Rockland County AmeriCorps (RCA) needs mature and experienced individuals to work as paid, part-time paid home visitors with its Parent-Child Home Program.
Candidates must have a flexible part-time schedule and weekdays are preferred. Applicants who speak at least some Spanish are sought for the program, which is part of the Literacy Corps.
Other qualifications include an interest in children and books, an understanding of the impact of early literacy on long-term academic success, commitment to program completion, flexibility, patience, creativity, time management and problem-solving skills. Interest in social work or education is a plus.
Literacy Corps members are required to devote 400 hours to home-visiting and/or literacy initiatives, and also receive an additional 50 hours of training. Members earn a $3,172 living allowance, which is paid bi-weekly. At the completion of service and training hours, members receive an educational award of $1,415 for use toward college tuition or a qualified student loan. The education award can be transferred to the member’s eligible children or grandchildren.
Home Visitors with the Parent-Child Home Program visit families with two- and three-year-old children twice a week for approximately one year. In play sessions with the parent and child, the Home Visitor models verbal interaction and learning through reading, conversation and play, using carefully chosen books and toys, which are the program’s gifts to the family.
Home Visitors visit up to seven families per week. Currently there are openings in the North Rockland School District, but placement in other districts may become available. Qualified applicants with less availability may be considered as unpaid volunteers, but must still apply through the standard process.
Participation in the program is a way to explore career interests, expand a resume, network within the literacy/education field, or donate one’s time, good will and expertise to a program that has a longstanding positive community impact. Retirees and college and graduate students who are at least 21 years old, are encouraged to apply.
Positions are available immediately. For more information, or to request an application, call 845-708-7308 or e-mail rcamericorps@co.rockland.ny.us. AmeriCorps is a program of the Rockland County Youth Bureau, in partnership with the Rockland 21st Century Collaborative for Children & Youth.
