Christian Appalachian Project is now welcoming applications from individuals interested in beginning a year of service in August/September 2013. Long-term CAP Volunteers make a commitment of 12 months to Service, Community, and Spirituality in Eastern Kentucky. We are seeking volunteers for the following positions:
AmeriCorps Home Repair Crew Leader (skilled): We are seeking a long-term volunteer skilled in construction who can lead a crew of other long-term volunteers and volunteer groups. The crew leader would serve in CAP’s Elderly Services program, providing home repairs for homebound senior citizens. Projects include porches, wheelchair ramps, and other small home repairs.
AmeriCorps Home Repair Crew Members: Volunteers assist the employee crew leader in home repairs and new construction. Must be able to climb roofs and serve outside in all seasons. Although no previous construction experience is necessary, long-term volunteers will be expected to act as assistant crew leaders for groups of 3-10 people throughout the year. Volunteers needed for our Housing and Elderly Services programs.
AmeriCorps Elderly Services Caseworker: CAP’s Elderly Services program provides services such as home visitation, transportation, social activities, prescription assistance, and various other services, which ease the effects of isolation and allow homebound seniors citizens to remain in their homes longer. Must be 21 or older with a good driving record.
Camp Caretakers: We’re seeking two caretakers to live and serve at Camp Shawnee, one of our two summer camps. Caretakers would oversee groups at the camp and provide light maintenance and grounds keeping. Based on interest and experience, these volunteers could also teach practical living lessons at local schools as a part of CAP’s Educational and Recreational Programming initiative. During the summer, these volunteers will provide support to the summer camp program, which serves children ages 6-15. These positions are ideal for a married couple who would like to live outside of volunteer community.
AmeriCorps Camp Educator/Summer Camp Counselor: Educational and Recreational Programming positions are based out of Camp Shawnee and Camp Andrew Jackson. Volunteers will serve in schools during the academic year to implement presentations on topics such as bullying, consumerism, and environmental stewardship. Volunteers will also plan teen retreats at the camp and other events in the community, help camp staff maintain the facilities, and recruit campers in the schools and community. When summer camp is in session, volunteers will serve as camp counselors. Must be 21 or older with a good driving record.
AmeriCorps Food Pantry Caseworker: The Grateful Bread food pantry serves low-income families and the elderly in Rockcastle County, Kentucky. Volunteers help to organize monthly government commodities distributions to the elderly and the walk-in food needs of local families. Volunteers also pick up food donations from local food banks and businesses.
AmeriCorps Family Advocacy Caseworker: CAP’s Family Advocacy program serves low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities who are facing a crisis such as imminent utility cutoff or loss of property due to fire or flood. Caseworkers provide immediate assistance, then work with families on issues such as budgeting and goal planning, and may refer participants to other CAP programs or community agencies based on each individual/family’s circumstances. Caseworkers also coordinate Family Advocacy seasonal programs (Christmas Basket, Small Farms and Gardens, and School Readiness) within their assigned counties. Must be 21 or older with a good driving record, independent, and a self-starter.
AmeriCorps Youth Worker: This volunteer will serve in CAP’s Eagle Child and Family Development and Community Center in the SPARK (Scholastic Preparation, Arts, & Recreation for Kids) afterschool program for children and teens. The volunteer will also go into public schools to provide tutoring, and may assist in CAP’s preschool when needed. During the summer, this volunteer will work with center staff to develop field trips and other summer activities for children and teens. Must be 21 or older with a good driving record.
AmeriCorps Resident Support Specialist: This volunteer will serve in one of CAP’s Domestic Abuse Centers for female domestic violence survivors and their children. Responsibilities include monitoring shelter activities and staffing the crisis line, conducting like skills classes, accompanying residents to court or social services offices, assisting staff in community awareness (speaking engagements, domestic violence awareness month activities), and providing activities, tutoring, and childcare for children living at the center. Requires night and weekend shifts.
AmeriCorps Child Care Worker: Serves at one of CAP’s Child and Family Development preschools for children ages 3-5. Responsibilities include teaching and supervising activities, meals, and play. May also work with parents through home visits and center activities.
AmeriCorps Disaster Relief Caseworker: Provides relief and emergency services to survivors of disasters responded to by CAP’s Disaster Relief program. Those services may include housing clean-up/repair, supply distribution, donation warehouse work, casework, food service, etc. Other responsibilities may include making presentations on the needs of the people affected by disaster, assisting in leading volunteer disaster recovery work groups with housing repair for the people whose homes were damaged by a disaster, planning for responses to future disasters, maintaining a database of community volunteers for relief response and tracking volunteer hours, and attending Disaster Relief related trainings and participating in area-wide planning meetings. Must be 21 or older with a good driving record, independent and a self-starter, and have superior communication skills. Construction skills desired but not required.
Human Resources Volunteer: This volunteer provides administrative support to CAP’s Human ResourcesDepartment and Wellness Program for CAP employees and volunteers. Responsibilities include planning and preparation of CAP Wellness activities, including the oversight and creation of specific Wellness functions (i.e., monthly Lunch and Learn programs, etc.), participating in the CAP Wellness Team and assisting the Wellness Chairperson with planning and preparing for Wellness Team meetings, creating and distributing a quarterly Wellness newsletter and other publications, conducting health and wellness trainings and presentations, and developing community contacts to help support Wellness Program initiatives. Based on skills and experience, this volunteer may also assist in special projects for Human Resources.
In addition to an incredible, life-changing experience, long-term CAP Volunteers also receive room and board, a modest monthly stipend, health insurance, travel reimbursement, vacation time, and potential student loan deferment. AmeriCorps Members serving with CAP are also eligible to receive an education award of up to $5,550 for use toward student loans or tuition.
To be considered as a CAP Volunteer, apply by January 14 for early admission, or by March 25. Please contact us if you have questions.
