Blue Water Baltimore's mission is to restore the quality of Baltimore's rivers, streams and

Harbor to foster a healthy environment, a strong economy, and thriving communities. Blue Water Baltimore is 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that accomplishes a wide range of work and partners with diverse organizations and community stakeholders to reach its restoration, greening, and advocacy goals.

Our team is small, close-knit, and committed to the wellbeing and happiness of one another. Our workplace is flexible, casual, and fun. As an organization and individually, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment. Read more at www.BlueWaterBaltimore.org. 

This is an 11 month, full-time (40 hours/week) AmeriCorps member position with Volunteer Maryland (VM) at Blue Water Baltimore. Volunteer Maryland AmeriCorps members, ACMs, are responsible for building capacity and developing and implementing a volunteer program. The member will focus on increasing the Service Site’s effectiveness, efficiencies and/or expand the Service Site’s reach or scale. The outcome will be an increase in capacity for the Service Site to serve their identified community. The VM service year will begin on September 14, 2022 and conclude on August 1, 2023; members must complete 1,700 service hours during the term.

DUTIES:

●Develop a written work plan and timeline for implementation.

●Develop program materials such as a policies and procedure manual, volunteer position descriptions, promotional fliers or brochures, and screening, training, and evaluation tools.

●Recruit volunteers. Outreach methods may include: presentations to faith, business, and/or community groups; staffing information booths at community events; and utilizing the media.

●Screen volunteers as necessary; procedures might include interviews, reference checks, and criminal background checks.

●Develop and facilitate orientation and training for volunteers.

●Supervise volunteers; develop and implement recognition activities for volunteers such as special events, awards, gifts, etc.

●Maintain accurate records of volunteer participation and report to Volunteer Maryland.

●Evaluate progress made in achieving program goals; report on progress to Volunteer Maryland.

●Develop community partnerships to support the volunteer program.

●Serve as public ambassador for the Service Site, Volunteer Maryland, and AmeriCorps.

●Participate in VM and AmeriCorps training, service projects, and other activities.

●Note: The AmeriCorps member will not be allowed to perform duties that violate the AmeriCorps Prohibited or limited Activities or fall outside of the program goals outlined in this position description.

●Volunteer Maryland AmeriCorps members may not perform any services or duties or engage in activities that would otherwise be performed by an employee as part of the assigned duties of such employee. An employer may not displace an employee or position, including partial displacement such as reduction in hours, wages or employment benefits as a result of the use of an AmeriCorps member. An organization may not displace a volunteer with an AmeriCorps member.

●List additional duties (subject to review by Volunteer Maryland) here.

SELECTION PROCESS:

To participate in Volunteer Maryland, applicants must submit a written application. Staff will review the application and invite qualified applicants to interview. VM will conduct two reference checks and complete a criminal background investigation. After an applicant has been tentatively matched, the three-part criminal history check will be initiated. Individuals will not be allowed to begin training until all results are received and verified by the program.

ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS: (45 CFR§ 2522.200)

• To serve as a Volunteer Maryland AmeriCorps member, an individual must:
• Be at least 17 years of age
• Have a high school diploma or its equivalent
• Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or legal permanent resident alien of the United States
• Satisfy the national service criminal history check:

-Of the national sex-offender registry state repository check (Maryland and state of residence),

-An FBI fingerprint check

-Criminal history checks will be initiated before the start of service, an individual will be ineligible if s/he is required to register on the National Sex Offender Registry, has been convicted of murder, or fails to disclose any previous conviction. Other convictions or pending charges will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with program policy.

SKILLS, ATTITUDES & ABILITIES NECESSARY:

●Skilled at taking initiative, problem solving, and working independently, to be able to develop and implement a volunteer program.

●Skilled at building interpersonal relationships, to work effectively as part of a team (at the Service Site and with their cohort), and to manage volunteers.

●Strong verbal skills, to communicate effectively with staff, volunteers, and community groups.

●Skilled at written communication, to develop program materials and reports.

●Committed to the concept of national service and to making a difference in his/her community.

●Basic computer literacy, to be able to produce program materials and track volunteer hours.

●Have own, or have access to, transportation to and from VM trainings, events, and ServiceSite-related activities.

●Able to respond to organizational change productively and maintain positive attitude.

A Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:

This is an 11 month, full-time (40 hours/week) AmeriCorps member position with Volunteer Maryland (VM) at Blue Water Baltimore. Volunteer Maryland AmeriCorps members, ACMs, are responsible for building capacity and developing and implementing a volunteer program. The member will focus on increasing the Service Site’s effectiveness, efficiencies and/or expand the Service Site’s reach or scale. The outcome will be an increase in capacity for the Service Site to serve their identified community. The VM service year will begin on September 14, 2022 and conclude on August 1, 2023; members must complete 1,700 service hours during the term. SITE SPECIFIC PROJECT SCOPE:

BENEFITS:

VM AmeriCorps members receive a living stipend of $16,502(pending funding from the Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism), and health insurance if they are not already covered and an additional $300 per month from Blue Water Baltimore for housing expenses. They may also qualify for a childcare allowance. Other benefits include, mileage reimbursement for site-related travel, student loan deferment, professional training, valuable networking opportunities, working with a dedicated team of AmeriCorps members and staff, and making a real difference in a local community. After completion of a successful service year, members receive an education award of $6,495 through the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. Some members may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, see additional information from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau:https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-public-service-loan-forgiveness-en-641/