AmeriCorps YouthBuild Construction Trainee

Member Position / Title: AmeriCorps Construction Trainee

# of individual members serving in this Position: 64

Member Immediate Supervisor Name:

Ashley Bell, Student Services Manager

Position Start Date:

Rolling Enrollments

Days / Hours of Service:

Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 3:00 pm

Host Site Agency Name & Complete Address of Host Site Location(s):

Civic Works YouthBuild 3501 Brehms Lane, Suite A, Baltimore, MD 21213

Organization/Agency Mission and/or Goals:

Civic Works strengthens Baltimore’s communities through education, skills development, and community service.  Civic Works' goals are to Build Brighter Futures through education and job training, grow Healthy Food and Green Communities, and create Safe and Affordable Housing.

Program Mission and/or Goals:

YouthBuild Baltimore's goals are to offer training, leadership development, and educational experience for economically disadvantaged youth while increasing the supply of affordable housing for low-income families.

Community Need:

This AmeriCorps position will serve under the National Focus Areas of Affordable Housing and Environmental Stewardship, making energy-efficient homes, rehabbing and performing constructive upgrades and retrofits to existing structures.
 

YouthBuild fulfills the community's need for affordable housing by rehabilitating pre-existing structures (vacant homes) in Baltimore City. YouthBuild also fulfills the area of environmental stewardship by working to incorporate energy-efficient materials and principles during the construction process to reduce the environmental impact of living structures. YouthBuild gives a second chance to Baltimore City youth who have dropped out of high school by providing construction training and certifications, assistance in earning a high school diploma or GED, and job placement services.

Member Position Summary:

Construction Trainees will construct and rehabilitate homes in Baltimore City alongside a skilled construction supervisor and staff. Trainees will learn a range of skills from site inspection and controlled demolition to finish carpentry and painting. Trainees will receive industry recognized certifications, job development opportunities, and educational support to obtain their high school diploma or GED. Trainees will have opportunities to give presentations about what they learn to fellow AmeriCorps members, staff, and other Baltimore organizations and community members.  Construction Trainees will enroll in a 450 Hour AmeriCorps Service Term and receive a bi-weekly stipend (living allowance). They will also receive an Education Award upon completion of the program, which can be used to pursue additional training, or to further their education.

Necessary Training or Training Plan to be implemented prior to Member Placement:

Prior to enrollment, candidates will participate in a two week “Mental Toughness” training that consists of physical activities, social/emotional learning exercises, and team building activities.

Member Impact:

Participants will receive an overview and gain an understanding and of Civic Works and YouthBuild. They will learn about AmeriCorps policies and history, and come to understand and appreciate the impact of national and community service. 

Essential Functions of Position:

Construction Trainees will construct and rehabilitate homes in Baltimore City. They will learn a wide range of skills from site inspection and controlled demolition to finish carpentry and painting. Trainees will have opportunities to give presentations to and share what they learn with fellow AmeriCorps members, staff, and Baltimore organizations and community members. while increasing the supply of affordable housing for low-income families.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Applicants must be punctual and reliable.
• Previous construction experience is a plus but an eagerness to learn is required.
• Physical ability to stoop, crawl, stand, bend, climb ladders of varying heights, and lift up to 50 pounds for proper installation of energy-saving equipment.
• Ability to serve in varying conditions with exposure to any or all of the following: heat, cold, heights, dust, dirt, indoors, and outdoors and in all weather conditions.

Required Academic and Experience Qualifications:

• Age 17 or older and either a graduate or NOT currently enrolled in school.
• Applicants must have or be willing to work towards a high school diploma or GED.
• Ability to commit to the full-service term of 450 hours
• Must submit to a criminal background check and comply with the Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace Policy, the Safety Plan and other Personnel Policies.