Public Preparedness Specialist

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Position Description

Ready Corps Members are expected to serve 1700 hours over the 10 month term of service, averaging 40 hours per week. This may include nights and weekends as needed. Members hours may be flexible depending on the events and activities scheduled.

Ready Corps Members will be focusing on enhancing resiliency within the communities of Will County. This includes but is not limited to creating and fostering relationships with: Libraries, Schools, Churches, Community Centers, Boys/Girls Clubs, and many more.

Members will develop relationships with our partners to develop and sustain preparedness in the home, at work, and at their local community centers. Members will encourage the public to stay informed, make a plan, get a kit, and get involved.

Ready Will County will engage 2 AmeriCorps Members to work between October 2, 2017 and August 2, 2018 with Will County Emergency Management Agency located at 302 N. Chicago St. Joliet, IL 60432.

Ready Corps Members will be expected to attend a one week training in Atlanta, GA the first week of October. Ready Corps Members will also need to become volunteers with our agency in which basic training will need to be completed prior to the start date of October 2, 2017.

Attitude and General Responsibilities

Ideal candidates will have an outgoing personality, work independently, come up with creative and new ideas, allow for a flexible work environment, and be goal oriented.

Members will be responsible for developing programs and curriculum for developing emergency plans, kits and general emergency preparedness tips as well as develop relationships with underserved populations.

Members will be responsible for keeping track of meetings, events, and developing reports as needed for Points of Light and Will County Emergency Management Agency.

Program leadership

Members will be encouraged to enhance the AmeriCorps Program by recruiting members to work as volunteers either through AmeriCorps or Will County Emergency Management Agency

• Must complete all reports in a timely manner
• Must be able to schedule own meetings and events
• Must be able to promote preparedness activities and events throughout the County
• Must complete all time-cards in a timely manner
• Must be able to track all activities for Will County Emergency Management Agency and Points of Light
• Must be able to travel
• Must be able to work nights and weekends (as needed)

Citizenship, Training and responsibilities

• Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
• Have a college degree or attended some college, have a high school diploma or GED.
• Have served no more than two terms in an AmeriCorps state or national program.*
• Agree to a criminal background check
• Be able to participate in the Ready Corps Training in October, 2017
• Be able to begin service in October, 2017

Previous experiences with service, training, or leadership development strengthen candidacy.

* Individuals may receive no more than the value of two full time education awards. If you have received the equivalent of more than one full time education award, you are eligible to serve and receive a discounted award.

Program training

• Required Training includes and will be provided by Will County Emergency Management Agency:
  • FEMA IS - 100
  • FEMA IS - 700
  • FEMA IS - 230.D
  • FEMA IS - 662
  • FEMA IS - 909
  • HazMat Awareness
  • Blood Borne Pathogens/PPE
  • CPR/AED
  • Vehicle Usage
  • Standard First Aid

Work schedule: AmeriCorps Ready Corps Member are expected to work 40 and participate in activities, events, weekends and other commitments members will be required to attend, such as program and citizenship training, program service and community service.

Skill requirements: Essential functions include the ability to:

• Understanding of business etiquette
• Attention to detail
• Strong listening abilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Public speaking skills
• Organizational skills
• Self-directed individual contributor
• Works well under pressure
• Time management skills
• Leadership skills
• Database management skills
• Customer service skills
• Must be able to be part of a team
• Problem-solving skills
• Personal management skills
• Computer/technology literacy
• Must be willing to learn and adapt to new challenges
• Strong work values

Program benefits: AmeriCorps members will be provided:

• Opportunity to make a difference in a community
• Opportunity to register with AmeriCorps Alums (www.americorpsalums.org)
• Opportunity to participate in Points of Light virtual webinars and conference calls
• Networking opportunities with fellow corps members across the country
• Onsite training and professional development
• Living allowance of up to $12,100 over 10 month term of service
• An AmeriCorps Education Award ($5,775) upon successful completion of service