate construction work and maintain house schedule.
• Work with other staff to set construction priorities
• Help obtain necessary surveys and inspections in compliance with New Orleans City building codes

QUALIFICATIONS:

• NOAHH seeks a diverse population of individuals who share a few of the same characteristics, such as the ability to take initiative, learn new tasks and be flexible. 
• NOAHH seeks AmeriCorps members who have exhibited a commitment to service in their own. community.  This includes a strong history of volunteering. 
• NOAHH seeks mature, focused and goal-oriented AmeriCorps members.
• Above all, NOAHH values integrity, hard work and the ability to communicate effectively.
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time.
• Must be able to work outdoors year round in temeratures ranging from the high 90’s to low 40’s.
• Must be able to withstand high humidity.
• Must be physically fit and able to lift 50lbs, climb ladders and willing to work on roofs.

Additional Qualifications:

• A desire to be a part of the AmeriCorps National Direct program
• A desire to reside in New Orleans

Date: April 26, 2012
JOB TITLE: AmeriCorps National Direct - Family Services Outreach Assistant
DEPARTMENT: Volunteer Services/Family Services

POSITION DESCRIPTION:    The main focus of this AmeriCorps position is to support NOAHH Family Services outreach initiatives.  This department qualifies applicants for our homeownership program and walks with them through the process of purchasing a home.  The AmeriCorps member will support initiatives such as engaging the communities where NOAHH owns land and currently builds to find potential homeowners.  They will also assist in reaching out to companies that employ staff within the income brackets that NOAHFH serves.  Advanced Spanish speakers a plus!

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• The member will meet with homeowners associations and neighborhood centers and coordinate flyering in these neighborhoods with information about our home-ownership program.
• The AmeriCorps member will support our efforts in reaching out to companies that employ staff within the income brackets that we serve. These included medical facilities, hotels, schools and day-cares, food service companies, security companies, and the transportation industry.
• As we continue to build contacts with these companies, we offer a variety of services including placing information in company newsletters, posting information in employee lounges/break rooms, inserting our information into paycheck envelopes, providing information and applications to human resource directors, attending housing fairs, and conducting seminars/info sessions at workplaces.
• The member will contact organizations and churches associated with the Hispanic community.
• The AmeriCorps member will complete Spanish translation for intakes
• The AmeriCorps member will make call backs for the homeowner hotline
• The AmeriCorps member will screen calls to set appointments
• The AmeriCorps member will outreach to the Hispanic community including such places as consulates, schools, churches, supermarkets, community organizations.
• Keep statistics on information handed out, intakes, and approvals of Hispanic applicants.
• Attend selection meetings once per week

QUALIFICATIONS:

• An understanding of and commitment to the mission of Habitat for Humanity
• The ability to work with people of all backgrounds and education levels
• A strong work ethic
• Advance Spanish language skills
• Well spoken and able to communicate effectively
• Be proficient in Internet and email
• A self-starter
• Knowledge of New Orleans Geography

Additional Qualifications:

• A desire to be a part of the AmeriCorps National Direct program
• A desire to reside in New Orleans