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VetCorps Prevention Coordinator – North Branch, MN
Department:
VetCorps
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 veterans and military families (VMF). The VetCorps Prevention Coordinator (VPC) will provide prevention, treatment and outreach referral services to veterans and military families (VMF) and build the capacity of the community to support VMF. 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) 1,700 hours per year position as a member of the VetCorps project serving with Community Partnership With Youth & Families. The VPC’s service year will begin on or about February 1, 2012 and conclude on or about January 31, 2013.
REPORTS TO:
The VetCorps Prevention Coordinator will report to The Host Site Supervisor.
BENEFITS:
Upon successful completion of VetCorps service, full-time VPCs receive a stipend of $1,008 per month and an education award 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. Other benefits include student loan forbearance, health insurance and child care payments (if applicable), 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 community.
DUTIES:
- 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 veterans and military families (VMFs) and the local VetCorps project.
- Learn and administer target group-oriented alcohol and other drug prevention education and training programs in coordination with local prevention professionals.
- Address individual and community-level VMF risk levels and work toward reducing the risk factors.
- Assist community coalitions with carrying out the implementation plan to serve VMFs.
- Collaborate with community coalition and coordinate all matters pertaining to substance abuse prevention and education for VMFs.
- 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:
VetCorps Prevention Coordinator applicants must submit a written application to my.americorps.gov. CADCA and coalition staff will review the application placing special emphasis on the writing sample. The applicant will be invited to interview with the staff if appropriate. Two reference checks and a complete criminal background investigation will be done prior to selection.
Requirements:
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.
- Committment 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.
- Ablity 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 and the National Guard provide approximately seven days of training in program development, volunteer management, marketing, communication and leadership. Additional trainings will be conducted monthly for the duration of the service year and are also available through VetCorps and The Host Site. CADCA will provide orientation to the VPC’s local placement site.
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 members are required to serve approximately 32-40 hours each week. At Community Partnership With Youth & Families 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 38460 Lincoln Trail, Box 549, North Branch, MN 55056.
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.