YMCA of Greater Seattle: HungerCorps Member

START/END DATE: 12/4/2023 - 8/31/2024

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

The YMCA of Greater Seattle operates many programs across King County and South Snohomish County to provide additional resources and opportunities for families to gain access to food. We support free meal programs all year round, including community meals, backpack programs, Y on the Fly, food pantries, produce boxes, senior and family meals, and afterschool meal programs.

You will join a dynamic cohort of direct service AmeriCorps members working in partnership with United Way staff, AmeriCorps, school districts, and community-based organizations to connect families with the food they need.

HungerCorps Members at the YMCA of Greater Seattle will support the Hunger Response’s Umbrella Program and other Afterschool Meal Programs (CACFP). This position will primarily focus on ensuring youth have access to free, nutritious meals, safe and engaging environments, and actively enthusiastic role models. This position will serve the Auburn area and potentially Woodinville/Northshore, Sea-Tac, and Kent.

MEMBER ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Direct daily site operation
• Preparing and assembling unitized meals
• Ensuring federally required forms are completed daily
• Collecting, compiling, and turning in necessary program data
• Planning and implementing fun and engaging youth activities
• Leading SEL-focused conversations with program participants
• Traveling between meal sites as needed
• Other duties as assigned

As a part of this team, you will be supported with a robust orientation, ongoing training, and the tools and resources you need to be successful. Full training and certification provided.

Benefits & Compensation:

• Bi-weekly stipend of $1,303.70 (pre-tax)
• $6,895 Education Award upon successful completion of service
• Loan deferment and payment of interest accrued during service year on qualified student loans (loans must be federally-backed; personal/private loans not eligible)
• Health benefits that meet the minimum standards of ACA compliance
• Unlimited free transportation with a pre-paid ORCA Card
• Childcare assistance
• 10 days sick leave, 10 days personal leave plus 11 federal holidays
• Enrollment in an assistance program with 24-hour access to phone counseling
• Access to emergency assistance program to mitigate unforeseen financial emergencies that put your continued participation in AmeriCorps service at risk
• Monthly team meetings, high-quality training, professional development, and networking opportunities
• Lifelong friends and colleagues who are passionate about service!

As a member of this cohort, you will be supported with a robust orientation, ongoing professional development opportunities, training, check-ins, and the tools and resources you need to succeed. Members will walk away from their year of service with an understanding of on-the-ground food security work as well as a deep knowledge of anti-hunger strategies, federal meal programs, and increasing food access across the community.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

• Self-starters who are passionate about supporting their community and public service
• Experience working independently in high-energy environments
• Flexible, resourceful, and adaptable
• Ability to build relationships and effectively communicate information to a broad audience, including conducting outreach to parents, youth and other community members
• Experience working with diverse populations and an ability to apply a racial equity lens towards anti-hunger work
• Second language skill (especially Spanish, Somali, Amharic, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Russian, or Ukrainian) is highly desirable so that we can offer services to families in their preferred or native languages.
• Consistent access to a personal vehicle is needed. Members who travel between service sites will receive mileage reimbursement at IRS standard rates.

This is a full-time position and members will serve approximately 40 hours per week for the duration of their service term. Members will frequently move or lift boxes weighing up to 30 pounds. This position will involve service in outdoor weather conditions, and may involve standing, walking, or moving around the service location for up to four hours at a time.

AmeriCorps Program Eligibility:

• Must be over 18 years old on the first day of service
• Must be a U.S. citizen, national, or legal permanent resident of the United States. Unfortunately, F1 visas are not sufficient.
• Must be available 40 hours per week through August 2024. Exact hours may vary by site placement, but will primarily be Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Must undergo a Washington State Patrol background check, FBI background check and National Sex Offender Registry Check, plus state of residence background check if not currently living in Washington
• Per United Way of King County Policy, AmeriCorps members must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by the first day of service. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. If you are a selected candidate, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination. Please reach out to unitedwayamericorps@uwkc.org if you need information on medical or religious accommodation.

Please note that United Way of King County has moved to remote and limited in-person operations. As such, be prepared to participate in interviews remotely and to complete service responsibilities in a hybrid environment (in-person and remote) should we move forward with your candidacy. If technology presents a barrier to applying, interviewing, or accepting the position, please reach out to unitedwayamericorps@uwkc.org for accommodations.