AmeriCorps Digital Literacy Coordinator - Wallace, ID (Jan. - Aug.)

●*Position Description: American Connection Corps (ACC) Member.
Deliver digital skills training to neighbors in your community! You don't need to be a tech expert.
If you're patient, customer-service focused, and willing to learn along with the people you're assisting on how to use internet-enabled devices and develop digital skills to meet their needs online, then we invite you apply!* *Host Partner: University of Idaho Extension – Digital Economy Program (DEP)* *AmeriCorps Program: Lead for America (LFA) - American Connection Corps (ACC)* *Position Title: Digital Literacy Coordinator* * 1200 Hours (January - August 2024) * Full Time, 40 hours per week _*Service Area Location: *_ Wallace, Idaho with Shoshone County.
*Host Organization Mission:* The Digital Economy Program’s mission is to reduce the digital divide, extending the benefits of digitalization to all Idahoans, so no one is left behind, nor left offline, in the growing digital economy.
The program provides learning opportunities for Idahoans focused on basic digital skills, retraining for remote work, and helping entrepreneurs and business owners access new markets and expand their sales using online venues.
The Digital Economy Program is a community development program of the University of Idaho Extension.
Through a state-wide network of faculty and staff, Extension provides reliable, research-based education and information to help people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a better future.
*POSITION SUMMARY* The expansion of broadband access in Idaho’s rural communities brings opportunities for economic development as well as improved education access, telehealth, and overall quality of life.
Digital Literacy Coordinators will play a crucial role in bridging the digital divide by working within rural, underserved communities to provide digital skills training, outreach, and support.
Digital Literacy Coordinators will work alongside local leaders and community partners to improve access and opportunity in Idaho’s rural communities.
*ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS* *ACC Program Activities (REQUIRED FOR ALL):* ● Conduct an initial listening tour in the first 1-2 months to assess community needs by hosting individual or group conversations with community members that represent the diverse range of demographics present in your community.
● Complete bi-weekly timesheets and monthly impact reports.
● Meet monthly 1:1 with your designated ACC Program Officer.
● Complete key training modules and certifications, including AmeriCorps 101 eCourses (through On3Learn), ACP enrollment training (Education Superhighway), and digital literacy training.
Attend regularly required ACC meetings and trainings, including bi-weekly Pods, quarterly training retreats, and Life After LFA webinar series.
● Lead event planning for two National Days of Service in your local area for both the MLK Day of Service (January) and AmeriCorps Week (March) with service projects related to digital inclusion.
● Recruit and coordinate local community volunteers to ensure buy-in and long-term sustainability of your projects.
● Serve productively and effectively across service environments and adhere to LFA, host site, and AmeriCorps policies and procedures.
● Meet AmeriCorps service hour benchmarks and complete full term of service (1200 hour minimum with service ending on *August 31, 2024*).
*1.
Bridging the Digital Divide: ADOPTION + INCLUSION* a.
Partner with local organizations such as libraries, schools, community action agencies, health clinics, senior centers, and others to develop digital skilling training programs, ensuring that all Idahoans have access to the internet for telehealth, education, jobs, and social well-being.
b.
Leverage the existing digital literacy curricula to teach digital skills to a wide variety of people across multiple platforms, including online and in-person, and track the progress of your clients.
c.
Research the local current state of digital inclusion needs and barriers; provide a detailed report of findings that can help identify areas of programming.
Connect with local community organizations to understand their digital affordability and adoption needs; provide a detailed list of those needs to help form the strategy plan.
d.
Partner with workforce development centers to introduce, train, and prepare adult workers to pursue digital economy jobs, including remote work options.
e.
Support the development of K-12 STEM curriculum or after-school offerings that integrate digital literacy, internet safety, and advanced uses of digital skills to contribute to a growing digital economy and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
f.
Identify and research outreach programs that could provide the underserved with access to effective internet services and devices, as well as digital skilling programs.
Identify which community partners might be helpful to engage to deploy those programs.
g.
Deploy those identified programs and organize train-the-trainer meetings for digital literacy efforts where appropriate.
Ensure a post-service sustainability plan by engaging local partners to integrate the adoption and inclusion programs into their regular programming.
h.
Develop a refurbished device distribution drive across the community, connecting with national program models like PCs for People, and ensuring that the drive engages and reaches households most in need.
i.
Participate in outreach and other canvassing efforts to inform and enroll residents into the American Connectivity Program, which provides monthly internet bill subsidies to qualifying households.
j.
Recruit, train, and support local volunteers to form digital skills action teams throughout the service area.
k.
Assist with coordination of marketing and promotion of digital literacy and skills programming through public relation initiatives and networking/collaborating with government, economic, educational, and other organizations.
l.
Provide data and information to assist with the preparation of reports, impact statements, and success stories.
*2.
Bridging the Digital Divide: BROADBAND ACCESS + INFRASTRUCTURE* a.
Help create, coordinate, and/or facilitate a local steering committee of diverse stakeholders, such as a *Broadband Action Team (BAT)*, to promote digital access through a lens of economic development.
b.
Build partnerships with local stakeholders in order to understand key challenges and opportunities to increase digital access across the community.
c.
Identify community partners and their role in digital access and rural economic development; build a bank of community partners through Excel/Google documents that includes their name, mission, contact information and how they can play a role in expanding digital access and improve economic outcomes.
*3.
Economic Opportunity:* a.
Provide job readiness and skill-based training programs and certifications to high-need communities to increase employment opportunities.
b.
Develop entrepreneurial ecosystems through partnership engagement, needs assessments, and outreach.
*COMPETENCIES* *Required knowledge, skills and abilities include:* ACC AmeriCorps Members must be comfortable speaking to groups and giving short presentations on a topic; researching complex topics; making phone calls and writing emails; facilitating meetings and discussions; attending virtual and online events; and possess basic skills with writing, verbal communication, email engagement, Excel/Google sheets, and notetaking.
Digital Literacy Coordinators must have intermediate to advanced technical computer and internet skills and experience and willingness to attend trainings to grow those skills; excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills; ability to work proactively with minimal supervision; ability to communicate and effectively interact with people across cultures, ranges of ability, genders, ethnicities, and races; demonstrate cultural humility and the ability to work within the customs and traditions of Idaho tribal groups; commitment to equity and opportunity for underserved Idahoans; experience working within rural communities.
Experience and/or interest in teaching or adult education is preferred.
Digital Literacy Coordinators must be willing to travel within their assigned service area regularly (mileage reimbursement provided to conduct position responsibilities, must possess a valid driver’s license, access to a reliable vehicle, and current vehicle insurance.
Use of a personal cell phone may be required.
*ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS* To serve in AmeriCorps, you must: ● Be a US Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident ● Possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent ● Pass a National Service Criminal History Check (NSCHC) that includes: an FBI fingerprint check, a National Sex Offender Registry check, and any state-specific required background checks for both State of Service and State of Residence.
● Not have completed more than three (3) prior AmeriCorps terms of service.
● Not hold other full-time employment; other obligations should be temporary or part-time in nature and must not interfere with the program schedule and requirements (i.
e.
40 hours/week, training dates, etc.
).
● Not be enrolled in a full-time Undergraduate or Professional degree program during the fellowship and agree to maintain full healthcare coverage during the entirety of the fellowship recognizing LFA provides reimbursements for certain eligible healthcare premiums.
*BENEFITS* *Training* ● Multi-day ACC Orientation & Leadership Training (virtual).
● 5-day Spring Training Retreat and national partner summit with your cohort (March/April TBD).
● Scholarship opportunity to attend the National Digital Inclusion Alliance summit or a similar professional conference of your choice (Spring 2024).
●3+ day in-person graduation ceremony and summit in Washington, DC (late July 2024).
*Support* ● Monthly 1:1 calls with a dedicated ACC Program Officer to support your professional and personal goals and planning for the future.
● Regular virtual Zoom trainings and pod sessions with your cohort.
● Access to an Employee Assistance Program for legal, financial, tax, and mental health resources.
*Alumni* ● Segal AmeriCorps Education Award - Upon successful completion of your AmeriCorps service year, you will earn a $4,826.
50 in scholarship funding for every 1,200 hours of service (one program year) that can be applied to current educational expenses or to repay qualified student loans.
Note this scholarship is taxable and a person cannot earn more than the aggregate value of two, full-time education awards.
● Alumni graduate scholarships to a growing list of top MPA and MPP schools, including the Fels Institute at the University of Pennsylvania and the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown.
● Grants available for up AmeriCorps alumni to launch entrepreneurial initiatives to serve their community.
● Membership in a lifelong alumni network of talented, passionate, and dynamic leaders across the country.
*Living Allowance* ● A $21,000 taxable stipend.
● The Corps Network Health Care Plan (Cigna) - available to those who are not already enrolled in a spouse’s or family member’s health care plan.
*APPLY* *Applications are accepted through Indeed and will be shared with Lead for America.
Those advancing will be contacted by Lead for America to schedule a phone screening interview.
* _Lead For America is an __*Equal Opportunity Employer*_ _that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances.
Lead For _ _America’s management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, team member activities, access to facilities and programs and general treatment during employment.
_ _Lead For America will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation of an otherwise qualified applicant, AmeriCorps member, or team member related to an individual’s: physical or mental disability; sincerely held religious beliefs and practices; and/or any other reason required by applicable law, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship upon Lead For America's business operations.
Any applicant or team member who needs an accommodation in order to perform the essential functions of their position should contact their assigned supervisor or _ _ACC Program Officer for more information.
_ Job Types: Full-time, Temporary Pay: $17.
50 per hour Expected hours: 40 per week Benefits: * Health insurance Schedule: * Monday to Friday * Weekends as needed Ability to commute/relocate: * Wallace, ID 83873: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required) Application Question(s): * Are you a U.
S.
Citizen, National, or Lawful Permanent Resident? * Are you 17 years of age or older by the start of service? * Have you already served four (4) or more AmeriCorps and/or VISTA terms? * If selected, I understand my full participation during the ACC Program is required from January 2024 - August 2024.
I am willing and able to accept the following living allowance and benefits package for 1,200 hours of service (one program year): $21,000 Stipend, $4,826.
50 AmeriCorps education award, and additional benefits as noted in the position overview.
* In connection with my service to the ACC AmeriCorps Program, I hereby authorize the ACC AmeriCorps Program and University of Idaho to conduct a criminal background check on my behalf.
* As an ACC Member, you will be serving alongside people with diverse lived experiences and political perspectives.
Have you ever changed your mind, or seen the world differently, due to a relationship with someone from another political background or lived experience? How have you maintained positive/meaningful relationships with others who have different viewpoints/perspectives than yourself? * Tell us about a time that you had to bounce back in the face of difficulty.
What did you do to overcome the obstacles? Where did you draw your motivation to persevere? What role did you play, and what was the outcome? How has failure or challenge sharpened, or reshaped, your values? * What is your connection to the community listed in this position description that you wish to serve? * What specific talents, skillsets, passions, and lived experience do you bring to tackle the challenges of increasing Internet adoption in this service area? How would increasing digital access and adoption impact these communities, and aid in addressing local challenges? Education: * High school or equivalent (Required) License/Certification: * Driver's License (Required) Work Location: In person