Thursday, October 17, 2013

Veterans and Military Families Corps (VetCorps)




We having a position opening for a Vetcorp Prevention Coordinator! Please feel free to share this information!



Position Description
VetCorps Prevention Coordinator – VISTA – Putnam County, NY
Putnam County Communities That Care Coalition

GENERAL CRITERIA:
Position Title: VetCorps Prevention Coordinator – AmeriCorps*VISTA, Putnam County, New York.

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:
VetCorps project is being conducted by the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) in partnership with the National Guard Bureau’s Prevention, Treatment and Outreach (PTO) Program with funding assistance from the Corporation for National Community Service (CNCS). CADCA will recruit AmeriCorps members, particularly veterans, including inactive National Guard and Reserve members. Each member will be placed in one of CADCA’s Community Coalitions located throughout the country to provide support to military service members and their families. The VetCorps Prevention Coordinator (VPC) will provide prevention, treatment and outreach referral services to military service members and their families and build the capacity of the community to support these military families. The VetCorps member will help convey a culture of responsible choices, compatible with core National Guard values, through the use of Substance Abuse Prevention and Awareness training and support.

This is a full-time (32-40 hours/week) 365 day per year position as a member of the VetCorps project serving with the Putnam County Communities That Care Coalition. The VPC’s service year will begin on or about February, 2014 and conclude on or about July, 2015.

REPORTS TO:
The VetCorps Prevention Coordinator - VISTA will report to the Coalition Coordinator.

BENEFITS:
The full-time VetCorps Prevention Coordinator receives a monthly living allowance stipend of $1,276 per month (stipend is subject to federal withholding). Upon successful full-time completion of VetCorps service, an education award may be granted of up to $5,500 or equivalent to the maximum value of the Pell Grant for the award year in which the term of service is funded. The education award is available for the AmeriCorps*VISTA members 1st and 2nd term of service. Other benefits include student loan forbearance, health insurance and child care payments (if applicable), eligibility for non-competitive status for federal service, professional training, valuable networking opportunities, the chance to work with a dedicated team of VetCorps members and staff and to make a real difference in a local communities throughout the United States.

DUTIES: Veterans and Military Families Corps (VetCorps)
·         Develop a written work plan and implementation timeline for your location.
·          Promote Substance Abuse services using marketing, networking and outreach strategies.
·         Establish liaison and coordination with the local National Guard Unit(s) to assist in integrating the preventive education and training efforts into the overall training program.
·          Maintain liaison with civic organizations, civilian agencies and military organizations to integrate the efforts of all community preventive education resources.
·         Seek donations of goods, services and funds to support military service members and their families and the local VetCorps project.
·         Address individual and community-level military service members risk levels and work toward reducing the risk factors.
·          Assist community coalitions with carrying out the implementation plan to serve military service members.
·         Collaborate with community coalition and coordinate all matters pertaining to substance abuse prevention and education for military service members.
·         Evaluate progress made in achieving the program’s goals; report on progress through various types of reports as required.
·         Enter data into Counterdrug Management Information System (CMIS).
·         Maintain performance measurement logs and other reports.
·         Recruit volunteers to VetCorps. Outreach methods may include: presentations to faith, business, and/or community groups; staffing information booths at community events and utilizing the media.
·          Serve as a public ambassador for VetCorps and Host Site.
·         Participate in VPC and VetCorps training, service projects and other activities.
·         Work under the direction of and maintain regular communication with the Host Site Supervisor.
·         VPC may be assigned other project related volunteer program duties during the course of service by the Host Site Supervisor.
SELECTION PROCESS:
The applicant will be invited to interview with the coalition staff, if appropriate. Two reference checks and a complete criminal background investigation will be done prior to start date. Once selected by Coalition staff the VetCorps Prevention Coordinator – VISTA applicants must submit a written application Americorp.

SKILLS AND ATTITUDES:
·         Skilled at taking initiative, problem solving and working independently so as to develop a work plan and implement the substance abuse prevention and referral program.
·         Basic interest in substance abuse prevention, treatment and outreach a plus.
·         Skilled at building interpersonal relationships and ability to work effectively as part of a team with The Host Site.
·         Strong verbal skills; ability to communicate effectively with military members and their families, coalition staff and community groups.
·          Good written and oral communication so as to develop program materials and reports.
·         Commitment to the concept of national service and to making a difference in the local community.
·         Computer literate so as to produce program materials and track member hours.
·         Ability to participate in trainings and have access to transportation to and from The Host Site, events, and activities.
·         Able to respond to organizational change productively and maintain a positive attitude.
·         Knowledge of military culture desirable.
·         Veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.

ORIENTATION AND TRAINING:
CADCA will conduct monthly training webinars for the duration of the service year. There will be other training sessions available through VetCorps and The Host Site. Coalitions will provide orientation to the VPC’s local placement site.
There will be a mandatory weekly training in February 2014 for all new Americorp VISTA members.

SUPERVISION AND EVALUATION:
The Host Site Supervisor provides day-to-day supervision of VetCorps members. The Host Site Supervisor will evaluate performance in accordance with The Host Site’s policies.

HOURS:
Full-time VetCorps AmeriCorps*VISTA members are required to serve approximately 32-40 hours each week for a period of 365 days. At the National Council on Alcoholism and Other Drug Dependencies/Putnam (location and fiscal agent of the Putnam County Communities That Care Coalition), the office hours may vary depending on program needs. The VPC should anticipate occasional weekend and evening hours.

LOCATION:
The VPC’s office will be located at the National Council on Alcoholism in Carmel, NY.

Security Background Check: Applicants must undergo a criminal history check. The ability of an applicant to participate in VetCorps is contingent upon the results of the National Sex Offender Registry check, State criminal history check and a FBI fingerprint check. Applicants must provide a complete set of readable fingerprints and sign a statement indicating whether they have ever been convicted of a crime. If previously convicted of a crime, a written statement must describe the crime and particulars of the conviction. Applicants may request a record check for the volunteer position sought. In addition, applicants have the right to obtain a copy of any background report and to challenge the accuracy and completeness of the information with the agency providing the information before final eligibility is determined.

Other Requirements: To serve as a VPC, applicants must be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or a GED and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien. Documentation of age, education and legal status are due by start date.

TO APPLY:
Please email your cover letter and resume to Elaine Santos, Coalition Coordinator, at putnamdfcgrantee@gmail.com or fax to 845-225-5935.