Rebuilding Together New Orleans (RTNO) is committed to continue meeting the needs of low-income homeowners in our community. About 30% of RTNO applicants are living with a disability, and many are living in homes without the necessary equipment to safely move around. Because many elderly homeowners in New Orleans are unable to work, they live on the fixed income afforded to them by social security; this lack of disposable income prevents them from making the critical home modifications necessary to facilitate their mobility and independence.

Repairs RTNO providers our clients keep elderly and disabled homeowners in their homes longer, hindering blight from spreading and sustaining the quality of life in their neighborhoods. Our programs provide a variety of accessibility and safety features for homeowners living with a disability to reduce the likelihood of falls, work to preserve their health, and save them money on medical expenses to help sustain financial independence. RTNO has been able to assist more than 500 homeowners since 2005, but our homeowner waitlist continues to grow. Because of AmeriCorps members we are able to leverage our funding to assist additional homeowners and shorten the wait time for these homeowners who are in need of critical repairs.

Position at a Glance

AmeriCorps members serving with RTNO get to see first-hand how the work they’re doing positively impacts the community. The tasks House Captains complete improve the quality of life for all of RTNO’s homeowners, whether it’s through the addition of a wheelchair ramp to allow homeowner mobility and independence, or exterior weatherization repairs to lower utility builds and keep a home clean and healthy. They complete hands-on repairs as part of prep work or punch list for special projects. On project days, AmeriCorps House Captains work with volunteers from all backgrounds and skill levels to complete a variety of construction activities. Wherever possible, they teach and empower volunteers to learn new skills and safely implement them on the worksite.

Commitment Required

Start date- September 7th, 2021 End date- August 5th, 2022. Members will be full time, serving minimum 40 hours per week, totaling no less than 1,700 hours during the term of service. Outside work is allowed, however it must not interfere with members’ service schedules, and hours worked in additional positions may not be counted as service hours. Additionally, state AmeriCorps members are required to pass an FBI criminal background check including fingerprints, state background checks, and an NSOPW check. A list of disqualifying offenses will be given to applicants upon request, or at the initiation of such checks.

Essential Functions of Position

• Complete direct hands-on repairs, including but not limited to: rough/trim carpentry, tile work, grab bar installation, wheelchair ramp/safe entry/egress repairs, interior/exterior painting, and weatherization.
• Assist with logistics through pulling, staging, stocking, and delivery of construction materials.
• Oversee general volunteers in completing direct hands-on repairs. Ensure that volunteers are trained in their task and have access to tools/materials, that proper safety procedures are being followed, that the work product is of good quality, and that volunteers enjoyed and feel appreciated for their service.
• Where possible, encourage and support volunteers to safely try new construction tasks and build their skill sets
• Educate homeowners about the repairs that were completed and any new or recommended home maintenance.
• Conduct on-site volunteer orientation, including: history of affiliate and community, site/tool/neighborhood safety, homeowner biography, and project work scope.

Qualifications Preferred

• Experience with construction methods, home repair, and housing issues
• Experience with managing or coordinating volunteers
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Experience working on and successfully communicating with a team
• Valid driver’s license and clean record to use RTNO vehicles (members must be 19 years of age to drive RTNO-owned vehicles)

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
• Must be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States.
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Physical ability to work on a construction site
• Ability to lift 50 pounds
• Proficient with basic computer skills and use of internet
• Ability to serve with and for a diverse community and staff
• Familiarity with public speaking and presenting/direct small or large groups of people
• Organized, self-motivated, flexible, detail-driven
• Ability to work with diverse clients, volunteers, and staff to create a friendly, helpful atmosphere
• Access to reliable transportation to daily commute, or comfort with using public transit

AmeriCorps Program Benefits:

The 2021 stipend is $15,100 for 11 months, minimum 40 hours per week.

The Full-Time Member will receive the following benefits:

a. A biweekly taxable living stipend in the amount of $629.17 while the Member is serving.

b. Mileage reimbursement when using personal vehicle for travel outside of daily commute

c. Health insurance coverage paid by the program (if member is uninsured)

Upon the successful completion of 1,700 hours and the terms of service, the Member will receive a (taxable) Segal Education

Award in the amount of $6,345 from the National Service Trust.

About AmeriCorps State and National

AmeriCorps State and National programs provide thousands of Americans each year the opportunity to improve the lives of their fellow citizens through service. Funded by the Corporation of National and Community Service (CNCS), a federal agency, AmeriCorps works hand in hand with local partners, tapping the ingenuity and can-do spirit of the American people to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing our nation.

CNCS invests in thousands of nonprofit and faith-based groups that are making a difference across the country. Rebuilding Together is a proud member of the AmeriCorps community.

AmeriCorps members are not employees of the Program or of the federal government. The definition of "participant" in the National and Community Service Act of 1990 as amended applies to AmeriCorps members. As such, "a participant (member) shall not be considered to be an employee of the Program in which the participant (member) is enrolled" ((42 U.S.C. 12511(30) (B)). Moreover, members are not allowed to perform an employee's duties or otherwise displace employees, and therefore generally not eligible to receive unemployment compensation.