Economic Development Council Of Western Mass (EDC)

Springfield WORKS/Working Cities Challenge

Commonwealth Corps Community Alignment Specialists

The mission of the Commonwealth Corps service internship program is to engage Massachusetts residents of all ages and backgrounds in service to strengthen communities, address unmet community needs, and increase volunteerism.

Commonwealth Corps members with the Economic Development Council of Western Mass will serve 10.5 months in a full-time capacity. What they have in common is a desire to put their talents and ideas to use in the service of their communities and the Commonwealth.

The Economic Development Council of Western Mass is seeking two full-time community and service minded individuals to drive workforce development systems change and training in the City of Springfield as part of the Springfield WORKS Federal Reserve Bank of Boston Working Cities Challenge initiative.  The Commonwealth Corps Community Alignment Specialists will build and align partnerships to promote two generation and whole family approach to jobs with residents, employers, education institutions, city and community leaders.

Responsibilities:

Essential

  • Complete a minimum of 1,500 hours of service, serving through June 27, 2020.
  • Attend all required Commonwealth Corps trainings and service events held by MSA (minimum of 6 total, post orientation) and EDC, including a new member orientation on August 15 & 16, 2019.
  • Participate in a minimum of 1 hour of MSA-related activities each week (in person or virtually).
  • Attend Professional Development trainings with Springfield WORKS, Dress for Success, Head Start and Federal Reserve Bank of Boston related to storytelling/messaging, coaching and mentoring, cliff effect/financial wellness, and more.
  • Expand education and public awareness on the value of a two-generation/whole family approach to jobs through storyelling and evidence-based messaging.
  • Lead trainings and demonstrations of the technology portal and cliff effect financial wellness tools with key stakeholders, community leaders and low-income residents across the city.
  • Partner with CBO’s, pilot sites and employers in collecting and analyzing Springfield WORKS outcomes data.
  • Track and document implementation work plan progress.

Qualifications:

Required

  • Massachusetts residency and legal authorization to work in the United States.
  • 18 years of age or older.
  • Experience with or interest in volunteerism and community engagement.
  • Ability to balance service commitment with other family/work/school/community commitments in a sustainable way.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills with an ability to present information in multiple formats and digital platforms.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Willingness to serve with and to a diverse network of people from various backgrounds.
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office and Social Media programs.
  • Must have a car or access to reliable transportation for frequent travel to meetings and off-site locations.  Mileage reimbursement will be provided.

Preferred

  • Customer service experience or training.
  • Fluency in Spanish.
  • Knowledge of website and platform technology.

Member Benefits:

  • Stipend of $750 every other week while in service, up to $15,750 minus taxes and withholdings.
  • Health Insurance (individual coverage only)
  • Completion award of up to $2,500 upon successful completion of service, minus taxes and withholdings.
  • Reimbursement for outside training or professional development opportunities relevant to member’s service and/or goals (Up to $50; Dependent on approval from MSA).
  • Additional training and other professional development opportunities.
  • Limited reimbursement for travel to Corps-wide MSA-sponsored activities.
  • Limited travel reimbursement from their host site for certain service-related travel away from their usual service location, according to Springfield WORKS’s policies.
  • The opportunity for at least 10 days of planned absences (may include holidays). and
  • Opportunity to join with others with a common sense of purpose as part of the Commonwealth.

Please note that receipt of these stipends/benefits may impact an individual’s eligibility for certain public benefits.

Term Of Service:

  • Position Start Date: August 15, 2019
  • Position End Date: June 27, 2020
  • Service commitment will average 38-40 hours per week during the following days/times: Generally, Monday – Friday, 9:00am to 4:30pm. Options to serve from home or in the field on Friday’s.  (Flexibility required for 1-3 8:30am meetings per month and 3-6 weekday evenings per month with advance notice.  Evening meetings are expected to conclude by 8:30pm.

Member Benefits:

  • To apply, submit a cover letter and resume by July 1, 2019, (apply ASAP—early applications encouraged) to Anne Kandilis, Springfield WORKS, 1441 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103 or a.kandilis@springfieldworks.net

     

    Accepted members will be required to undergo a criminal offender and sexual offender background check.

    The Economic Development Council of Western Mass will recruit and select persons in all positions to ensure a diverse and inclusive climate without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, color, political affiliation, creed, national origin, marital status, or any other status as protected by federal, state, and local laws. The Economic Development Council of Western Mass welcomes applications from individuals with disabilities and will make reasonable accommodations for interviews and for service upon request.