WesleyLife Meals on Wheels is the only not-for-profit organization in Polk County combatting food insecurity by delivering hot, nutritious meals and safety checks to our clients daily. AmeriCorps members are deploying across the state to provide added support and resources to help meet the needs of Iowans.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
The first enrollment date is September 13, 2024. Positions will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis. Prospective Members must meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements and interview with their desired Host Site. The AmeriCorps Program Planner will work with the individual to find a Host Site that is best suited for their location, goals, and skills.
LOCATION Wesley Life Meals on Wheels, 3206 University Avenue Des Moines Iowa 50311
POSITION DESCRIPTION
AmeriCorps members will deliver support to meet the basic needs of Iowans, lending a hand to organizations that are experiencing challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. AmeriCorps members may address three key needs: (1) food insecurity, (2) volunteer management, (3) economic opportunities.
The AmeriCorps member will serve with WesleyLife Meals on Wheels to build capacity for intergenerational and social connection programs in Polk and Dallas Counties through the following service activities.
WesleyLife Meals on Wheels AmeriCorps Food Security Navigator
The AmeriCorps position will expand capacity to support the most vulnerable in our community with accessing benefits and improving their rate of food security. This individual will work directly with clients of Meals on Wheels to help them navigate SNAP and other benefit services. The individual will meet with clients one on one to understand their food insecurity level and measure change among those enrolled in this special pilot. This person will build the capacity of the Meals on Wheels team and ultimately equip our team members to better understand the other benefits available to our clients.
LIVING ALLOWANCE
Slot Type: Reduced Half Time, Quarter Time
Reduced Half Time (675 service hours, est. 21 hours/week over 36 weeks):
Living Allowance: $8,876
Education Award: $2,817.14
Quarter Time (450 service hours, est. 15 hours/week over 32 weeks):
Living Allowance: $5,917
Education Award: $1,956.35
UNIQUE BENEFITS
Members will receive a living allowance and education award for their service. Members are also eligible for student loan forbearance for the duration of their service. Members serving three quarter time (TQT), reduced half time (RHT) and quarter time (QT) will also complete Community Health Worker Professional Skills Training and receive a professional certificate from DMACC upon completion. The training is completed as part of your AmeriCorps service hours.
REQUIREMENTS
Must have or will be in process of obtaining my diploma/GED/HSED by the start of service Must be 18 years of age at the start of service Must complete a national service criminal history check prior to first day of service. The results of the check are kept confidential and must be reviewed by AmeriCorps program staff prior to the first day of service. I understand that if I do not pass AmeriCorps eligibility for the background check, I will be ineligible for service Must be a US citizen, US national, or Lawful Permanent ResidentCONTACT INFORMATION
Erin Hardigree
AmeriCorps Program Planner
Division of Public Health
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
erin.hardigree@hhs.iowa.gov
515-415-0065